Rubber Plant Care: Light, Water and Leaf Drop
Use the pot and new growth to judge your Ficus elastica.
Quick questions
Why is my rubber plant dropping leaves?
Check recent light or temperature changes, pot moisture and pests. Leaf drop has more than one cause.
Does a rubber plant need direct sun?
Bright indirect light suits it. Introduce any stronger direct light gradually.
When should I repot?
Repot when roots crowd the pot or the mix no longer wets and drains well, into a modestly larger container.
Is the white sap harmless?
No. Ficus sap can irritate skin; use gloves when cutting and keep the plant away from pets.
Rubber plant (Ficus elastica) is a tree with thick, glossy leaves. Green and variegated cultivars can need slightly different light to keep strong growth, but all need a container that drains.
Light and position
Give bright indirect light or gentle direct light after gradual adjustment. A variegated plant may lose contrast in a dark corner. Clean leaves gently with a damp cloth and check undersides while you do.
Water by checking the pot
Let the upper mix begin to dry, then water thoroughly and drain. Feel deeper before adding water to a large pot. A single yellow leaf is not proof of overwatering; repeated yellowing and a persistently wet pot deserve investigation.
Soil, pot and growth
Use a stable container with drainage and mix that wets evenly but does not stay soggy. Repot when roots crowd the container or watering has become difficult. Prune with clean tools if it outgrows the room.
If something looks wrong
Leaf drop may follow a sudden move, cold draught, pest pressure or moisture trouble. Check recent changes, mix and leaf undersides before acting. Milky sap can irritate skin, so wear gloves when pruning and wipe it off surfaces.
Safety and the next check
Keep Ficus elastica away from chewing pets and children. If a pet has eaten it, contact a veterinarian with the plant name.
Keep a short record of when you checked the mix, watered and moved the plant. Compare new growth with your notes before making another change.
Related LeafLovers guides
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