Question
My 6 yr old talked me into getting an India Rubber Plant. I have no experience with them at all. After about a month and a half, the plant is starting to lose its leaves. What is causing this, what can I do to correct the problem?

Answer
Deb,

The most common causes for this plant to loose leaves is not enough sun and too much water.

The plant is a sun lover and the more sun in gets the healthier it will be. It would love being in front of an east, west or south window with the drapes or blinds open all day long from dawn to dusk.

It also must be in a pot with a drain hole and a drain tray under it. It should only be watered when it is dry and feels light weight. An hour after you water it you should empty the drain tray of excess water. This is a tree, it is not a swamp plant, It does not want to sit in water constantly but when you do water it you should give it enough water that all the soil in the pot gets moist.

You do need to remember that this plant is a tree, not a shrub. As such it is natural for it to loose lower leaves as it grows taller. It will eventually begin to branch out. If you have more questions feel free to write again and send a  picture. Good luck.

Darlene