Question
Hi! I have had a rubber tree plant for about 2 years. It just recently started dropping leaves and the bottom of the plant looks very bare. I do not over water the plant. And I honestly don't know why this has just started. Any insight would be great. I haven't re-potted the plant in a while, could this be it? Thanks!

Answer
Hi Christy,

Rubber plants will drop leaves for any number of reasons related to watering, light, and pot size. You haven't told me much about any of those so I will tell you what they prefer and perhaps you will be able to determine just what's wrong.

Your rubber plant should be right in front of a bright window that is uncovered throughout the daylight hours. They prefer to be quite potbound so that they dry out in a week or less. Water your plant thoroughly when the top quarter of the soil is dry to the touch. If it takes longer than two weeks for the soil to dry out that much, then the pot is too big. If it takes less than 3 days for it to dry out, then it needs a pot one size larger.

A certain amount of lower leaf loss is normal as new leaves are added on top, so don't assume there is a problem unless there is a net loss of leaves.

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.

Visit my website at  www.HorticulturalHelp.com

If you would like to e-mail me some photos, I may be able to provide some additional insights.

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Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

You can E-mail me directly at: [email protected]