Question
Hi Darlene,

I just got a plant from a friend and I believe it is a rubber tree (I will try to send a picture). It was definitely dying when I asked for it a week ago - it was in the front foyer of an apt building stuck in the NE corner with the only light coming from the middle room from 1 north facing window. It was 3 feet from a door that was constantly being opened (I live in Chicago). When I asked to take care of the plant, they mentioned she had been watering it every day. Now, I understand enough that this plant needs consistent temperatures and probably much less water. Since I have taken it in, it has dropped 2 very yellow leaves and looks like it may drop 2 more leaving only 5 leaves left on the tall tree. There was also a shoot coming up that had been harmed (bent), and all the roots for about 3 inches from the top were exposed.

Once I took it in, I gently took it out of its plastic pot and shook some of the loose dirt (trying to get rid of some of the moisture) and refilled it in with some dry soil. I also made sure the roots were fully covered. I cut the sapling above the bend and followed the directions on the bottle I got for a powdered root regrower. I have yet to water it. I do not have the means to buy a different pot for it right now. It is now getting more sunlight, but it still in a North facing window.
Do you have any suggestions or tips to make sure this guy makes it to the summer?

Also, I noticed that you enjoy growing succulents. I recently gave my jade plant root rot (watering once to every 2 week was too much), but the top of the stems both broke off and gave me something to work worth. I stuck them in soil and watered it once. It抯 been about 3 weeks and they haven抰 shriveled up and died yet. About a week ago (2 weeks into regrowing), I gave both the stems some root regrower and did notice a few little white roots growing. I have been misting them about every 3 days, but given it no water. Any tips on how to regrow jade plants successfully in the winter in Chicago? They are in a South facing window, but because of buildings and cloud cover, sometimes there is more sunlight in the North.

Thank you very much. I抦 new to growing plants and am trying to learn as much about them.

Rebecca


Answer
Rebecca,

It sounds like you are doing most everything right except I would swap windows on the plants. The jade should be okay in the north or an east or west window. The ficus (rubber tree)needs as much sun as possible so I would set it in the biggest south facing window you have. I understand about your weather because I am about 140 miles east of you in Fort Wayne, IN. We have had more sun than usual lately so that is good for the plants.

The previous owner of the rubber tree was doing everyting wrong. It will take awhile for it to recuperate. Be patient and give it as much sun as possible. You are doing well. There are a lot of good sites on the internet for learning about plants. If you have more questions feel free to write again. Good luck.

Darlene