Question
Hi

I purchased a large rubber plant a few months ago from Tesco, I re-potted it fairly soon after buying, and put it upstairs in the bedroom.

I noticed leaves have started to slowly drop, and the steams look all withered, the leaves are also drooping down. I have noticed white fluffy mould growing on top of the soil also.

I had a look at the soil and it looked like it was too compact and wet, so I changed the soil. I have also moved it to a brighter position in the house. But it is still dying!!

I think the soil may still be too wet? I have read that mixing a sandy solution in with the soil would help - is this true? And if it is does it matter what kind I get?

Please help, this is a large plant and I really don't want to loose it!!

Answer
Hi Lucie,

You made the most common of all plant care mistakes when you repotted your rubber plant. The soil it was growing in originally was the proper soil for it. In addition, it was in a pot that was small enough to dry out fairly quickly.

Heavy soil and large pots with large quantities of soil stay moist for a long time. When that happens, the roots begin to rot and by the time the plant starts showing obvious symptoms like yours, it is often too late.

All you can do is to unpot the plant, remove all excess soil, leaving just enough soil to barely cover any healthy roots that remain. (If all or most of the roots are soft, dark, and mushy, then the plant cannot be salvaged.) Move the plant into the smallest pot that will accommodate the healthy roots and a small amount of potting soil. The potting soil should have perlite mixed in with it rather than sand.

After that, move the plant to a sunny location and allow the top quarter of the soil dry out in between waterings.

This is a lot for you to do and I cannot even guarantee it will be successful, but it is your only option. I only wish you had asked me how to care for your rubber plant before you repotted and replaced soil.

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

If this information has been helpful, please take the time to give me a rating and nomination.

   
Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

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

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.