Question
HI

I have a rubber tree plant from my mother-in-laws funeral. It was really big (3' tall) and FULL of leave when we got it. We've had it in a hallway for the past 3 months with NO natual light. Recently however it has been losing its leaves (3 per day at least) and become barren on the bottom. The top however has a lot of new growth. Is there any way I can get it to stop losing its leaves? Will new growth ever happen again in the bottom or just the top? Also a lot of the leaves have black spots on them. Is my plant dying? Is there something I can do to save it?

Answer
Hi Michele,

Your rubber plant is suffering from lack of light. It really needs lots of bright indirect light all day long. You will probably have to move it from the hallway to a place right in front of a window.

It is shedding older (lower) leaves because it is conserving its energy for the newer growth. In more light it can support more leaves and will not shed as many older leaves.

New growth is always at the ends of stems. If some of the stems are long and leggy looking, all you can do is to prune them back. New growth will emerge just below the point on the stem where you make the pruning cut.

It is hard to assess the long term prospects of your rubber plant as it has been without adequate light for quite some time. As long as you haven't kept the soil too moist, then it may recover if you provide more light and are very patient.

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.
   
Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

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

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