Question
Hi Will,
I bought 2 healthy rubber plants 6 month ago (approx. 14in tall, 12 inches high 14 inch round pot) In the last 2 months I notice one was shedding leaves along with yellow mold growing on the top of the soil in some places. The other plant is doing fine which is in a diffent location with much more sun light.  The only guess I have is that the plant was next to the house intake vent which introduced a small draft.(I have relocated the plant)  My worrie is this mold, is it all over for this plant. any suggestions?
Thanks Will,
Greg  

Answer
Hi Greg,

The mold most likely is coming from fungus spores in the soil. In cool, dim, moist conditions, the spores will develop into mold. The mold is harmless to the plant and is not responsible for the leaf drop.

The mold can be removed by persistently scraping it and surrounding soil off and discarding it. Keep doing this until you no longer see the mold.

If the soil is soil that you added, then I suggest you not use that soil in the future.

If the pot is 14" in diameter, then it is very large for the plant. Large pots tend to retain moisture for a long time and are more prone to creating an environment favorable to mold and also root rot. The root rot may be responsible for the leaf drop and may kill the plant. Be very careful to let the top quarter of the soil dry out in between thorough waterings.

Light is another important factor. The plant that is getting more light is not having any problems. That certainly suggests that the problem plant is also not getting enough light.

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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