Question
I recently purchased these rubber plants.  The leaves were falling off the second day I had them.
So I thought the plants needed repotting.  I repotted them.  Recently, the leaves have been turning yellow in the middle and then dropping off.  

Answer
Hi Phyllis,

Repotting is the great sin of plantcare. It is the most common of all plantcare mistakes.

Newly purchased plants often have a period during which they adjust to their new environment, in particular the reduced light of the home. Part of that adjustment is the dropping of older leaves. Repotting adds to the stress. In addition, it also adds extra soil that prevents the roots from getting enough oxygen.

Here is what your should do. Unpot the plant, remove the extra soil that you added, and put it back into its original pot. Move it to the sunniest location in your home. Water it thoroughly, then wait until the top inch or two of soil feels dry before watering thoroughly once again. Do not fertilize and misting it is unnecessary.

Some older leaves will continue to yellow and fall off, but within a month or so, you should see signs of new leaves coming in and the older leaf drop will diminish.

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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