Question
QUESTION: My rubber tree plant is dying.  Last year it was wonderful, but now the leaves are turning yellow and dropping.  I live in zone 9, Houston, Texas.  The plan gets morning sun and is under another tree.  Can you help me revive it?
ANSWER: yvonne, first I'm going to need you to follow up; I need to know if its in the ground or in a pot, and I need you to tell me if anything at all is different, ie. more water then normal (which will cause this effect) etc. do a history check to yourself and figure out what is different this year, then last....waiting to hear from you..Nick

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you, Nick.  The tree is in the ground.  There is very little differnce between this year and last. We have had very mild winters for the past three or four years.  I have a sprinkler system so watering is consistent.

Answer
Yvonne, when a rubber tree defoliates, its usually due to an excessive amount of water or a drastic change in environmental issues, ie. light, temperature, something foreign seeping into its root area. I'm not sure in your case, because of the consistency in such issues this year compared to last. I do know however that even if it defoliates, it will indeed grow new leaves; that said, don't fear you will lose it entirely. I hope this helps, good luck and in its current state, let nature handle its watering needs until new growth begins....nick