Rubber plants are known for being fast-growing and low-maintenance, but even these easy-going tropical areas can have common houseplant problems. brown leaves on one rubber plant This is a sign that there is a problem with your plant’s care or environmental conditions.
Here are 5 reasons why your rubber tree’s leaves may turn brown at the edges, along with recommended tips to resolve the problem.
over watering
Overwatering can cause your rubber plant to develop light brown spots that appear on the edges of the leaves. The plant’s soil should be kept evenly moist, neither too wet nor too dry.
Check the soil moisture of your rubber plant. If it is too wet, reduce watering. Wait until the surface of the soil begins to dry out before watering again, but avoid letting the soil dry out completely.
Your plant will need to be watered less frequently in the winter, so monitor the soil moisture closely during this time.
poor drainage
Brown leaf edges on your rubber plant can also be caused by improper drainage, which creates excessively moist soil. Using a potting mix that doesn’t drain quickly, placing your plant in a container without holes, or not emptying cached pots or saucers after watering can all lead to poor drainage.
The best soil for a rubber plant will contain abundant perlite and chunky orchid bark to promote fast drainage. Use a pot with multiple holes in the bottom to allow water to drain out completely, and always leave the cache pot or saucer empty after watering so the plant’s roots don’t sit in water.
lack of light
Insufficient light can aggravate moisture problems which can cause the edges of your rubber plant’s leaves to turn brown. The more light a plant receives, the more water it needs to grow. Lack of light means that what appears to be a reasonable amount of water can result in overwatering.
Rubber plants grow best in several hours of bright, indirect light per day, such as several feet from a large south-facing or west-facing window. They can also benefit from direct morning sunlight, such as from an east-facing window. Check soil moisture regularly to know when it’s time to water.
watering under water
If you have neglected to water your rubber tree for some time, excessively dry soil can cause the leaves to turn brown and dry and eventually exitIt usually starts in the lower older leaves on the stem.
Rubber plants require constant moisture to thrive. If your plant’s potting mix has completely dried out, leave it for a while. watering down To rehydrate the root ball.
Moving forward, water your plant regularly. A good sign that it’s time to water is if the surface of the soil is just beginning to dry out.
temperature shock
Sudden changes in conditions can cause your rubber plant’s leaves to turn brown and fall off. If moisture problems or lighting conditions are not responsible, consider if your plant has recently been exposed to cold drafts or sudden changes in temperature.
Rubber plants prefer temperatures between 65°F and 85°F. You can’t reverse the effects of a temperature shock once it occurs, but you can move your plant to a location that is away from loud windows, doors, and air conditioning to prevent this problem in the future.
FAQ
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Yes. Remove dead or damaged leaves from your plant if you notice them. Always use sharp, sterilized pruners or shears and clean them after use to avoid spreading plant diseases to the rest of your collection.
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A healthy, thriving rubber plant will have large, shiny, unblemished leaves and can grow quite quickly – up to 24 inches in a year.
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It is not necessary to mist a rubber plant, as misting does not actually increase humidity and rubber plants can easily adapt to average indoor humidity levels in temperate climates. However, it is a good idea to wipe the leaves with a clean, damp cloth from time to time to remove dust and restore their shine.
