Rubber plants (Ficus elastica) are popular houseplants because they’re easy to care for and add a splash of green to any room.
They’re also known for being tough plants that can withstand a little neglect. However, even rubber plants can suffer from problems if they’re not correctly cared for.
That’s why it’s essential to know how to recognize the signs of a healthy rubber plant and those of an unhealthy one.
Signs of a Healthy Rubber Plant
There are a few key things to consider when determining whether or not your rubber plant is healthy.
The most common signs of a healthy rubber plant are:
Strong, Green Leaves That Are Free of Spots or Discoloration
When rubber plants are healthy, their leaves are usually a deep, rich green.
If you see any spots or discoloration on the leaves, this could be a sign that something is wrong.
Healthy rubber plants also have strong leaves free of browning or wilting.
Rubber plant leaves should be firm to the touch and not easily fall off the plant. This is a sign that the plant is healthy and has strong roots.
If you see any of these problems with your rubber tree plant’s leaves, it’s a good idea to take a closer look at the plant to see if there are any other signs of illness.
Spots on leaves can be caused by several things, including too much sun, pests, or diseases. If you see any spots on your rubber plant’s leaves, try to determine the cause so that you can take steps to fix the problem.
Pests can be controlled with insecticidal soap or other pesticides. At the same time, too much sun can be remedied by moving the plant to a shadier spot.
Diseases are a little more challenging to deal with, but there are some steps you can take to try to control them.
Discoloration of leaves can also be caused by too much sun or chemicals in the water. If you suspect either of these is the problem, try moving the plant to a different location or using distilled water.
Healthy Roots That Are White or Light Brown in Color
Another good way to tell if a rubber plant is healthy is to look at the roots.
Healthy rubber plant roots are white or light brown and are usually covered with a white, powdery substance called mycorrhizae.
Mycorrhizae help the plant absorb nutrients from the potting soil, so if you see them on your plant’s roots, it’s a good sign that it is healthy.
Unhealthy rubber plant roots are dark brown or black and may be covered with a dark, slimy substance. This substance is called melanin, and it’s a sign that the roots are rotting.
If you see signs of root rot, taking action immediately is essential. Root rot can spread quickly and kill a rubber plant, so it’s best to control it as soon as possible.
The best way to control root rot is to remove any affected roots and treat the plant with a fungicide.
You may also want to replant the rubber plant in fresh, sterile potting soil to help prevent the problem from recurring.
New Growth on the Plant, Such as New Leaves or Branches
New growth is one of the most obvious signs that a rubber plant is healthy.
If you see new leaves or branches growing on your plant, it’s a good sign that it is getting the nutrients it needs and is healthy overall.
New growth can also be a sign that the plant is being treated well and getting the proper care it needs.
If you see any new growth on your rubber plant, make sure to take good care of it so that the plant can continue to thrive.
Signs of an Unhealthy Rubber Plant
There are a few key things to consider when determining whether or not your rubber plant is healthy.
The most common signs of an unhealthy rubber plant are:
Weak, Yellow leaves That Are Brittle and Fall Off Easily
One of the most common indicators that a rubber tree plant is unhealthy is if its leaves are weak, yellow, and fall off easily. This can be caused by several factors, including improper watering, too little light, or pests.
Watering is the most common cause of weak, yellow leaves. If you’re overwatering your rubber plant, the roots can’t get the oxygen they need, and the plant leaves will turn yellow and fall off.
On the other hand, if you’re underwatering your rubber plant, the leaves will also turn yellow and fall off. This is because the plant isn’t getting enough water to support its leaves.
If you think that watering is the problem, try to adjust your watering schedule and see if the plant’s leaves start to improve.
Too little light is another common cause of weak, yellow leaves. If your rubber plant isn’t getting enough light, the leaves will turn yellow and eventually fall off.
To fix this problem, try moving your plant to a spot where it will get more light. If you can’t move the plant, you may need to get a grow light to provide extra light for the plant.
Pests can also cause weak, yellow leaves. Pests such as aphids, mealybugs, and spider mites can feed on rubber plant leaves and cause them to turn yellow and fall off.
If you think pests are the problem, try removing the pests from the plant with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. You can also try using an insecticide to get rid of the pests.
Brown Spots on the Leaves
Another common sign that a Ficus elastica is unhealthy is brown spots on the leaves. Brown spots can be caused by many things, including too much sun, too little water, or diseases.
Too much sun is the most common cause of brown spots on rubber plant leaves. If your plant is getting too much sun, the leaves will turn brown and eventually fall off.
To fix this problem, try moving your plant to a spot where it will get less sun. If you can’t move the plant, you may need to get a shade cloth to help protect the plant from the sun.
Too little water can also cause brown spots on rubber plant leaves. If you’re not watering your plant enough, the leaves will turn brown and eventually fall off.
To fix this problem, try increasing your watering schedule. Make sure to water your plant deeply so the roots can get the moisture they need.
Diseases can also cause brown spots on rubber plant leaves. Diseases such as fungal leaf spot and bacterial blotch can cause brown spots on the leaves.
If you think that disease is the problem, try treating the plant with a fungicide or bactericide. You can also try removing the affected leaves from the plant.
Leaves That Are Falling Off
If your rubber plant leaves are falling off, it could indicate the plant is unhealthy.
A few things can cause leaves to fall off, including too much or too little water, not enough light, or pests.
If you suspect your plant is not healthy, check the leaves for signs of pests and inspect the roots for rot. You can also try moving the plant to a different location or adjusting your watering schedule.
Leggy Growth
If your rubber plant is growing leggy, it could be a sign that it is unhealthy. Leggy growth is often caused by insufficient light, so give your rubber plant plenty of bright indirect light. You can also try moving the plant to a brighter location or adding a grow light.
If yellowing leaves accompany leggy growth, it could be a sign of nutrient deficiency. Ensure you are regularly feeding your rubber plant with a balanced fertilizer, and check the soil to ensure it is not waterlogged.
Stunted or Slow Growth
Stunted or slow growth is one of the most common signs that a rubber plant is not healthy. If you notice that your rubber tree plant isn’t growing as quickly as it used to, or if it seems to have stopped growing, this is a sign that something is wrong.
There could be several reasons for stunted growth, including pests, disease, or poor soil conditions. If you suspect that your rubber plant’s growth is being stunted, inspect it carefully for signs of pests or disease and take steps to correct any problems you find.
How To Keep Your Rubber Plant Healthy
Now that you know how to tell if a rubber plant is healthy or not, here are some growing tips to keep your rubber plant healthy.
- Make sure that your rubber plant is in a pot with drainage holes. This will help to prevent root rot, which can kill your rubber plant.
- Water your rubber plant regularly. When the soil is dry to the touch, empty any water that collects in the saucer under the pot.
- Give your rubber plant bright indirect light. Too much direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, so if you live in a sunny climate, place your rubber plant in a spot with filtered sunlight.
- Fertilize your rubber plant monthly during the growing season (spring and summer). Use a balanced fertilizer such as 10-10-10 or 20-20-20.
- Prune your rubber plant as needed to remove yellow or dying leaves and to shape the plant.
- Repot your rubber plant every two or three years to refresh the soil and give the roots room to grow.
These simple tips will help you to keep your rubber plant healthy and looking its best.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, a few key indicators can help you tell if your Ficus elastica is healthy.
Pay close attention to the leaves, stems, and roots for any signs of problems. If you notice any of these issues, take steps to correct them right away.
With proper care, your rubber plant will stay healthy and thrive for years.
