Help with variegated rubber plant
Angela
6 years ago
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What's wrong with these leaves? Variegated rubber plant.
Comments (4)Unless you have a cache pot hiding inside the large pot, it looks like you have a very large volume of soil for the size of the plant. That's not a problem if you're using a fast (draining), well-aerated soil, but it can present significant issues if you're using a water-retentive soil because the soil stays saturated deep in the pot for extended periods, killing roots or impairing root function and impeding the plant's ability to move water to the top of the plant. Additionally, it's commonplace to water heavy soil;s in sips, in an attempt to avoid there waterlogged conditions, but in doing so you ensure that dissolved solids from fertilizers and tap water accumulate in the soil and further inhibit the plant's ability to keep foliage hydrated. The result is usually the necrotic leaf tips and margins seen in your pictures. There ARE remedies and tricks you can use that will allow you to water properly (so at least 10-15% of the total volume of water you apply exits the drain every time you water), but the best fix (by far) is to start using a soil that you KNOW will remain well-aerated and drain freely for at least the interval it's reasonable to allow between repots (not potting up). If you're interested in getting your plant back on track, we can talk more. You might also find the thread I'll link you to below helpful, as it directly addresses the care of Ficus trees in containers. AL Here is a link that might be useful: More about Ficus in containers...See MoreSick Variegated Rubber Tree! Help?
Comments (9)Hi Jesse, I’m wondering if you water thoroughly and fully. I would not bother with distilled water with this plant, but they do need a thorough watering when being watered—like gushing out the drainage hole like a heavy rainstorm would bring. I’d also agree—misting is completely unnecessary. You’d be hard-pressed to find a more arid area than Nevada and mine aren’t bothered by the dryness at all, despite their “tropical” origin. The bigger concern would be that your soil is *probably* not porous enough to properly (and rapidly) dry after a massive drenching. I’m attaching a photo here of one of my Ficus plants that I pulled up just to change out the pot I didn’t like. This is about 30 minutes after watering/draining. You can see that the soil is void of total wetness/sogginess but lightly damp throughout. The soil itself is good, but the additional perlite (pumice) aids in that a lot....See MoreHelp! My Ruby Variegated Rubber Plant is browning and losing leafs!
Comments (1)Don't be so spare with your information. What sort of trouble? Describe the symptoms and describe how you water? how do you decide to water? what you fertilize with? how often? what strength? when last? what type of light does the plant get? where do you live? If you're willing to make an effort, you'll find: Lots of tips here. and A basic overview here. Al...See MoreVariegated Rubber Tree Help
Comments (2)I'm guessing it's as simple as the smallest leaves being the newest ones, so they will grow! Variegated Rubber plants need good light - even direct sun (through glass) will be fine. I think it's called Ficus 'Tineke' by the way, as I've just been trying to source some for a client....See Morerobin98
6 years agoAngela
6 years agotapla (mid-Michigan, USDA z5b-6a)
6 years agolast modified: 6 years agorobin98
6 years agoEkor Tupai
6 years agoNaak Goods
6 years agoCasey Arendt
6 years agoMarcy
6 years agoNaak Goods
6 years agolaticauda
6 years ago
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