Troubleshooting
Rubber plant problems — and how to fix them
Rubber plant (Ficus elastica) is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Yellow leaves
Overwatering or sudden change in conditions.
Full rubber plant yellow leaves diagnosis →Brown patches on leaves
Sunburn or cold draught damage.
Full rubber plant brown patches on leaves diagnosis →Drooping leaves
Underwatering or root rot — check the soil first.
Full rubber plant drooping leaves diagnosis →Leaf drop after moving
Like fiddle-leaf figs, rubber plants sulk after relocation; give them 3-4 weeks.
Prevent rubber plant problems before they start
Most rubber plant issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Rubber plant problems — FAQ
Why is my rubber plant yellow leaves?
Overwatering or sudden change in conditions.
Why is my rubber plant brown patches on leaves?
Sunburn or cold draught damage.
Why is my rubber plant drooping leaves?
Underwatering or root rot — check the soil first.
Why is my rubber plant leaf drop after moving?
Like fiddle-leaf figs, rubber plants sulk after relocation; give them 3-4 weeks.