Pest identification
What's eating my rubber plant?
Scale insects
Signs: Hard or soft brown bumps on stems and leaf undersides; sticky honeydew dripping onto lower leaves; sooty mold follows
Control: Scrape off with a soft toothbrush and isopropyl alcohol; spray with horticultural oil; repeat every 2 weeks until gone
Spider mites
Signs: Yellowing or bronze stippling on leaves; fine webbing on undersides, worse in dry, warm rooms
Control: Wipe leaves with a damp cloth; mist regularly; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap spray weekly for 3–4 weeks
Mealybugs
Signs: White cotton-like masses at leaf axils and stem nodes; leaves may curl or yellow
Control: Dab with isopropyl alcohol on a cotton swab; follow with neem oil spray; isolate plant during treatment
Keep rubber plant pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Rubber plant pests — FAQ
What is eating my rubber plant?
Rubber plant (Ficus elastica) is most commonly troubled by scale insects and spider mites indoors. Mealybugs and aphids may also appear. The large, glossy leaves show damage clearly — look for sticky honeydew, sooty mold, or discolored patches. Regular leaf-wiping and inspections prevent serious outbreaks.
How do I get rid of scale insects on rubber plant?
Hard or soft brown bumps on stems and leaf undersides; sticky honeydew dripping onto lower leaves; sooty mold follows Scrape off with a soft toothbrush and isopropyl alcohol; spray with horticultural oil; repeat every 2 weeks until gone
How do I get rid of spider mites on rubber plant?
Yellowing or bronze stippling on leaves; fine webbing on undersides, worse in dry, warm rooms Wipe leaves with a damp cloth; mist regularly; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap spray weekly for 3–4 weeks
How do I get rid of mealybugs on rubber plant?
White cotton-like masses at leaf axils and stem nodes; leaves may curl or yellow Dab with isopropyl alcohol on a cotton swab; follow with neem oil spray; isolate plant during treatment