Dear Sven

I was wondering if you could tell me what the problem is with my Rubber Tree plant. Over the last few months (less than 6) the leaves have been turning yellow from the middle out and eventually falling off from the bottom up. The stalk at the bottom is now turning to bark as it is getting quite large - is this normal?

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Kimberley

Our Gardens Expert replies:


Hi Kimberley

The usual causes of problems with indoor plants are either over-watering, under-watering, cold draughts, warm dry air, too little light or any sudden changes in your care routine. Plants can also be affected by mealy bugs, but this is pretty uncommon.

Rubber Tree plants like a free draining soil and don’t like their roots being too damp. Water them then leave it until the soil is nearly dry before doing so again. Also I would recommend using a soluble fertilizer once every couple of weeks during the growing season. Nutrient deficiencies can certainly cause house plants to suffer with symptoms such as leaf discolouration. The first thing to try is a feed high in nitrogen - if this does not improve things within 3-4 days then try a fertiliser high in iron which may well do the trick.

Rubber plants are prone to fast root growth and can therefore become root bound quite easily. This can cause leaves to turn yellow and fall off, so I would certainly consider re-potting it. Finally make sure that the drainage hole is not blocked - if it is the roots will become waterlogged and possibly causing them to rot.

Hope this helps!
Sven