Hi all
This is our indoor rubber plant. We don’t know why it’s so sad and droopy. It’s been dropping leaves basically every day for the past 2 weeks but has increased to two leaves per day in the last 3 days. We don’t know what’s wrong. It used to get all the sun it needs in the summer (indirect) from the east, but it’s been winter and really gloomy every day and so the sun doesn’t reach it, which is why we got this light for it (attached in the photo). Our light meter reads that it’s getting the required amount of sun but it still hasn’t shown any signs of perking up. We just really don’t want to lose it.
Also worth nothing that there is a cold draft in our house, the heater is on but not sure if it’s enough for this plant. Over/under hydration isn’t the issue since we measure how much water it gets too.
Any advice is appreciated.
by Pain-Ashamed
8 Comments
This definitely looks like a hydration issue. Either too much water causing root rot and inevitably becoming too little- or just simply not enough water.
> Over/under hydration isn’t the issue since we measure how much water it gets too.
Doubt… Or you can measure the wrong amount of water as much as you want…
When was the last time you poked your finger into the dirt to see if it was wet or dry, or picked up the pot to see if it’s so light it feels like it’s filled with styrofoam?
That plant is either extremely dehydrated or it is indeed far too cold in the room for it to survive. Any idea what the temperature lows are?
I agree with u/xozoonie, it’s definitely a hydration issue. These guys will drop leaves if the roots stay moist for too long and eventually the roots will be damaged and the plant gets dehydrated. How long does it take for the soil to dry in between waterings?
Limiting or measuring water is not a great idea. Most plants want soil with good drainage, and to be watered thoroughly when the time comes. It’s best to wait until the foliage lets you know.
If the soil isn’t significantly dry in fewer than 2 weeks then the plant needs better draining soil and/or more light.
Bottom line, you should take it out and check the roots.
Your soil is so dry it seperated itself from the black pot. See the separation ? The hole all around ? That’s happen when the soil get hydrophobic, too dry. Now if you water it most will not be drank by the plant. You need to rehydrate the soil by watering it from the top and the bottom and once, usually 20mins is enough. Then don’t water for a week and put your finger in it, if it’s still dry and the top layer is wet, that mean the soil is still hydrophobic and you need to change it.
That’s my 2 cents, I dont know what you know, just giving my opinion from that picture and lot of experience with hydrophobic soil
Thirsty AF.
Repot, new soil, pot with drainage.
Soak the F out of it.
Let completely dry between waterings.
Everytime you water afterwards, loosen the soil, don’t let it become dry and cakey.
When you say you measure how much water, do you mean how much or how often?
Over/under hydration isn’t caused by the amount of water, you should soak the soil til it’s all saturated (make sure you have drainage holes) then wait until the top few inches of soil are dry, then soak her again.
Agree with water, but it NEEDS LIGHT! Please move it near a window. These are tropical plants that grow LARGE in their natural habitat
Dying of thirst