Why does the rubber tree lose its leaves?

The rubber tree is a very suitable potted green plant for indoor cultivation. Its leaves are beautiful, thick, dark green and shiny, with a tropical feel, and are very popular among the public. During the maintenance process, many people will find that the rubber tree loses leaves. What is going on? Let’s take a look below.

1. Why does the rubber tree lose its leaves?

1. Seasonal changes: The rubber tree is a deciduous tree that naturally sheds some of its leaves in autumn or winter. This is the physiological response of the rubber tree to adapt to seasonal changes. As the weather turns cooler and daylight hours decrease, rubber trees gradually enter a dormant period, during which the trees actively break down chlorophyll and transfer nutrients to more important parts so that they can regrow the following year.

2. Lack of water or excessive humidity: Rubber trees have certain requirements for water. If there is a long-term lack of water, or the soil is too wet due to poor drainage, it may cause abnormal root function and the plant will not be able to absorb enough water and nutrients, causing the leaves to gradually dry up, turn yellow, and eventually fall off.

3. Insufficient light: Rubber tree is a light-loving plant and needs sufficient sunlight for photosynthesis. If there is insufficient sunlight in the growing environment, such as being blocked by high-rise buildings or placed in a location indoors where there is insufficient sunlight, the rubber tree will not be able to carry out normal photosynthesis, and the leaves will turn yellow or fall off.

4. Pests and diseases: Rubber trees may also be attacked by some pests and diseases, such as aphids, red spiders, etc. These pests suck the sap from the plant, causing damage or even death to the plant. If you find small insects or mucus left on the rubber tree leaves, or spots or brown marks on the fallen leaves, it may be caused by pests and diseases.

2. How to solve the problem of rubber tree leaf falling

1. Suitable temperature

Rubber trees prefer high temperature and high humidity environments, and places with plenty of sunlight. The suitable growth temperature is 20-25℃. The most common situation in which rubber trees drop leaves is low temperature, especially in winter. Generally, when the temperature drops below 10℃, rubber trees will start to drop leaves. At this time, the rubber trees need to be moved indoors or to other places with higher temperatures, but you must pay attention to sunlight.

2. Plenty of sunshine

The rubber tree is a sun-loving plant and needs to be placed in a sunny place with good light. It is best to have full sun in winter. If it is placed in a dark place, the lack of sunlight can easily cause the rubber tree to lose its leaves.

3. Water appropriately

Rubber trees must be watered frequently during their growth period, especially in the hot summer season. Due to the large evaporation, they need to be watered not only from the roots but also from the leaves frequently. However, if the soil in the pot for planting rubber trees is too wet, the roots will easily rot. You must wait until the soil in the pot is dry before watering. Watering too frequently or not watering for a long time will cause the rubber tree to lose leaves.

4. Pests should be dealt with

Rubber trees sometimes have problems with pests. If there are red spider mites on the leaves or scale insects on the branches and leaves, the leaves will fall. Therefore, if leaf falling occurs, you should check to see if it is a pest problem and deal with it in time.

That’s it