21/05/2023
Everyone wants a perfect Rubber Plant. Well, who doesn’t want a flawless collection, right? Apparently, Rubber Plants, especially the variegated cultivars, can be a challenge to maintain as they are highly susceptible to several factors that can easily mar their appearance.
Here are some of the most common causes of brown spots in Rubber Plants and how to treat them:
1. SUNBURN
The intense light and heat can easily burn the leaves of Rubber Plants when they are not acclimated properly. Leaves will look scorched with brown or black spots indicating that it’s getting sunburned. Move your Rubber Plant to a spot with less light and heat and let it recover.
2. UNDERWATERING
Rubber Plants can be quite finicky with watering. Not too much and not too little. Insufficient watering can cause dry, crispy tips and edges on the leaves. Leaf drop is also imminent. Water regularly to avoid this. Ideal watering is infrequent yet deep.
3. FUNGUS
This is probably the most frustrating cause of brown spots on Rubber Plants. The variegated ones are very prone to fungus and can aggressively spread if left untreated. Fungi are pathogens that are caused by overwatering, poor air flow, or too much humidity. The lesions can be easily recognized by their concentric rings that grow gradually on the leaves. Reduce watering. Spray fungicide for maintenance and if it doesn’t respond well to that, cut off the affected areas to prevent them from spreading.
4. ACCLIMATION
Getting a new Rubber Plant? Moving your plant to a new location? Rubber Plants need to be acclimated so they can properly adjust to the new environment. In this adjustment phase, they can also develop brown spots as they are sensitive to environmental changes. These spots can be on the tips or edges of the leaves and may or may not progress. Gradually introduce your Rubber Plants to its new location to avoid this.
Other lesser common causes include:
1. PHYSICAL DAMAGE. These are damages on the leaves caused by any physical factors.
2. PESTS. Some pests may cause spots on leaves such as snails and spider mites. Deter them by using the appropriate pesticides.
NOTE:
While this article suggests solutions to address the common causes of brown spots, these spots can no longer be removed from the leaves. Damages are irreversible.