Hello, it is I, your Rubber Plant (*Ficus elastica*). You look concerned about my fallen leaves. Do not worry; this is my way of communicating that my environment is not quite right. Let me explain the reasons from my perspective and what you can do to help me thrive again.
My soil is my entire world. When you forget to water me, my roots cannot sip the moisture they need to send to my beautiful, broad leaves. In desperation, I must sacrifice them to conserve water for my core. Conversely, if my pot feels constantly wet and heavy, you are loving me too much with water. Soggy soil suffocates my roots, they begin to rot, and can no longer function. Without healthy roots, I cannot drink at all, and the result is the same: I drop my leaves. Please check my soil with your finger; water me only when the top few inches feel dry.
We plants are creatures of habit. A sudden shift in my environment sends me into a state of shock. Did you just move me from a bright store to a dimmer room? Or perhaps you brought me home and placed me near a hot or cold draft from a vent, door, or window? Even rotating me too quickly can be disruptive. I respond to this stress by jettisoning leaves that I now deem inefficient in the new conditions. I may grow new ones better suited to the spot, but please try to acclimate me to changes gradually.
While I am adaptable, I have a preference. I crave bright, indirect sunlight. It is the energy that fuels my growth. In a room that is too dark, my growth will stall, and my lower, older leaves may yellow and drop because I cannot support them. If I am placed in harsh, direct sun, especially through a window, the intense rays can actually scorch my leaves, causing brown, crispy patches before they fall. Find me a spot where I can see the sky but not the direct, blazing sun.
I hail from tropical rainforests where the air is warm and humid. The dry air common in homes, especially during winter when heating systems run, is very harsh on me. My leaves lose moisture too quickly through their pores. If the air is consistently dry, the edges of my leaves may turn brown and crisp, and I may eventually drop them. A simple misting, placing my pot on a pebble tray with water, or using a humidifier nearby can create a much more comfortable atmosphere for me.
Over many months, I will use up the nutrients available in my potting soil. A lack of essential nutrients, particularly nitrogen, can cause my older leaves to yellow and drop as I try to redirect resources to new growth. Furthermore, if you notice my roots are circling tightly inside the pot or growing out of the drainage holes, I have become pot-bound. This means there is not enough soil to hold water and nutrients, and my growth is severely restricted, leading to stress and leaf drop. Feeding me with a diluted balanced fertilizer during my growing season and repotting me every few years will solve this.
