Rubber plants are the best among the plants that do not require overcare. You would be surprised to know that they are members of the Ficus family and are also called ficus elastica.
Although easy to care for, rubber plants have a common problem that is yellow spotting. If such types of problems happen, it is normal to be worried. Right?
Now the question; what conditions make yellow dots on rubber plants? Overwatering, Less watering, Sudden change in light, Temperature, Pests, and Cystoliths are the most common causes of yellow dot or spots in rubber plants.
You can get the solution here for every variety of your rubber plants including Decora, Robusta, Burgundy, Tineke, and Ruby. Let’s get started without wasting time.
How To Fix Yellow Spotting On Rubber Plant- Quick Guide
Reason | Solution |
| Overwatering | Water the plant according to demand and improve the drainage system. |
| Less watering | Water your plant when the soil feels dry. |
| Light change | Keep your plant in a low-lighted place or use artificial shade. |
| Temperature | Ensure an optimum temperature (60-85°F) for your plant. |
| Pests | Use insecticide to prevent pests. |
Why Yellow Spots Occur In Rubber Plants-Control Measure
1. Over Watering
Watering is the most important care for any plant. But too much watering becomes dangerous for rubber plants. The yellow dot is a common symptom of overwatering.
Observe your plant very carefully. If yellow dots are spreading from the leaf to the whole body then it must be a sign of overwatering.
If the leaves are too hard then it’s also a symptom of overwatering. Over watering also occurs soggy roots and root rot problems.
Solution
Stop watering like a fire service member. Be aware of your plant’s demand. You can try a trick to the water demand of your plant.
Take one of your fingers two inches deep into the soil. If it’s wet then there is no need for water. You can also take a moisture meter to check the water demand level of the soil (Our pick: SONKIR Soil pH Meter, MS02 3-in-1 Soil Moisture/Light/pH Tester)
Well, drainage system is the best way to remove extra water. Make sure that your soil container has enough holes to get out the extra water. Use plastic or ceramic containers.
Decreasing watering slightly will ensure your plants maximum growth and green, glossy leaves.
2. Less Watering
Yellow dots on rubber plants also occur due to less watering. When you stop watering for a long time, your plant will show you some symptoms.
Less watering makes your plant weak and bent. It also makes your plant curly and interrupts maximum growth.
Underwatering is also responsible for appearing brown spots on leaves. Also, the roots become easily breakable and aren’t flexible. The absence of fungus and mold is also a sign of underwatering.
Solution
Successful people always like to make plans, right? Do the same thing. First, make a plan for watering your plant.
Water your plant when it is dry. It is best to give water once a week. But you must check the soil condition.
Poor soil doesn’t have much ability to hold water. Repot your plant with better soil if the soil is not so good. The best way is to make your potting soil by yourself. I have a recipe for your plant.
#Recipe: Soil Mix
Ingredients:
- Potting soil.
- Perlite.
- Bark mix.
Steps:
- Take potting soil, perlite, and bark mix.
- The ratio will be 60%:20%:20%
- Blend them very well.
- Then use it to report your plant.
Don’t want to waste time? Then buy ready-made soil (Our pick: Miracle-Gro Indoor Potting Mix)
If you keep your plant beside the fireplace then you have to ensure some extra water. Reserve the water at least 24 hours before watering. The water must be at room temperature.
Ensure much water to neutralize excess nitrogen. It will make your plant healthy. Place your pot in a warm place where the temperature must be between 60-85°F.
3. Sudden Change In Lighting
It is true that rubber plants are low-light plants. Here people make a big mistake. They thought low light means no light and placed the plant in a dark corner, which causes yellow dots on the plant.
Sudden change in lighting also causes faded colored leaves, weak structure, and so many problems. Even your plant may die for such silly mistakes. Think about this for a moment.
Solution
Your plant doesn’t need a darker environment. It needs to be as close to a lighting place. keep it beside a window so that it could enjoy the morning sun.
If your window has too much sunlight then place your plant a little far away. Or you can use shaded cloth. These are available to buy in the market(Our pick: winemana 40% Black Shade Cloth)
Maybe there’s not enough sunlight for your rubber plant in your room? Use an artificial lighting system. I can suggest to you the best light (our pick: GooingTop LED Grow Light).
4. Temperature
Did you notice that sometimes-excess temperatures cause rashes in our bodies? It can also cause yellow dots on your plants leaves.
Rubber plants develop sunscald in high temperatures. As it is a tropical plant sensitive to freezing temperature. They stop their growth in low temperatures. And it may cause death.
Solution
An optimum temperature (60-85°F) is required for rubber plants to grow smoothly. The best option is to maintain a rainforest-type environment.
Don’t keep your plant in an AC room. In winter, maintain your room temperature. Temperature management is also related to watering. Watering depends upon low or high temperatures.
There is also a little difference between Day and night time temperatures. The temperature lies between 60-65° F at nighttime.
5. Pests
Fungus gnats, spider mites, mealybugs, and other plant pests can attack rubber plants too. Pests are the most common cause of yellow dots on rubber plants.
Dark-colored little flyer dead near your plant? Then it must be fungus gnats.
Spider mites are the main enemy of rubber plants and are tough to see with the naked eye. When your plant is in dusty weather then spider mites may attack. Sometimes a tiny dot line appears and leaves become curly.
Mealybugs are white and have no wings or legs. They can be seen on rubber plant leaves and make the leaves waxy.
Solution
Be aware of pests on your plant. They may be dangerous and can affect your plant very quickly. Insecticides are a must to prevent such types of pests. Many kinds of insecticides are found on the market (our pick: Natria 706250A Neem Oil Spray)
But don’t want to waste money? No problem. You can make it on your own. Here I give you some homemade mixtures recipes for preventing pests from your plant.
#Recipe 1:- Dormant Oil Insecticide Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 spoons of the liquid dishwasher.
- 200 ml of sunflower oil.
Steps:
- Mix the ingredients and store them in a glass jar.
- You can apply it multiple times.
- Add 3 spoons of the prepared liquid with every 250 ml of water and spray.
#Recipe 2:- Neem Oil Insecticide Recipe
Ingredients:
- 3 teaspoons of neem oil.
- 1 litre of water.
Steps
- Mix both items and spray thoroughly on both sides of your rubber plant every week.
#Recipe 3:- Baking Soda Spray Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons of baking soda.
- 3 tablespoons of cooking oil.
- 3 liters of water.
- 2 teaspoons of liquid dish soap.
Steps:
- Mix all the ingredients and shake them very well.
- Spray on the whole plant twice a week.
Note: Homemade mixtures always have some issues. If the ratio of the ingredients differs or the steps don’t follow carefully then the mixture will not work properly. So be careful about the steps.
6. Cystolith
The most common and not harmful cause for yellow dots on the rubber is cystolith. It is the growth of the epidermal cell wall in plants. Calcium carbonates white or yellow crystals occur in the plants body.
But it doesn’t do any harm to plants. Some studies have shown that cystolith may be good for plants’ natural growth.
Some Other Problems Of Rubber Plants
Droopy Leaf
It is a very common problem for rubber plants. Temperature and humidity can cause it. Immediately change the place of your plant to prevent it.
Slow Growth
Generally, rubber plants grow rapidly. But the imbalance in water and less light are responsible for your plants’ slow growth. Water your plant timely.
Root Rot
It’s a sign of overwatering. Decreasing water and a good drainage system may change the condition.
Brown Leaf
Brown leaves also occur due to overwatering. Check the soil regularly and cut off the damaged part of your rubber plant.
Curly Leaf
Improper or less watering causes rubber leaves to curl. Water your plant in due time and take care of the new leaves.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do you know if your rubber plant is dying?
A dying plant always shows you some signs. Root rot is a major cause of rubber plants death.
If the bottom leaves are turning brown or darker or the stem bending like a problem then it’s a warning for you.
Should I cut brown leaves off rubber plants?
Damage always affects other healthy parts of your plant. So, remove the dead part. Summer and spring are the best time for major pruning.
Conclusion
When you notice yellow dots on rubber plants, you must try to understand what your plant is really trying to tell you.
After findings the reason you can start the prevention process. Taking regular care can protect your plant from the factors mentioned.
I hope this article seems helpful to you. Happy gardening.
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