My rubber tree is being attacked by something should I cut the leaves?

Carol B Lowe
by Carol B Lowe
My rubber tree is 17 years old and this year got in some kind of disease what can I do to save it
  2 answers
  • Sylvia Candler Sylvia Candler on May 07, 2017

    It's hard to tell from the photo, it needs to be a close-up but here goes anyhow. It could be spider mites, white flies, or scale, something like that. The solution is generally the same for all. If possible, take the plant outside and hose it off well. After it's dry, bring it back inside then take a cotton swab, dip in alcohol, and clean the back side of the leaves and the stems also if there is any evidence of damage to the stems. Alternatively, make a solution of 1 tablespoon ivory dish soap and water in a spray bottle. Spray the entire plant to the dripping point. This may need to be repeated several times to get rid of the critters. If it appears to be scale, looks grayish and can be scratched off with the fingernail, remove as much as possible with your nail then treat with alcohol and soap spray. I had scale attack my 12 year old ficus tree and dang near killed it before I got it under control but the old girl is doing just fine now. Don't give up! Keep at it and make sure to keep up with your watering and fertilizing routine as normal so as not to stress the plant any further. Good luck!

  • Elaine Elaine on May 08, 2017

    Try any or all of the above suggestions as they are good ones BUT you could also remove all the old soil and repot the rubber tree in new, well-drained soil. There could be insects living in the soil - if you don't see any on the leaves underneath. Even if you find insects on or under the leaves, I'd still replace the soil.