Why does your Ficus elastica have yellow leaves? Diagnose the cause and fix it with our step-by-step guide.
Ficus elastica is highly susceptible to fungal pathogens like Phytophthora when soil remains saturated. Excessive moisture deprives roots of oxygen, leading to cell death and subsequent yellowing of the lower leaves.
Inadequate nitrogen levels prevent the plant from producing sufficient chlorophyll, resulting in chlorosis. If older leaves turn yellow first while veins remain green, magnesium deficiency may also be present.
A lack of bright, indirect light prevents the rubber plant from performing photosynthesis effectively. The plant will often shed lower leaves as it attempts to redirect energy to newer, higher growth.
Ficus elastica is sensitive to sudden drops in temperature or exposure to cold drafts from windows/AC units. Thermal shock disrupts metabolic processes, causing the leaves to lose chlorophyll and yellow.
Your plant might also be experiencing one of these issues:
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