A Gardeners Forum Forums General Discussion The House Plant Forum Rubber Plant Woes

Hi, I have a rubber plant in my house that gets a lot of indirect light next to my other plants, but in the past 6 months since I've had it, it has slowly withered down to nothing. Most of the growth on the bottom half has fallen off with no new growth and the stems seem to be brown and dried up. However, there is healthy growth at the top which has now recently started to wilt and droop. How can I save my poor plant!???
Thanks.
Zach

Sounds like possible spider mites,, I would examine all the plants around it. Look for 'Fine' webbing. I don't know where you live but if it's still warm out I'd take it outside and examine the soil as well.
On the underside of the leaves if there are tiny black specs tap the leaf with your hand under it and see if the spec drop off into your hand, if so it's spider mites.
I use alcohol and wipe down leaves and stems to get rid of them.
You can cut Rubber tree stems and stick the cuttings back into the soil and it will root,, as well as where you cut it, new growth will begin below the cutting. but make sure you're soil is good.

Thanks. I looked on the leaves and saw no spider mites or discolorations....maybe I just need to prune way down and start over? How should my soil look for this?

I usually use a good potting soil with horticulture sand,, OR 1/2 potting soil and 1/2 cactus soil,, dark soil is a good sign it's rich soil that allows drainage.