Even easy-care green plants like the rubber tree can suffer from diseases and pests. However, if you recognize this early on, you can help the plant quickly.
The rubber tree is generally a very robust fellow that requires little care. As long as it is watered at regular intervals, does not suffer from waterlogging and is quite bright, this Ficus genus grows wonderfully. Nevertheless, the rubber tree is not immune to pests or diseases. For example, most problems arise when you consistently mishandle the tree.
Dust can affect the plant
Usually the leaves are dark green and have a leathery surface. Due to the size, dust easily collects here. This then clogs the pores of the leaves and prevents photosynthesis. It is therefore important that you regularly clean the gum tree leaves by dusting them with a soft cloth. Alternatively, you can gently shower them off while soaking in the bath.
These pests can occur
Pests can of course also cause problems for the plant. However, if you make sure that there is no waterlogging in the flower pot and if you clean the leaves from time to time, your rubber tree should hardly have any problems with pests. If an infestation does occur, the Ficus Elastica often survives this quite quickly. These pests are the most common on the plant:
Spider Mites/Red Spider:
If the rubber tree is dry for a long time, it can be attacked by spider mites or the red spider (belongs to the spider mites). If this is the case, fine cobwebs appear, which are particularly attached to the branch and leaf forks. Spider mites are particularly common in dry air and warm temperatures. Signs of an infestation are:
- Web on leaves/branches
- Speckles on the leaves
- Leaves turn greyish to brown
Combat:
An infestation with spider mites does not have to occur in the first place. You can prevent this by regularly spraying the rubber tree with a fine mist of lime-free water.
Is there a spider mite infestationit helps if you shower the plant with lukewarm water. Make sure that you not only wash the surface of the leaves, but also clean the underside. You then have to put a plastic bag over the plant and let it stand for a few days. Since the humidity under the bag increases significantly, the spider mites die.
If you want to use a pesticide, please always use a natural one. We can recommend e.g. Naturen Schädlingsfrei (e.g. available here). This is a ready-to-use spray based on rapeseed oil.
Mealybugs:
Mealybugs are another problem that rubber trees can cause. The pests, which can be up to 0.5 centimeters in size, have hair that secretes a greasy substance. Hence the nickname mealybug. Signs of an infestation are:
- Leaf yellowing
- dried leaves
Combat:
It is important that you separate the rubber tree from other plants as far as possible, otherwise the lice can spread to them. Neem oil can then help kill the mealybugs. A recommended product is e.g. Bayer organic pest-free neem (e.g. available here).
A mixture of paraffin oil, water and washing-up liquid that you spray onto the leaves has also proven effective. The oil then covers the mealybugs like a film, suffocating them.