Saving an 18-Year-Old Rubber Plant from Root Rot

Chronic Overwatering Outdoors

Rainy seasons filled the pot, causing sour-smelling soil and root rot. Yellow leaves and drooping indicate ongoing damage. Root hormone takes months to work.

Critical Fixes

• Use pot with large drainage holes; remove drain tray during rain.
• Empty tray 1 hour after watering (use turkey baster if needed).
• Mix own soil: 2 parts perlite to 3 parts cheap potting soil for fast drainage.

Recovery is slow; watch for firm new growth.