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Rubber Tree Black Spots: Sunburn, Not Fungus

Black spots on a rubber tree (Ficus elastica) moved to full outdoor sun are sunburn. These jungle plants can't handle direct sun. Move to shade under a tree or covered porch. No fungal cause known for black spots on rubber trees.

House Plants: Black Spots on Japanese Maple Bark: Likely Harmless Lichens; Black Spots on Maple Leaves: Tar Spot Fungus—Rake Leaves, Reduce Inoculum, Tree Usually Fine; Mango Tree Black Spots on Branches: Check for Scale; Yucca Leaf Spots: Cosmetic Fungus, Not Fatal; Black Spots on New Orchid Growth: Fungal from Water on Leaves; Rubber Tree (Ficus elastica) Cold Damage: Pruning for Recovery; Identifying & Treating Scale on Rubber Tree; Rubber Tree Toxicity: Sap Irritant, Keep Away from Baby; Rubber Tree Losing Leaves in Hallway: Light Deficiency; Taking a Cutting from a Sentimental Rubber Tree

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