Rubber Plant Brown Leaves: Light, Water, and the Mayonnaise Myth

Diagnosing Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica) Issues

Brown leaves and drop usually mean:

• Too little light – needs bright indirect + some direct sun.
• Too much water – water only when top quarter of soil is dry.

Mayonnaise on Leaves? No!

Some use mayo to shine leaves, but it clogs stomata (pores) and attracts dust/pests. Clean leaves with a soapy damp cloth, then polish with a soft dry cloth.

Natural Aging

Lower leaves on older plants naturally yellow and drop as the plant becomes tree-like (in nature, 80 ft tall). This is normal.

Action Plan

1. Move to a sunnier spot.
2. Adjust watering to soil dryness, not calendar.
3. Clean leaves properly.
4. Accept natural lower leaf loss.