Diagnosing Leaf Drop in a Mature Rubber Tree

Diagnosing Leaf Drop in a Mature Rubber Tree

A 20-year-old rubber tree suddenly dropping leaves—including new growth—can signal several issues. While there’s no fixed lifespan for indoor plants, sudden decline often relates to environmental changes: light reduction, watering inconsistency, soil compaction, or root-bound conditions.

Key Factors to Evaluate

• Has light exposure changed? Rubber trees need bright, indirect light.
• Is watering consistent? Allow the top soil to dry between thorough waterings.
• Has the plant been repotted recently? Overpotting leads to soggy roots.
• Check for pests: inspect leaves and stems for scale, mealybugs, or spider mites.

Next Steps

Prune back leggy stems to encourage bushier growth. If the cause isn’t clear, email photos to a horticultural expert for a precise diagnosis. Adjust care gradually and monitor for new, healthy growth.