Rubber Plant Sunburn Recovery: Leaf Removal and Rejuvenation Pruning

Rubber Plant Sunburn Recovery: Leaf Removal and Rejuvenation Pruning

Ficus elastica leaves scorched by sudden 100°F+ sun. Damaged leaves won't recover; strategic pruning restores shape.

Immediate Actions

1. Remove scorched leaves: Cut at petiole base. If >50% leaf damaged, remove whole leaf.
2. Assess stems: Bare stems from leaf loss = prune back to just above a node with healthy leaves or latent bud.
3. Acclimate: Gradual light increase over 2 weeks (shade → morning sun → full).

Rejuvenation Pruning

• Cut leggy stems to 6–12" above soil (late spring).
• New growth emerges from nodes below cuts.
• Pinch tips for bushiness.

Ongoing Care

• Bright indirect light (east/south window).
• Water when top 2" dry.
• Monthly fish/seaweed fertilizer (spring–fall).
• Repot if rootbound (roots circling).

Sunburn is a setback, not a death sentence. Prune, acclimate, and it'll rebound stronger.