I inherited a plant from my dad after he passed away, and it holds a lot of sentimental value for me. It thrived in his home for years, but since I've brought it to my house, it seems to be shrinking every day. It's currently on a table in my sunroom which gets bright, indirect light, while it used to sit in front of patio doors in his house. There aren't many dead leaves, but I really want to keep this plant alive. I've even rooted some cuttings, but I'm worried about the original. Any advice on how to care for it would be greatly appreciated! I have some images showing how it has changed over the years.
3 Answers
I agree with the last commenter. Rubber trees do well in sunlight. If your plant is adjusting to its new environment, it might go through some shock. As for the soil, a mix of potting soil with some orchid bark and perlite for aeration can really help. You might want to look at the roots as well – if any are mushy or black, that's a sign to trim them back. Also, pictures of the plant would really help identify any issues! If it's not a rubber plant, I'd love to see those pics to offer better advice!
It sounds like you might have a rubber plant! They really enjoy bright light, so moving it to a brighter spot could help. Check the soil – if it smells bad or the water drains too quickly or slowly, that could be an issue. A lot of problems come from the roots, so consider trimming them if they're rootbound. Make sure to use some fresh, well-draining soil too. Sometimes, tap water can be hard on them, so switching to filtered water might be beneficial. Good luck!
Okay, so I definitely don't think it's a rubber plant based on the pictures you've shared! It might belong to another family. The care tips are still valid, though! If you're seeing shrinking, it could be a sign of lack of nutrients or improper soil. If you can, check the roots and maybe give it some fresh soil! Keep it in that bright spot – it's likely just adjusting. Would love to see more pics to help out further!
Yeah, definitely keep an eye on it! New soil and proper care can make a big difference!
Thanks for the input! I'll take a closer look at the roots and might repot it soon. Here are the images of how it looked last year compared to now.