A tall plant with dark green, large and shiny leaves - this is what many people imagine the ideal rubber tree to look like. However, there are other varieties with multicolored or small leaves that are not immediately recognized as rubber trees.
How do you recognize red leaves on rubber trees?
Red leaves on rubber trees are often natural, as young shoots grow reddish and some varieties have red undersides or spots. Less commonly, red spots can appear on leaves due to leaf spot disease, usually due to incorrect care.
Less known is the fact that the dark green leaves of the rubber tree also begin to grow as red shoots. Over time they turn their usual green color. However, some varieties always remain reddish on the underside of the leaves, others have reddish spots on light or green leaves. These colorful leafy varieties are becoming increasingly popular.
Can red spots or leaves also be signs of disease?
Occasionally, red spots on the leaves of a rubber tree are also caused by leaf spot. This disease mainly occurs when it is not cared for properly, for example when the rubber tree is too cold or too wet, or perhaps when it is watered too much. In this case, you should immediately treat the tree with a fungicide.
How do I keep my rubber tree he althy?
Basically, the rubber tree does not need much care. It should only be watered moderately or dipped. You can give it some fertilizer about every six weeks. Commercially available liquid or slow-release fertilizer is completely sufficient. No fertilizer is necessary in winter.
To thrive, your rubber tree needs warmth and lots of light. The air should not be too dry, but also not as humid as in a greenhouse. Spider mites, for example, prefer to appear in dry indoor climates. However, your rubber tree absolutely cannot tolerate drafts. You should consider this when choosing the right location.
The most important things in brief:
- new shoots always reddish
- some varieties have reddish undersides of leaves
- variegated varieties with reddish spots possible
- rarely the result of a fungal disease
- best growth with good care and ideal location
Tip
In a he althy rubber tree, the young leaves grow from a red stipule. The young shoots always appear reddish.
