The rubber tree initially grows a reddish tip, from which a lush green leaf usually unrolls. Patterns on the leaves are a natural feature of some varieties. But not every stain is harmless. Leaf spot disease is hidden behind some of them.
What is leaf spot on rubber trees and how can you treat it?
Leaf spot disease on the rubber tree is manifested by yellow, brown or black spots on the leaves. The causes are often care errors such as soil that is too moist, cold irrigation water or a lack of air circulation. Affected leaves should be removed and the plant treated with fungicides to prevent spread.
The visible signs
The leaf spot disease is clearly visible on the leaves. Any patterns that are not part of the plant's natural appearance should be taken seriously as they could be the symptom of this disease. It usually causes yellow, brown and occasionally black spots on the leaves.
Care errors as a trigger
The rubber tree is, as the name suggests, a small tree in its homeland. There he spends his time outdoors, where nature takes care of him. In this country the tree has a more delicate appearance and is almost always an indoor plant that roots in pots. Existence in closed rooms and the need for targeted care make people susceptible to illness as soon as something is wrong.
The following care errors promote leaf spot disease:
- too moist potting soil
- irrigation water that is too cold
- excessive spraying of leaves
- too high humidity
- lack of or low air circulation
- unsuitable, cold location
All of these care errors weaken the vitality of the plant and make it easy for pathogens to conquer it.
Isolate a diseased rubber tree
In living rooms, several plants are often kept in close proximity. The fungus doesn't have far to go to find a new victim, especially not when their leaves touch each other. Among other things, dragon trees, camellias, anthuriums, hydrangeas and various types of orchids can suffer from it.
Place the diseased rubber tree away from other plants before taking further control measures. As a precaution, keep an eye on the plants that still look he althy.
Remove spotted leaves
The sooner you notice the infestation and act, the more of your rubber tree will remain. All affected leaves must be cut off close to the branch using clean and disinfected scissors. The cutting tool should be disinfected again before each cut.
Treatment with fungicides
After all infected areas have been removed, the rubber tree can be sprayed with a fungicide. To do this, place the tree outside so that the chemicals cannot spread into the air.
Optimize location and care
It is high time to find out more about the needs of the rubber tree and to recognize and correct errors in care. Only then will this disease not have the opportunity to visit the tree again.
