Ficus elastica
Quick answer
Leaf drop on your rubber plant has a few possible causes, and on this plant the likeliest is a recent change or shock.
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How to tell
It started dropping leaves soon after you bought, moved, or repotted it.
The fix
Check moisture and roots before changing anything. Keep its spot and care steady and don’t fertilize while it settles. If roots were damaged, follow this plant’s repotting guidance. Water according to moisture, only when the top 5 cm (2 in) of soil feel dry to the touch. Check drainage and do not water just because a calendar says it is time.
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How to tell
Leaves yellow and then drop, and the soil stays wet for days after watering.
The fix
Ease off watering, check drainage, and inspect for rot in the roots if it feels soft.
How to tell
Leaves drop after the soil has been bone dry for a while. Watch for drooping leaves first.
The fix
If the soil is bone dry, water thoroughly, then check it more regularly so it doesn’t dry out that far again.
How to tell
It sits in a draft, near a cold window, or next to a heater, and leaves fall after a cold snap or a sudden temperature swing.
The fix
Move it somewhere with stable, draft-free temperatures.
How to tell
It quietly sheds its lower and inner leaves over weeks while new growth stays small and pale. Rubber plant wants bright, indirect light.
The fix
Give it a brighter position, out of harsh midday sun.
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