Wilting Spots on Repotted Rubber Tree Leaves
The rubber tree plant is a vigorously growing evergreen that is relatively disease resistance. As a ficus tree, however, the rubber tree plant is susceptible to many of the Ficus family’s most common foliage diseases. Though repotting the rubber tree is a beneficial, and often necessary, factor in its care, the process can increase the tree’s susceptibility to infection. Does this Spark an idea?
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Drought
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The established rubber tree plant is highly drought-tolerant and can thrive vigorously in all levels of sunlight. The newly repotted rubber tree plant is not as resilient, however, and requires plenty of moisture and sunlight to reestablish itself. A lack of water after a repotting will cause the rubber tree plant to respond with browning and wilting foliage, as well as dieback and growth stunt.
Watering
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Reverse the drought conditions by irrigating your rubber tree immediately. Water the plant deeply to ensure that the water reaches the deepest roots. Pour the water evenly around the base of the tree until the excess water begins to run evenly from the drainage holes. Place the rubber tree plant in a warm, sunny environment that receives full, indirect sunlight. Move the plant to a location that receives full sunlight after a few days.
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Anthracnose
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Though the rubber tree plant’s mature foliage is resistant to anthracnose infection, its young, newly developing foliage is susceptible to the infection. This spore-borne fungal disease infects the foliage and stems of the rubber tree plant, causing a blighted appearance. The infected tree develops small, brown-colored spots on its foliage and stems that develop into larger, deadened areas. The foliage wilts and decays before defoliating from the tree. The infectious spores develop on defoliated litter that lies around the rubber tree plant and are transported onto the tree, normally, by wind and rain. However, it is always possible to contaminate the rubber tree with anthracnose spores during the repotting process. The spores are easily transported when moving infected debris away from the tree and during branch and root pruning.
Treatment
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Though unsightly, anthracnose infections cause little harm to the healthy rubber tree plant when treated promptly. The infected foliage should be pruned from the tree, along with any infected stems. The disease can be controlled and prevented with a fungicidal spray treatment. The chemical must be applied according to the directions to ensure best results without further injury to the plant. To avoid further anthracnose infections, take efforts to keep the rubber tree’s foliage dry. Always water the plant at soil level and keep its planting surface free of debris and defoliation.
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