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» Willy World » Gardening Reference » Gardening in 2005 » Ficus Elastica

   
Author Garden: Ficus Elastica
Nava de Roa
Gardener
Member # 7479

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Hi everyone, I'm a new member to the forum but have been a long time apartment-bound gardener.

This summer, I purchased a rubber tree which, after some initial leaf dropping, was doing fantastically a few feet away from a south facing window. I think that was it adjusting.

But now in its first winter with me, I'm trying to learn its water needs. Two weeks ago, I was encouraged by its color and 'bounce' improving after not being watered for 1.5 weeks, so I decided a full 2 weeks between waterings might be good for it.

I'm not sure if that's what did it, but I got a sudden 6 or 7 leaves dropping overnight Saturday, and other healthy leaves have folded length-wise but not dropped. Is it the watering that did this? Or does a rubber tree drop leaves during dormancy, even indoors?

I gave it a healthy watering yesterday morning and no new leaves have dropped off, but I'm concerned because I haven't pegged its watering schedule during winter yet.
Plants: 7 | From: Washington, DC | Registered: Dec 2005  |  Seeded: 207.87.158.230
peppereater
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Member # 5266

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Actually, in the winter, the air indoors can be drier than in other seasons. Keep an eye on it for a few more days, and if it rebounds, go back to your old schedule.
Plants: 2290 | From: norman, ok | Registered: Apr 2005  |  Seeded: 72.16.97.202
Nava de Roa
Gardener
Member # 7479

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Thanks for the help peppereater! I'll let you know how it goes.
Plants: 7 | From: Washington, DC | Registered: Dec 2005  |  Seeded: 68.49.148.44
Jiffymouse
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pepper is right, the drier indoor air could well be the culprit. you might find that you have to put a "pebble tray" under it. that is a tray of water that has rocks or something that keeps the plant from sitting in the water, but lets the evaporation increase the humidity.
Seeded: 12.77.200.181
Nava de Roa
Gardener
Member # 7479

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Ten days later, I've watered it on the old schedule and I haven't had any more leaves drop.

I have a few pebble trays in the area where I keep the ficus, keeping humidity between 30 and 40%.

But thanks for the help! I'll stick to watering it every 10 days, like I used to.
Plants: 7 | From: Washington, DC | Registered: Dec 2005  |  Seeded: 207.87.158.192
   

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