The Ficus elastica, also known as the Rubber Ficus, is an easy to care for houseplant which brings a touch of greenery to your interior. If the Ficus elastica requires fairly simple care, it can still happen that it is the victim of negligence or attacks by predators which can, in the worst case, lead to its loss.
Do not panic ! With a few simple tips, you can bring your plant back to life. How to save a Ficus elastica? Quickly read our article to find out more!
Save a Ficus elastica by ridding it of red spiders
Ficus elastica can be attacked by red spiders. These will appear when the ambient air is hot and dry. In reality, these little animals are mites which will initially cause the leaves to turn yellow, and which can end up infesting the whole plant. With a massive presence of red spiders, the loss of leaves will happen faster and the plant eventually dies.
The presence of red spider mites can sometimes be difficult to notice early in the infestation. However, there are some clues that can help you make the diagnosis. If the leaves of the plant start to turn yellow and dry out after being speckled with white or yellow dots, then you may strongly suspect the presence of red spiders. This can be confirmed by observing canvases that you can see with the naked eye after spraying water on the plant.
At the beginning of the infestation, you must mist all the leaves and stems of Ficus elastica with clear water. Spider mites do not like humidity at all, and several repeated sprays of water may be enough to eliminate these little beasts if they are not already present in too many numbers.
Save a Ficus elastica by ridding it of mealybugs
Mealybugs are another pest that frequently attacks Ficus elastica. These small parasites will suck the sap and secrete honeydew which blocks photosynthesis and therefore the development of Ficus elastica. Their presence is characterized by small, cottony white clumps on various plant organs. You may also notice brown spots and small sticky drops on the leaves. By paying more attention, you will spot tiny half-ball-shaped mealybugs on the inside of the leaves and along their veins.
Some simple actions will allow you to fight against mealybugs. Prepare a mixture of vegetable oil and dishwashing liquid in equal parts which you will then dilute in a large amount of water. In general, a ratio of one teaspoon of the mixture to 150 ml of water is recommended. Then soak a cloth with the mixture and wipe the surfaces infested with Ficus elastica. You can also use a cotton ball soaked in denatured alcohol or beer.
If there are too many mealybugs, arrange several ladybugs on the plant. These will then feed on mealybugs as well as their larvae and eggs. You can buy ladybugs in stores. Open the bag and hang it on the colonized Ficus elastica.
Rescue a Ficus elastica that is not in an appropriate environment
As with all varieties of ficus, if your Ficus elastica is losing its leaves, it is probably because its environment does not suit it perfectly. It is then necessary to move the plant to a suitable place, sheltered from drafts.
Ficus elastica is a plant that needs exposure to the sun for part of the day. Thus, you will make sure to place it in front of a window to the east or further away from a window facing south or west. The Ficus elastica fears the cold and it will always be necessary to think about sheltering it during the winter, when the temperatures are low. The average temperature of a room inside is suitable for him and you will be careful that he is never subjected to temperatures lower than 15 ° C.
If the leaves of Ficus elastica start to turn yellow, it is most likely due to excess water. Always think allow the soil to dry well between two waterings so that the substrate can provide effective drainage. If the leaves have brown spots and they become dry, the plant is definitely in an overly sunny environment. Then move the Ficus elastica to an environment that suits it better.
When you buy a Ficus elastica, it is very likely that it will lose its leaves. So don't worry! The plant needs to adapt to its new environment and you will have to wait a bit for it to get used to it. On the other hand, if the problems persist, you will have to check that the plant has not been infested by parasites and that its contributions are well adapted.
