Rubber Tree Dying From the Root

Signs of Trouble

• If you recognize the early signs of root rot in your rubber tree, you can act quickly to save the tree before it dies completely. Your rubber tree's leaves will start to yellow. Yellowing leaves is a sign of nutrient deficiency because the unhealthy roots are unable to move nutrients and water from the soil to the leaves. Dig down into the soil of your tree, if it is root rot, the roots will feel soft or mushy and you'll need to act quickly to figure out the problem and save the tree. If the roots feel solid, your rubber tree's roots are healthy and the plant simply needs a dose of fertilizer.

Too Much Water

• The main culprit of root rot in a rubber tree is overwatering. Although many tropical plants do well in moist soil, rubber trees prefer that their soil dries almost completely in between waterings. The top 2 inches of soil should be visibly dry before watering the plant. When you do water, thoroughly soak the soil so the water drains into the tray below the pot. Wait until the soil dries before watering again.

Wrong Soil Type

• If you pot your rubber tree in soil that retains water, the roots are more likely to rot than if potted in quickly draining soil. Some commercial potting soils have additives that hold water, and then slowly release it so you don't have to water as often. However, retaining water near the roots encourages rot and this type of soil should not be used with rubber trees. Clay soil also drains poorly and should not be used with a rubber tree. For your tree's root health, use 3 parts basic potting soil mixed with 1 part sand.

Saving the Tree

• Once you've determined the root rot’s cause, replant the tree. Trim the tree back to 1-foot tall making it more manageable, and then remove the tree from its pot. Cut away all the rotted root. Remove every soft piece of root and unhealthy upper growth, or the rot spreads again. This drastically reduces tree’s size, but what remains is healthy and readily regrows. Replant the remaining root and any upper growth in a clean pot with a potting soil and sand mixture. Water the plant thoroughly and place it in a bright, warm area.