I think tiny white caterpillars may be eating my rubber plant. I thought I’d done away with them using neem oil mixture on the leaves & stems and in the soil, but these straight “chew lines” (pictured) have returned. Maybe a new generation of pests. Should I repot this plant in new soil, or am I likely to eliminate the bugs w repeated applications of neem? I’d rather not disturb the plant if not necessary. Thank you.
Your photo of the soil appears (hard to be sure) to show a Mealybug in the upper portion. I don't think you should need to repot for that reason. Just continue to treat and monitor the plant. The other photos all look more like damage from overwatering or under watering. The same damage can occur from both. It can also be a result of low humidity. Think of it like getting dry skin on your hands in winter and your skin cracking. Check the link below for info on leaves cracking. rubber-plant-leaves-cracking
Thank you so much for this generous and very, very helpful dude! I’m so relieved that nothing tragic is happening down in the soil. I carefully read the handout in the link, and will be investigating to see whether I might be overwatering or under watering. I use a hydrometer, and will watch closely to be sure it stays in the middle region. I have also contrive to put water around the plant with the plant on risers that keep it from sitting in the water I Already. Have two humidifiers in my living room for the plants, but if these splitting leaves continue, I will get another dedicated humidifier just for this rubber plant. And I’ll continue the Nimoy oil treatments. Yes, the creature I was concerned about is at the very top of that photograph, a bit to the left. I’m delighted to hear that it is “only” a mealybug — Something I can read about and not the mystery caterpillar I was afraid it was. I’ve been leaving the light on much more often (for longer hours), and I am amazed at how quickly the new growth is happening! Thank you again for your very generous response, and all that it has taught me. I am encouraged!
