Hey there, I've just spent the last hour and a half trying to google what is wrong with my Rubber plant or Ficus Elastica. We have a few dotted round the house, originally we just had one then we took some cuttings and rooted them about three years ago, they appeared to be doing well, but now the most successful one seems unhappy. It doesn't appear to be caused by pests but maybe some type of fugus or something. The growing tips of the plant seem very unhealthy: (see foto-2.jpg) and the new lower leaves have a strange non glossy, matt texture, almost like they are turning into sand paper: (see foto-1.jpg) (see foto-3.jpg) Many thanks for your help. Simon
Reminds me of damage caused by mites. They are so tiny, it's hard to see the mites themselves. Usually there is some webbing visible.
Your exactly correct! Thank you! After further inspection I saw the very fine webbing on the leaves. Which is the best/environmentally friendly way to get rid of them?
If you have other houseplants you may want to dispose of this one as mites can be highly contagious. If not, insecticidal soaps (I.E. Safer brand) will keep them in check though I have doubts that it will ever eliminate them.
