Pocket BotanistCheck these first
- Check the top few centimeters of soil for dryness.
- Inspect the air around the plant for drafts or heating vents.
- Look for signs of dust buildup on the leaves.
Likely causes
Low Humidity
Most likelyHow to tell: The tips become dry and crispy while the rest of the leaf remains green. This is common in homes with central heating or air conditioning.
What to do: Place your plant on a tray filled with pebbles and water to boost local humidity. You can also group it with other plants to create a more humid microclimate.
Underwatering
PossibleHow to tell: The soil feels bone dry and pulls away from the edges of the pot. The leaves may also lose their glossy sheen.
What to do: Water your plant thoroughly until liquid drains from the bottom of the pot. Ensure you are watering every 7 to 14 days, letting the top few centimeters of soil dry out first.
Find out what's wrong with your rubber plant
The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
When to worry
Small brown tips are usually just a sign of environmental stress, but if the browning spreads to the center of the leaf, you should adjust your care routine immediately.
Stopping it coming back
Keep your rubber plant away from direct airflow from heaters or air conditioners to maintain a steady environment.
Keep your rubber plant healthy from here
Save your plant in Pocket Botanist and you get care reminders timed for this plant, plus a care history that shows what worked. Identification and a health check are free.
Questions people ask
- Should I trim off the brown tips?
- Yes, you can trim the brown parts with clean scissors for aesthetic reasons. Just be careful not to cut into the healthy green tissue.
- Does misting help with brown tips?
- Misting provides only temporary relief and is not very effective for rubber plants. A pebble tray or a humidifier is a much better long term solution.
More problems with Rubber Plant
- Why is my rubber plant losing its leaves?
- How do I get rid of pests on my rubber plant?
- Why are my rubber plant's leaves turning yellow?
- How do I fix root rot on my rubber plant?
- Why is my rubber plant growing so tall and leggy?
- Why are there spots on my rubber plant leaves?
- Why is my rubber plant drooping?
- Why are my rubber plant's leaves curling?
Back to the Rubber Plant guide
This article was generated with AI from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.