Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Examine the spots to see if they are fuzzy or raised.
- Check if you have been misting the leaves recently.
- Look at the underside of the leaves for any pests.
Likely causes
Fungal Leaf Spot
Most likelyHow to tell: Small dark or reddish brown spots appear on the leaves, often with a yellow halo.
What to do: Remove the affected leaves immediately to stop the spread. Avoid misting the leaves and ensure good airflow around the plant.
Edema
PossibleHow to tell: Small raised bumps or blisters form on the leaves when the plant absorbs too much water.
What to do: Adjust your watering schedule to be less frequent. Make sure the soil is well draining and not holding too much moisture.
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
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
When to worry
Small, isolated spots are usually manageable. Worry if the spots are spreading rapidly across the entire plant.
Stopping it coming back
Keep the leaves dry and provide plenty of indirect light to help the plant stay healthy.
Rubber Plant: spots? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your rubber plant and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free
Questions people ask
- Can I wipe the spots off?
- If the spots are just dust or mineral deposits, they will wipe off. If they are part of the leaf tissue, they are likely fungal or edema.
- Is leaf spot contagious to my other plants?
- Yes, fungal spores can spread through the air or water splashes. Keep the affected plant isolated until it recovers.
Guides to these causes
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 my rubber plant's leaf tips turning brown?
- 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 on from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.