Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Touch the soil to see if it is waterlogged.
- Lift the plant to check if the roots are firm or mushy.
- Verify that the pot has drainage holes.
Likely causes
Overwatering
Most likelyHow to tell: The soil feels soggy and the plant looks droopy or yellow. Roots may appear mushy and dark instead of firm and white.
What to do: Remove the plant from its pot and trim away any soft, brown roots. Repot into fresh, well draining soil and wait until the top inch is dry before watering again.
Poor drainage
PossibleHow to tell: Water pools at the bottom of the pot or the drainage holes are blocked.
What to do: Ensure your pot has holes at the bottom. Use a chunky potting mix with perlite to improve airflow.
When to worry
If the stem feels soft or mushy near the soil line, the rot may have spread too far to save the plant. Act as soon as you notice a foul smell or wilting.
Stopping it coming back
Always let the top inch of soil dry out before watering again. Use a pot with adequate drainage holes.
Not sure which one it is? Photograph your rubber tree.
This page lists the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at your actual leaf and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.
Questions people ask
- Can I save a rubber tree with root rot?
- Yes, if you catch it early. You must remove all damaged roots and repot in clean soil.
- How often should I water?
- Water every 5 to 10 days, but only when the top inch of soil is dry.
More problems with Rubber tree
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.