Why do ficus turn yellow and the leaves fall

Growers who grow rubber plants, may encounter such a problem as the yellowing and falling of leaves from their Pets. Before embarking on the resuscitation of plants, you should find out the cause of this phenomenon.

Natural causes

The leaves of ficus may drop in the fall and winter is a natural process, the number of fallen leaves is usually 10-20% of the total green mass. Healthy plants are fading, only the lower leaves.

Change in the usual conditions

Ficus begins to drop leaves due to sudden temperature changes, reducing light transfer from a warm room to a cooler.


As ficus do not like change, it is advisable to choose for him a certain place in the future not to disturb the plant.

Temperature and lighting

To prevent the disease of rubber plants, they should not be put on the marble and tiled floors, window sills and cold because the roots of these plants sensitive to the cold. In the winter, make sure that your pet is not in contact with the window glass.


The best temperature for ficus Benjamin is an 18 – 25oC, for variegated species require warmer conditions. When the temperature is too high the plant begins to suffer, he begins to wither the leaves.


As the ficus tree likes light, you should not keep it in a shaded place, but under direct sunlight the plant can't be put. Best for your green friend will fit a spacious bright room with no drafts.

Incorrect watering

To turn yellow and fall off the leaves of the ficus can due to improper watering. When excessive moisture the roots of plants begin to rot, which leads first to his disease, and then death.


If your plant has suffered from overwatering, let the soil dry for a half to two weeks. During this time, the condition of the ficus should be fine. If he's not getting better, you need to replant the flower in different soil, eliminate the decayed roots by placing the root system in a container with a weak solution of potassium permanganate.

Pests and diseases

Fall off the leaves of rubber plants from fungal diseases and pests – mites, thrips, scale insects, aphids and mealybug. Carefully inspect your green friend, if you find it on the web, damaging themselves and insects, is urgently treat the plant with special preparations.

Iron deficiency

Young leaves often start to turn yellow due to lack of soil iron. In such cases the plants must be fed Ferrovia or chelate iron.


Feed ficus should be in the growth period, i.e. from March to September. The day before the procedure the plant should be watered so that the fertiliser does not burn the root system.