Posts tagged leaf drop
Does Daylight Saving Time Affect Your Houseplants?
daylight saving time houseplants

It’s that time of year again: the sun’s rays have slowly been diminishing (we’ve lost about five hours of daylight since the summer solstice in June!), and as we “fall back” for Daylight Saving Time, our days will feel even shorter than before. Along with the loss of daylight, the sun’s highest point is also lowering, meaning sunlight is softer and less intense than it was a few months ago.

All these changes affect not only us but also our leafy friends. While our plants might not find the clock shift as disruptive (or debatable) as we do, they definitely note the change of light.

Here are a few things to look out for and keep in mind as you nurture living plants in your home:

  • Leaf drop might occur. And there’s nothing to worry about! Your plant is just adjusting to less light and possibly beginning to save energy til spring. If the leaf drop feels excessive or persists over several weeks, there might be something else going on.

  • You’ll need to water less. As plants get less light, they get less thirsty. Adjust your watering routine as needed.

  • You might need to move things around. Some plants will benefit from a sunnier spot during the winter, or at least getting some extra light here and there a few days a week.

  • Your plant will most likely grow more slowly. It may even stop growing for a while.

  • You can reduce fertilizing. Most fertilizers are too strong to use in the winter, but if you’d like to give your plants a little something extra, you can fertilize once a month with Boost Vitaminé, a very gentle liquid plant food, or foliar feed a few times a week with Potion Magique plant mist, or both!


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Why Is My Rubber Tree Losing Leaves?

rubber tree losing leaves

Why Is My Rubber Tree Losing Leaves?

Ah, leaf fall. We love to see it outside on a blustery autumn day, but it’s not something that any plant parent wants to see affecting their indoor greenery! And when it comes to the Rubber Tree, whose crowning glory is their profusion of glossy, high-shine leaves in shades of emerald and burgundy, their foliage is truly the stuff of legend. So, it’s natural to be concerned if you notice that your Rubber Tree, alias Ficus Elastica, is experiencing falling leaves. But not to worry- there’s a solution for every plant problem, and falling foliage is no exception. Read on as we relate the most common causes of falling foliage on Rubber Trees, and how to quickly and effectively correct the problem.

Unstable Temperatures and Humidity Levels

We’ve said it many times, but it bears repeating: indoor plants do not like cold drafts. In fact, they also don’t particularly like gusts of hot air, either. What they do like is a stable climate, with stable levels of humidity and light. So if your Rubber Tree is dropping leaves, the first step is to assess its location and make sure it is not situated near any appliance that causes drafts or fluctuations in temperature: ACs, vents, heaters and frequently opened and closed doors can all cause temperature shifts that may affect your Rubber Tree’s foliage.

Note that if you need to move your Rubber Tree, it will need to be situated in a spot that will fulfill its needs for light. Spots with bright, indirect light are best. If you suspect your plant is dry, you can mist it up to three times weekly-- but be sure that it is not close to an appliance that emits gusts of cold air before doing so.

Plant Doctor Support

In the event that you follow the steps above and your Rubber Tree’s condition does not improve, or if you’re simply having a hard time determining the cause of your plant’s particular issues, you can always reach out to our Plant Doctor service. Simply log into your Leon and George account, then select the option “Contact Plant Doctor”. Include photos of the Rubber Tree as a whole, and close-ups of any stressed area, drooping or fallen leaves. The Plant Doctor team will respond to you with their assessment and advice within 2-3 business days.


Rubber Tree

The Rubber Tree, or Ficus Elastica, is renowned for its glossy, emerald and burgundy foliage. This lush, high-shine Ficus is a low-maintenance floor plant that lends intrigue and deeply nuanced color to any space. Low-light adaptable, the Rubber Tree requires watering only sparingly.