A tall plant with dark green, large and glossy leaves - this is what many people imagine the ideal rubber tree to look like. However, there are other varieties with multicolored or small leaves that are not immediately recognized as rubber trees.
There are rubber tree varieties with red leaves
Less well known is the fact that the dark green leaves of the rubber tree also begin to grow as red shoots. Then, over time, they get their usual green color. However, some varieties always remain reddish on the underside of the leaves, others have reddish spots on light or green leaves. These variegated varieties are becoming increasingly popular.
Can red spots or leaves also be a sign of disease?
Occasionally, red spots on the leaves of a rubber tree are also caused by leaf spot disease. This disease mainly occurs when care is not given correctly, for example if the rubber tree is too cold or too damp, or if it is watered too much. In this case, you should immediately treat the tree with a fungicide.
How do I keep my rubber tree healthy?
Basically, the rubber tree does not need a lot of care. It should only be poured moderately or dipped. You may give it some fertilizer about every six weeks. Commercially available liquid or long-term fertilizer is completely sufficient. In winter, no fertilizer is necessary.
Your rubber tree needs warmth and lots of light to thrive. The air should not be too dry, but also not as humid as in the greenhouse. Spider mites, for example, tend to appear in a dry room climate. Your rubber tree, on the other hand, does not tolerate drafts at all. You should consider this when choosing the right location.
The essentials in brief:
- new shoots always reddish
- some varieties have reddish undersides of leaves
- variegated varieties with reddish spots possible
- rarely the result of a fungal disease
- best growth with good care and ideal location
tips
In a healthy rubber tree, the young leaves grow out of a red scapula. The young shoots always appear reddish.