Can anyone help with these brown-black spots on my rubber plant?

[luceberg]

Hi everyone, I bought this HUGE rubber plant for (too?) cheap at a supermarket, and it already has a leaf with large blackish-brown spots on it. I don't think I've overwatered it but it's been very humid and there hasn't been much sunlight here this week. Any input/help would be much appreciated ! I have bad memories of a previous rubber plant whose leaves did this before all dropping off. I want to save this big baby!

cheers

 

[cpp gardener]

How long have you had it?
How much light does it get?
How far from a window is it?
How often have you watered it?
Does the pot have a hole in the bottom?
Does water come out of the bottom when you water? How much?

 

[Oliver Buckle]

They are some relevant questions, the most common cause is root rot due to waterlogging. If it is that you will need to re-pot and also remove the rotting root material, giving it a day out of the pot to let the air to the roots.

 

[luceberg]

Thanks for your answers ! I’ve only had it a for about a week or so. When I bought it I repotted it immediately (didn’t notice any root rot but didn’t inspect the roots closely) and watered it once. Yes there is a hole in the pot and I put some pebbles at the bottom (and used « universal » potting mix) but I’m not sure the drainage is good enough. Maybe I should move it to a place with better light ? (It only gets indirect light). Can I really have caused root rot from a single watering ?! If I let it dry out do you think it can make it ? I’m worried repotting twice in such a short time might cause more damage than good.

 

[cpp gardener]

Don’t repot. You are correct that a single watering in a pot with a drain hole. It hasn’t been anywhere near long enough for your watering to be a problem. I would say move it to a brighter location. Rubber trees can survive in low-light conditions but they don’t thrive.
FWIW gravel or rocks in the bottom makes the drainage worse, not better. No need to remove though. Just remember the possible issue.

 

[luceberg]

Oo thank you, I didn’t know about gravel/rocks making the drainage worse I moved it closer to the window, hope that helps. Also, I left the leaf that has the spots on the plant, is that ok or should I remove it like I would if it was diseased/ caused by fungus ?

 

[cpp gardener]

It doesn't matter. Since there was no infection it won't spread anything. If you don't like it remove it.

 

[luceberg]

Ok thanks so much for the advice! I hope it’ll be happier by the window cheers!