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What’s eating my Rubber Plant

Ann85Ann85 Posts: 64
in Problem solving
We have a very unhappy Elephants Ear plant which is covered in white spider mites (I think) they have a web like structure under the leaf. Only past few days. Had this spread to my Rubber Plant? It has a black damaged patch now where the leaves might’ve touched? 

I can’t see any mites on the rubber plant. Nothing unusual about the under side, even under the black patch. It’s like something is eating through the glossy top surface. 

Is there any hope for the Elephants Ear? It’s so sad and droopy. We don’t use pesticides. Thanks, A


Posts

  • bédébédé Posts: 3,095
    Ann85 said:
     We don’t use pesticides. Thanks, A


    All plants have strategies for dealing with insects.  In a domestic environment you will need to give extra assistance.  

    What is your strategy for dealing with insect pests?

    Something as simple as wiping with a damp cloth would be better than nothing.
     location: Surrey Hills, England, ex-woodland acidic sand.
    "Have nothing in your garden that you don't know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful."
  • Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 11,340
    edited July 2023
    Could the leaf on the rubber plant have got a touch of sunburn?

    As said above a wipe with a damp cloth is better than nothing.
    If your plant has spider mites or aphids you could try neem oil. It's not an insecticide - it works by glueing the insects in place and prevents respiration so they die.
    Don't over use it though as it can also cause problems with your plant's respiration.

    Ps if your plant has spider mites, most types are barely visible without magnification.
    If you have a magnifying glass have a look on the underside of an affected leaf.
    The most common variety is the 2 spot spider mite which is miniscule and almost transparent except for the 2 spots that look like eyes.

    Billericay - Essex

    Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
    Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
  • amancalledgeorgeamancalledgeorge Posts: 2,736
    Also do try and repot the rubber plant, you can see the roots struggling in the pot. 
    To Plant a Garden is to Believe in Tomorrow
  • Ann85Ann85 Posts: 64
    amancalledgeorge said:
    Also do try and repot the rubber plant, you can see the roots struggling in the pot. 
    Yes I definitely will. That’s only just recently happened. It’s a top priority! Thank you
  • Ann85Ann85 Posts: 64
    Pete.8 said:
    Could the leaf on the rubber plant have got a touch of sunburn?

    As said above a wipe with a damp cloth is better than nothing.
    If your plant has spider mites or aphids you could try neem oil. It's not an insecticide - it works by glueing the insects in place and prevents respiration so they die.
    Don't over use it though as it can also cause problems with your plant's respiration.

    Ps if your plant has spider mites, most types are barely visible without magnification.
    If you have a magnifying glass have a look on the underside of an affected leaf.
    The most common variety is the 2 spot spider mite which is miniscule and almost transparent except for the 2 spots that look like eyes.
    Yes I can just about see tiny dots on the Elephants ear. Going to try wiping them off and then looking into buying mites which eat those mites? They come in a box of 1000 and devour the mites but not the plant? Quite expensive 
  • Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 11,340
    Good luck -I'd be interested to know if the good mites do eat all the bad mites :)
    🤞

    Billericay - Essex

    Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
    Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
  • Ann85Ann85 Posts: 64
    Pete.8 said:
    Good luck -I'd be interested to know if the good mites do eat all the bad mites :)
    🤞
    It can take a few weeks I think. And yes the Rubber Plant, sunburn, could well be. I moved its position and we think that leaf was touching the south facing patio door glass in flaming June. It’s in a more moderate location now! 🤞😎
  • bédébédé Posts: 3,095
    edited July 2023
    I can't see any struggling roots.  The pots are in proportion to the plants.  Just what is good for the aesthetics.

    "Great mites have little mites upon their backs to bite 'em,
    And little mites have lesser mites, and so ad infinitum."
     location: Surrey Hills, England, ex-woodland acidic sand.
    "Have nothing in your garden that you don't know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful."
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