Is my rubber tree okay?
I got it a couple weeks ago, treated it for spider mites and cleaned it all off real good and watered it because it was bone dry and now the leaves are curled. The top of the soil still feels a little damp and my probe still has soil sticking to it #RubberPlant
Last watered 2 months ago
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They curl up like that to reduce water loss from transpiration. When the plant releases water vapor from their leaves.
If you used alcohol like I see some people recommending on here called 'sexy juice' that will do it.
I literally hate seeing that recommended! It strips the plants of their waxy coating that protects them.
Zooming in on your leaves I'm almost positive you used that. There is no waxy coating that gives them the natural shine and the leaves look leathery. Thats because the waxy coating is essential to prevent moisture loss from the leaves. The wax is what protects them.
If you did use that then take her outdoors and hose her down really well to wash off any residue. It won't fix those leaves because they have been damaged but hopefully your new growth will come in healthy.
Sorry if someone takes that personally. But please people, stop recommending something that you have not personally used and have experience with.
If you have not used something for a long period of time and tested it. You shouldn't be giving the suggestion. Just because you saw it on instagram or somewhere. There is a ton of really harmful advice out there. And many people who consider their plants disposable thinking nothing of them if the die. And have simply just bought plants at the store and are suddenly experts. And then don't want to admit they made a mistake. And will never come to the aid when someone wants help for bad advice given!
Please don't fall into the trap of following influencers that do this! They make money for posting about plants but lack the knowledge to lead in their care.
I'm sorry I'll stop ranting. It is true though and I want everyone to realize the truth that they are profiting from giving advice they cannot back up. They will simply hide their dead plants and buy new ones.
I'm just frustrated, sorry I took it out on your post. 😢🩷
If you used alcohol like I see some people recommending on here called 'sexy juice' that will do it.
I literally hate seeing that recommended! It strips the plants of their waxy coating that protects them.
Zooming in on your leaves I'm almost positive you used that. There is no waxy coating that gives them the natural shine and the leaves look leathery. Thats because the waxy coating is essential to prevent moisture loss from the leaves. The wax is what protects them.
If you did use that then take her outdoors and hose her down really well to wash off any residue. It won't fix those leaves because they have been damaged but hopefully your new growth will come in healthy.
Sorry if someone takes that personally. But please people, stop recommending something that you have not personally used and have experience with.
If you have not used something for a long period of time and tested it. You shouldn't be giving the suggestion. Just because you saw it on instagram or somewhere. There is a ton of really harmful advice out there. And many people who consider their plants disposable thinking nothing of them if the die. And have simply just bought plants at the store and are suddenly experts. And then don't want to admit they made a mistake. And will never come to the aid when someone wants help for bad advice given!
Please don't fall into the trap of following influencers that do this! They make money for posting about plants but lack the knowledge to lead in their care.
I'm sorry I'll stop ranting. It is true though and I want everyone to realize the truth that they are profiting from giving advice they cannot back up. They will simply hide their dead plants and buy new ones.
I'm just frustrated, sorry I took it out on your post. 😢🩷
@SuperbRaspfern I used this bioadvanced spray stuff from Home Depot, after a few days I got a damp washcloth and gently wiped the leaves down
@SuperbRaspfern I think I’ve seen the influencer’s videos about said spray and I think I’ll reconsider making it! Yikes! I don’t want to be hurting my plants, I get sad when they aren’t doing well, and they aren’t cheap to buy, not where I’m at with my income, so I need them to stay alive
The Bioadvanced is terrible for plants too. Even the organic kind. I just left someone know this a couple of weeks ago.
It has potassium salts and fatty acids. When used together they cause cell damage to the plant and thylakoid membranes of the plant. It causes dehydration like you see in yours and extreme photosensitivity. I would throw the bioadvanced away so it doesn't get used on any other plants.
It's so frustrating that they sell these types of products. And they are sold in garden center for people wanting to help their babies. There is nothing worse than trying to help a plant and then seeing a beloved plant wither before your eyes. 😢
A couple of options for pests in the future that won't hurt your plants are:
1 tablespoon pure neem oil mixed with 4 cups (32 ounces of water)
Or
1 tablespoon Castile soap mixed with 4 cups (32 ounces of water)
Either of these are a great choice and won't hurt plants just keep them out of direct sun for a day or two after treatment.
Also want to let you know spider mites need more than one or two treatments.
You need to treat every 3 days for 3 weeks to get rid of them entirely.
I prefer the neem oil because it keeps working for a few days so when a pest takes a bite of leaf they die even after treatment. Castile is also good but it only kills on contact. As soon as it dries it becomes inactive.
Never ever use any kind of dish soap I also see that recommended and it will also strip away the waxy coating.
I have used both and never lost a plant from either. I have over 500 plants and they all do fine with the neem treatments when needed.
It has potassium salts and fatty acids. When used together they cause cell damage to the plant and thylakoid membranes of the plant. It causes dehydration like you see in yours and extreme photosensitivity. I would throw the bioadvanced away so it doesn't get used on any other plants.
It's so frustrating that they sell these types of products. And they are sold in garden center for people wanting to help their babies. There is nothing worse than trying to help a plant and then seeing a beloved plant wither before your eyes. 😢
A couple of options for pests in the future that won't hurt your plants are:
1 tablespoon pure neem oil mixed with 4 cups (32 ounces of water)
Or
1 tablespoon Castile soap mixed with 4 cups (32 ounces of water)
Either of these are a great choice and won't hurt plants just keep them out of direct sun for a day or two after treatment.
Also want to let you know spider mites need more than one or two treatments.
You need to treat every 3 days for 3 weeks to get rid of them entirely.
I prefer the neem oil because it keeps working for a few days so when a pest takes a bite of leaf they die even after treatment. Castile is also good but it only kills on contact. As soon as it dries it becomes inactive.
Never ever use any kind of dish soap I also see that recommended and it will also strip away the waxy coating.
I have used both and never lost a plant from either. I have over 500 plants and they all do fine with the neem treatments when needed.
@SuperbRaspfern I want to come sleep there, even just a lil spot on the floor will do!! 🤩😍
And oh no, I’ve used a spray like that with isopropyl 😱 I had no idea!! Luckily I haven’t killed my babies, but 😱 I don’t have mealy bugs right now but I’ve heard of getting rid of them with a qtip dipped in iso—is this also bad?? Thank you for sharing this info!!
And oh no, I’ve used a spray like that with isopropyl 😱 I had no idea!! Luckily I haven’t killed my babies, but 😱 I don’t have mealy bugs right now but I’ve heard of getting rid of them with a qtip dipped in iso—is this also bad?? Thank you for sharing this info!!
@DreamMachine Haha 😂, the q-tip is fine. Because you're only touching the bug with it. But the q-tip dipped in alcohol will not be an ueffective treatment. It is rewarding and very satisfying to see the mealybugs just kinda melt away. But to kill off the eggs and larvae a treatment course is necessary. Either of the above treatments are effective on mealybugs 🩷
You're welcome and as always feel free to copy paste and share any info you find helpful. 😊
You're welcome and as always feel free to copy paste and share any info you find helpful. 😊
@SuperbRaspfern Thank you very much! Yes it is, I always feel like, “MUAHAHAHA” getting those mealybugs.
May I ask you one more question? 🙋♀️ When you do your neem or castile treatment do you take plants elsewhere, like the bathroom, to treat them, or do you bring the treatment to them? Okay, I lied, I had two questions; are you able to treat all of your plants in one day? Or do you spread it out over multiple days?
@SerenePoisonivy sorry and thank you for letting me hijack your post with questions of my own! 🤪❤️🌱
May I ask you one more question? 🙋♀️ When you do your neem or castile treatment do you take plants elsewhere, like the bathroom, to treat them, or do you bring the treatment to them? Okay, I lied, I had two questions; are you able to treat all of your plants in one day? Or do you spread it out over multiple days?
@SerenePoisonivy sorry and thank you for letting me hijack your post with questions of my own! 🤪❤️🌱
@DreamMachine After doing it for a while you fine tune your process. I do every single plant over 500 in less than 2 hours and I do it right where they are. I fill a few spray bottle with my mix and just spray away. I'm like a woman on a mission. My family knows to leave the area. And not to get in the line of fire! I do it early in the morning so I can open all the doors and windows so the house can air out because the smell can be overwhelming. It doesn't bother me because I know it's the smell of bug death!!!
I feel like I'm a spy with two fists armed and ready to wage war. I'm my head, I see myself like an action hero rollling skillfully across the floor sneaking up and attacking any suspects that have found their way in!!!
I wear a mask and gloves because the air is filled with the mist and then spray away. I keep paper towels near me to wipe up puddle when I finish with a section then move on.
When you do the preventative you don't need to be as thorough as you do when treating for an active pest problem. I just mist the surface as best I can on tops and bottoms of leaves. Trying to cover the entire plant. It does not need to be dripping off. Of course there will be drips but it's easily wiped away from the floor.
I feel like I'm a spy with two fists armed and ready to wage war. I'm my head, I see myself like an action hero rollling skillfully across the floor sneaking up and attacking any suspects that have found their way in!!!
I wear a mask and gloves because the air is filled with the mist and then spray away. I keep paper towels near me to wipe up puddle when I finish with a section then move on.
When you do the preventative you don't need to be as thorough as you do when treating for an active pest problem. I just mist the surface as best I can on tops and bottoms of leaves. Trying to cover the entire plant. It does not need to be dripping off. Of course there will be drips but it's easily wiped away from the floor.
@SuperbRaspfern
I totally understand and thank you for sharing so honestly.
I treasure my plants as if they're my own children.
They need us and are innocent, living beings, each one independent.
They're forced from their native environment into our homes.
They deserve the best care and respect 🙏🏻 ❤️
I totally understand and thank you for sharing so honestly.
I treasure my plants as if they're my own children.
They need us and are innocent, living beings, each one independent.
They're forced from their native environment into our homes.
They deserve the best care and respect 🙏🏻 ❤️
@SuperbRaspfern
Thanks so much for sharing all the photos of your beloved plant family.
They're so glorious...healthy and thriving.
I do have a question. Instead of turning off the grow lights...which are a real pain to reset...can I Neem bomb my plants early in the morning or evening when those lights aren't on? If so...what time is best?
They're on a 12 hour setting now...from 8 am to 8 pm.
Will be resetting to 8 hours of light daily after our first frost...
Thanks so much for sharing all the photos of your beloved plant family.
They're so glorious...healthy and thriving.
I do have a question. Instead of turning off the grow lights...which are a real pain to reset...can I Neem bomb my plants early in the morning or evening when those lights aren't on? If so...what time is best?
They're on a 12 hour setting now...from 8 am to 8 pm.
Will be resetting to 8 hours of light daily after our first frost...
@CutePolypremum Thank you Joanie! I have missed you my friend! I have to make some time this week to check my instagram, I haven't been on it and I miss everyone.
I have never turned off my grow lights with neem oil treatments. And none of my plants have ever suffered from burns.
I only ever protect them from direct sun.
@DreamMachine Anytime my friend. I Iove questions and helping, that makes me happy and brings me joy. So please never hesitate to ask. There is nothing to big or small. And no question is ever bad or irritating to me. I honestly mean that. 🩷
I have never turned off my grow lights with neem oil treatments. And none of my plants have ever suffered from burns.
I only ever protect them from direct sun.
@DreamMachine Anytime my friend. I Iove questions and helping, that makes me happy and brings me joy. So please never hesitate to ask. There is nothing to big or small. And no question is ever bad or irritating to me. I honestly mean that. 🩷
@SuperbRaspfern It is truly appreciated my dear 🥰 I am so very grateful and feel lucky that I can ask you questions; you are a wonderful teacher! Puttering around with my plants is one of the things I like most of all (and my family and animals too of course 😁)
Are you self taught from experience? Or job or botany classes? I used to do outdoor school, my spouse used to work at a nursery and most of my family are home gardeners, but your level of expertise is phenomenal. 😱 It’s inspiring me to want to know EVERYTHING. I’m currently reading a couple different botany books, but is there anything you might recommend for a self-taught plant knowledge seeker? If anything springs to mind, that is—books, classes, or areas of research that were especially enlightening?📚🪴
Are you self taught from experience? Or job or botany classes? I used to do outdoor school, my spouse used to work at a nursery and most of my family are home gardeners, but your level of expertise is phenomenal. 😱 It’s inspiring me to want to know EVERYTHING. I’m currently reading a couple different botany books, but is there anything you might recommend for a self-taught plant knowledge seeker? If anything springs to mind, that is—books, classes, or areas of research that were especially enlightening?📚🪴
@DreamMachine Great question! You're so sweet your making me blush. 😊
I did teach children from 5-12 for some time as a volunteer, but I didn't teach them about plants. My plant knowledge is just from my experience of having so many plants for decades. And reading like you.
My favorite resources are:
The Science Of Plants
https://a.co/d/6GCnN6Z
It's a fantastic book and is absolutely beautiful with photos and comprehensive information that is easy to understand. It great for beginners and all ages. I highly suggest it. My copy is in the photo.
Botany Online is also great The link is below
https://www-archiv.fdm.uni-hamburg.de/b-online/e00/contents.htm
This is much more in depth and more like reading textbooks. Soooo much fantastic information!!!
I love to read this sort of thing in depth and take notes to simplify the information and make easier to reference. I have plant journals that I also keep my own personal plant info in. From things I have tried, used and will or will not do again.
Most of what I share though has been learned by doing and bits and pieces picked up through the years.
I am a bit of a Nerd. 🤓 With medical information or plants I have so many random, but fascinating to me facts stored away in my brain. It's never enough for me to know what something is. I have to find out why it happens, what causes it. Is there a cure, prevention? I will research for hours on one specific thing that peaks my interest. Learn all I can and then move to another area.
Random weird diseases of plants, animals or humans. I just have always been intrigued. Medical reports, documents, plant research. I love it.
My parents had a huge part in that. We were always outdoors and my childhood really helped grow my love for nature. They had a huge garden and canned vegetables etc. My father in law also has large gardens and is a beekeeper. So I have been around plants my whole life.
Just keep at it bit by bit, piece by piece.
I did teach children from 5-12 for some time as a volunteer, but I didn't teach them about plants. My plant knowledge is just from my experience of having so many plants for decades. And reading like you.
My favorite resources are:
The Science Of Plants
https://a.co/d/6GCnN6Z
It's a fantastic book and is absolutely beautiful with photos and comprehensive information that is easy to understand. It great for beginners and all ages. I highly suggest it. My copy is in the photo.
Botany Online is also great The link is below
https://www-archiv.fdm.uni-hamburg.de/b-online/e00/contents.htm
This is much more in depth and more like reading textbooks. Soooo much fantastic information!!!
I love to read this sort of thing in depth and take notes to simplify the information and make easier to reference. I have plant journals that I also keep my own personal plant info in. From things I have tried, used and will or will not do again.
Most of what I share though has been learned by doing and bits and pieces picked up through the years.
I am a bit of a Nerd. 🤓 With medical information or plants I have so many random, but fascinating to me facts stored away in my brain. It's never enough for me to know what something is. I have to find out why it happens, what causes it. Is there a cure, prevention? I will research for hours on one specific thing that peaks my interest. Learn all I can and then move to another area.
Random weird diseases of plants, animals or humans. I just have always been intrigued. Medical reports, documents, plant research. I love it.
My parents had a huge part in that. We were always outdoors and my childhood really helped grow my love for nature. They had a huge garden and canned vegetables etc. My father in law also has large gardens and is a beekeeper. So I have been around plants my whole life.
Just keep at it bit by bit, piece by piece.
@SuperbRaspfern
My sweet heart!
It's so good to be in communication again.
I've been off of social media also.
I just enjoy and appreciate everything that you share with us!
Love you 😍 💗
@DreamMachine
Hello dear Nadia!
I feel that I know you.
Aren't we blessed to know @SuperbRaspfern... Shannon?!
My sweet heart!
It's so good to be in communication again.
I've been off of social media also.
I just enjoy and appreciate everything that you share with us!
Love you 😍 💗
@DreamMachine
Hello dear Nadia!
I feel that I know you.
Aren't we blessed to know @SuperbRaspfern... Shannon?!
@SuperbRaspfern
Also...my guys are gonna get blasted with the Neem treatment soon.
It's great that this can be done while the grow lights are still on.
You've helped me soooo much. I wish I could give you real hugs 🫂 🤗 but I guess a virtual hug will hafta do for now. ❤️ 💙 💜
Also...my guys are gonna get blasted with the Neem treatment soon.
It's great that this can be done while the grow lights are still on.
You've helped me soooo much. I wish I could give you real hugs 🫂 🤗 but I guess a virtual hug will hafta do for now. ❤️ 💙 💜
Ooh this is wonderful, thank you! A nice fun rabbit hole for me to explore 😁 I also glean information like you do; dive in, soak up everything I possibly can and then on to the next subject! My spouse calls me ‘EncycloNadia.’ And I can’t wait to read that book and check out Botany Online.
Our childhoods are so instrumental to our adult lives. I had similar but different conditions living at my parents secret garden house, a literature loving mother and a science/math nerd father who was and is still obsessed with astronomy. (He built his own telescope—grinding the glass down and everything and who would often wake me at 3 in the morning to come out and see a particularly interesting binary star or nebulae, lol)
Ok, now I’m off to go read lots of information!! 🤓🫶🌿
Our childhoods are so instrumental to our adult lives. I had similar but different conditions living at my parents secret garden house, a literature loving mother and a science/math nerd father who was and is still obsessed with astronomy. (He built his own telescope—grinding the glass down and everything and who would often wake me at 3 in the morning to come out and see a particularly interesting binary star or nebulae, lol)
Ok, now I’m off to go read lots of information!! 🤓🫶🌿
@SerenePoisonivy I use Bonide captain jack need oil personally as I like to maintenance spray my plants. I just end up buying the concentrate and using the precious spray bottle. I also use Bonide Cpt Jack copper fungicide (luckily only had to use once). These are just my experiences as I am hesitant to use, as someone said, the influencer recipes.
@SvelteDevilsivy the only plant influencer I ever trust is one that owns their own plant shop. They have to be doing something right if they’re selling plants. Never heard of bonide, is that stuff organic? Trying to keep anything I’m spraying on my plants organic
