My rubber tree is not looking so good?

Question

I got a rubber tree from my mother after my father funeral. I am losing a lot of leaves,mostly lower ones. I water it about once a week. Let it get dry then water it. It is in a small pot. Its about 3 feet tall. My mother could not keep it because of her cats. I dont want to lose this plant. It reminds me of my dad. Please help.

Answer 1

Leaves dropping can be caused by underwatering (or overwatering), too much sun, too much fertilizer, not enough humidity or a drafty location. If only the lower leaves drop, your plant probably needs more light. My advise is to transplant the plant into a bigger pot. To do this,1) remove the plant from pot. With sharpknife, slice off portions of root ball. 2) Place plant on top of enough fresh potting soil to bring plant up to rim of pot. 3) Fill pot with soil, water until soil is soaking wet. 4) Bring it back in where it can recieve enough light but no direct sun.

Answer 2

Does the pot have a sealed bottom? One thing I've learned during all of my potted-plant wars, is that plants need relief. Using a pot with holes in the bottom so that there is drainage, is best. What happens is that all of the salt in tap-water, builds up inside the pot, eventually poisoning the root system. Allowing drainage provides the plant with a chance for any excess water and salt to leave the pot after every watering session.
Also, consider purchasing a larger pot, and some nutritious potting soil. It is possible that the roots have outgrown the small pot, and are now knotting around themselves.Goodluck!