Cold Draft Damage on rubber plant
What's Happening
Exposure to temperatures below 55°F (12°C) or cold drafts from windows, doors, or AC vents causes chilling injury in Ficus elastica. Tropical species lack cold acclimation mechanisms; cell membranes lose fluidity, enzyme activity slows, and water uptake is compromised. Symptoms appear as large dark patches on leaves, distinct from sunburn by their diffuse margins and location (often affecting entire plant rather than light-facing surfaces).
How to Fix It
- 1
Identify chilling injury by dark, water-soaked patches appearing suddenly after cold exposure
- 2
Relocate immediately to stable 65-75°F location away from drafts
- 3
Remove severely damaged leaves only if >50% of surface is affected
- 4
Do not fertilize until new growth resumes—plant is in stress recovery mode
- 5
Expect 6-8 week recovery; new growth indicates successful acclimation to safe location
How to Prevent It
Maintain indoor temperatures 65-85°F year-round. Position plants >3 feet from drafty windows/doors. Avoid placing near AC vents or radiators. Use weatherstripping on windows during winter.