---
title: "Can anyone tell me what these brown splotches on my ficus…"
description: "Can anyone tell me what these brown splotches on my ficus elastica/rubber plant mean? I just wanna double check that it’s not a sign of something like thrips,…"
url: "https://getplanta.com/community/lKxUkhzRR_aIJD7o1QvtwQ/-AiLf0FBR92kpMwuI8sttw"
community: "Pests, diseases and problems"
author: "Adrian"
published: "2024-09-03T13:43:33.695898Z"
language: "en"
image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/CQyscbeN5f0KZltdaSyx3VQZZh8uHYoaKDmCZlFICjE/smlfjfgdTmqbaIhtuXfX2A.webp?size=large"
---

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# Can anyone tell me what these brown splotches on my ficus…

_Posted by Adrian on 2024-09-03_

Can anyone tell me what these brown splotches on my ficus elastica/rubber plant mean? I just wanna double check that it’s not a sign of something like thrips, edema, or rust.

I’m new to this plant, and I believe they all arrived with this on the underside of their leaves, but only noticed it recently on my ficus elastica burgundy, which led me to checking the others and finding the same patterning on them all. Aside from it, they’ve all seemingly been healthy, and all opened new leaves within a week of bringing them home. Please let me know if it’s just a previous watering problem. Any help is very greatly appreciated ☺️.

![Attachment 1 of 5](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/CQyscbeN5f0KZltdaSyx3VQZZh8uHYoaKDmCZlFICjE/smlfjfgdTmqbaIhtuXfX2A.webp?size=large)

![Attachment 2 of 5](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/CQyscbeN5f0KZltdaSyx3VQZZh8uHYoaKDmCZlFICjE/_P2SHB87SdGq-LBrIPZRDw.webp?size=large)

![Attachment 3 of 5](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/CQyscbeN5f0KZltdaSyx3VQZZh8uHYoaKDmCZlFICjE/9roZY470QgeHI6QT3FV4yw.webp?size=large)

![Attachment 4 of 5](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/CQyscbeN5f0KZltdaSyx3VQZZh8uHYoaKDmCZlFICjE/Orj4tQlQRS2r--ptUDQ2WQ.webp?size=large)

![Attachment 5 of 5](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/CQyscbeN5f0KZltdaSyx3VQZZh8uHYoaKDmCZlFICjE/WB1uf5SlSZKu1CdH6W9kfw.webp?size=large)

## 5 comments

### Ji11 commented on 2024-09-03

Looks relatively normal to me but if you start noticing a lot of purple spots it’s a sign of a phosphorus deficiency and overwatering. I’d get them into brighter light so the leaves can “use” the water better. Also are you using tap water?

#### Adrian replied on 2024-09-03

Thanks for responding! I’m using filtered water and always make sure it’s room temp, and I bottom water them all.

#### Ji11 replied on 2024-09-03

Bottom watering is okay but I like to flush the soil by watering through it. I’d say a brighter spot especially for the tineke

#### Ji11 replied on 2024-09-03

Mine gets an hr or two of BRIGHT light

![Attachment 1 of 1](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/fBH_28A5qaP2hoVvraoji7PuhH2kRqkI0DYvYyUVg94/9u9oGleFSpWXcXr5tgIFEw.webp?size=large)

#### Adrian replied on 2024-09-03

Thanks! They’re currently in my south windowsill

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