My rubber plant has been thriving and growing a lot over the time that I’ve had it. Lately though, I’ve been noticing a sweet, sugary smell coming from the soil. Usually I wouldn’t mind, but it’s attracting gnats, so I’ve had to put sticky traps in the soil and always see sooooo many of them stuck on there. It otherwise seems to be doing great. Is my plant sick?
Some plants will release a sugary sap to attract ants to help rid them of pests
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You can check the roots to be extra safe, but the smell might not be an issue unless you start to notice a loss of discoloration of leaves. As for the gnats, perhaps try bottom watering the plant. I keep mine near a window and bottom water her every time so gnats aren’t attracted to moist top soil. Hope this helps!
Do you happen to know what the contents of the soil are, or what brand soil it’s potted in? It could be that something in the soil mix is releasing the smell, since some mixes contain intentional fungi to promote nutrient growth for the plant.
0 likesIt’s regular indoor plant potting mix, a bit of succulent potting mix towards the top layer, and perlite.
1 like Sounds pretty good then 👍 mine is in a mix of Espoma’s cactus and succulent and all-purpose soils, and both include perlite. Some soils just have a unique smell, especially when recently watered, so unless the plant’s health starts to change. Best of luck!
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Your plant looks healthy to me! 😎⭐️
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Do you use fertilizer that contain molasses/sugar like the Bios brand fertilizers?
0 likesI don’t
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