---
title: "Howdy! Just got a gorgeous rubber plant (my first-ever) from a friend…"
description: "Howdy! Just got a gorgeous rubber plant (my first-ever) from a friend who was moving. It's happily put out new leaves from all 3 stems, but several of the…"
url: "https://getplanta.com/community/lKxUkhzRR_aIJD7o1QvtwQ/zkbfPoci6LpdkgfkMkRgEp"
community: "Pests, diseases and problems"
author: "Tuna"
published: "2026-07-01T22:03:59.281455Z"
language: "en"
image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/osytW9vDKE9ya74e6j8SM6IcmWdmjHYyS1zjZkVLEXM/rogLHZ8pQjmhF7YsosSSGA.webp?size=large"
---

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# Howdy! Just got a gorgeous rubber plant (my first-ever) from a friend…

_Posted by Tuna on 2026-07-01_

Howdy! Just got a gorgeous rubber plant (my first-ever) from a friend who was moving. It's happily put out new leaves from all 3 stems, but several of the older leaves are tan rather than cream. They aren't crispy, just colored brown. Is this normal behavior for older leaves or is there something I can do to prevent/reverse this? Also, some of the oldest leaves have damage; should I trim them or leave them? Thank y'all so much!

![Attachment 1 of 3](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/osytW9vDKE9ya74e6j8SM6IcmWdmjHYyS1zjZkVLEXM/rogLHZ8pQjmhF7YsosSSGA.webp?size=large)

![Attachment 2 of 3](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/osytW9vDKE9ya74e6j8SM6IcmWdmjHYyS1zjZkVLEXM/M6Re3c-vTL63BBybzPDxrg.webp?size=large)

![Attachment 3 of 3](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/osytW9vDKE9ya74e6j8SM6IcmWdmjHYyS1zjZkVLEXM/FPUyevnAT_i4euMCWADPuA.webp?size=large)

## 6 comments

### Vanessa commented on 2026-07-01

Trim them off they won’t recover the damaged leaves. Otherwise it looks healthy! It seems like old damage maybe from too much direct sun or possibly watering inconsistencies or poor drainage at some point. Just in case you may want to just wipe the other leaves gently with a wet microfiber cloth to remove any dust and check for pests. Also when you trim them off have a paper towel nearby because it will leak white sap. If you have a latex allergy wear gloves or avoid getting the sap on you. What a great find!!

#### Tuna replied on 2026-07-02

It's an epic plant; I feel unworthy of it lol. To be clear, do you recommend cutting off the ones that have turned brown where they should be cream, or just the ones that have damage?

#### Janet McDonough replied on 2026-07-02

I would cut off the discolored leaves just out of appearance sake. We have these plants and trees in our homes to beautify them so might as well make them look lovely.

### Courtney Stoddard commented on 2026-07-01

Mine lost its leaves! They were perfectly healthy leaves too when they fell off! Is it normal for that to happen?

![Attachment 1 of 1](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/Ocvdy6FEihW6UTakYLjv6E0TFy5CH0qd-5tmUexHQ0U/iHPuH2y1TAOpNl-cqfA44Q.webp?size=large)

#### Plantingsherry replied on 2026-07-04

🫢 I don’t think that’s normal!

### plantgeek commented on 2026-07-02

no, that isn't normal, HOWEVER you do not have to cut them off, nor does this mean that it's sick right now. this is probably the result of a past watering or sun issue and means nothing now. don't cut them off, those are still perfectly good leaves that still make energy for the plant. the plant will tell you when it's done with those, it'll kill them itself.

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