The behavior you describe is not at all natural for a rubber tree.
Rubber tree leaves curling up.
If the roots are starting to show a bit add enough dirt to cover the roots and give it a little water.
With some general rubber tree plant know how and a few common garden materials you can help prevent further leaf loss and reclaim the health of your plant.
If the air is too dry the tips will dry out first and the yellow brown spots will grow inwards.
Rubber plants ficus elastica make attractive and bold statements when used as houseplants and are typically hardy and easy to maintain when grown indoors however a number of problems can cause curling of your rubber plant leaves affecting the health and looks of these tropical beauties.
Rubber plants consume soil so when investigating the cause of curled or droopy leaves check the soil level.
The upper leaves are most affected.
Heat stress causes rapid evaporation so plants curl up to conserve moisture.
The grass quickly slurps up the sprinkler s water leaving your tree thirsty.
The best way to check is by inserting your finger into the soil up to an inch and see if it feels wet at all.
Rubber plant ficus elastica is a distinctive plant easily recognized by its upright growth habit and thick glossy deep green leaves rubber plant thrives outdoors in usda plant hardiness zones 10 and 11 but it is grown as an indoor plant in most climates.
Curling leaves on rubber tree plants are usually indicative of too little water.
Edges of leaves curl inward and form a cup even when the lights are off.
A sparse canopy of off color and undersized leaves leaf scorch or yellowing leaves.
Curling leaves may indicate that it needs more soil.
The best way to check is by inserting your finger into the soil up to an inch and see if it feels wet at all.
When the plant is well hydrated leaves are strong and firm holding up well with a nice waxy glow.
Untimely fall color and early leaf drop.
Wilted or curling leaves that may turn brown at the tips or edge.
Answer from nga february 23 2001.
Plants too close to high intensity lights are prone to heat stress but it can be a problem in any room where temperatures are persistently.
On the contrary if the plant is under watered all the leaves will become softer or droopy not only the bottom ones.
Rubber trees ficus elastica do best with little light and very little water.
Although the plant is relatively trouble free it can fall prey to various pests and diseases that can cause leaf curl on rubber plants.
Curling leaves on rubber plant knowledgebase question.