The Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica) is a popular indoor plant that can grow up to 60 cm per year under the right conditions. To maintain its size and shape, regular pruning is essential. This resilient plant tolerates pruning well and often grows back more vigorously afterward.
Why Prune a Rubber Plant?
Pruning your Rubber Plant offers several benefits:
- Control growth: Prevents the plant from becoming too large.
- Encourage new growth: Stimulates branching and more compact growth.
- Shape the plant: Helps maintain a uniform and attractive form.
- Health: Removes dead or damaged parts.
- Propagation: You can propagate the plant by taking cuttings.
When is the Best Time to Prune?
While you can prune a Rubber Plant at any time of the year, winter is the best time. During this season, the sap flow is minimal, which makes cutting easier. If you want to propagate your plant by cuttings, spring is the ideal time to take them.
Summary:
- Best Time: Winter
- Less Sap Flow: Prune in the evening when sap flow is lowest.
- For Propagation: Prune in spring for cuttings.
How to Prune a Rubber Plant
- Prepare Tools: Use clean, sharp scissors or a knife to ensure a smooth cut.
- Control Growth: If your Rubber Plant has reached the ceiling, prune back the crown to your desired height.
- Encourage Branching: Cut just above the « sleeping eyes » – small bumps along the stem where new growth will emerge.
- Shape the Plant: If the plant is growing unevenly or has too many side shoots, prune them to maintain a symmetrical shape.
- Remove Damaged Parts: Always remove dead, diseased, or pest-infested parts promptly to prevent further spread.
- Propagation: Take 7–10 cm cuttings or perform air layering to propagate.
Care After Pruning
After pruning, milky sap will ooze from the cut sites. Here’s how to care for it:
- Clean the cuts: Wipe the cuts with a cloth dampened with lukewarm water.
- Seal the Wounds: If the cuts don’t heal naturally, seal them with wax or a plastic grafting plug to prevent infection.
Tip: To avoid staining your clothes or carpets, prune the Rubber Plant outdoors or place a protective cover underneath it as the sap can be tough to remove from fabric.
Summary of Pruning Steps
- Use sharp, clean tools.
- Prune to limit growth and size.
- To encourage new branches, cut above the « sleeping eyes. »
- Remove unhealthy or damaged parts.
- Seal any large cuts with wax or grafting plugs.
Ongoing Care
Pruning is just one aspect of caring for your Rubber Plant. Regular watering, fertilizing, and repotting are essential for keeping the plant healthy. For more expert tips on plant care, check out Plantura – your go-to source for sustainable products, from organic soil to high-quality plants.