Controlling The Rubber Tree - Knowledgebase Question

Bayshore, NY
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Question by MichelleTale
December 2, 1999
How do you prune a rubber tree and create new trees with the clippings?


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Answer from NGA
December 2, 1999
their lower leaves as they put on new
growth at the top....

With regard to starting new plants from cuttings, it's always worth a try but these plants are normally started by air layering instead. I'll try to describe the process
here--but if you visit your library you may find a book with
illustrations.

Begin by deciding where you want to cut the stem. I would
try one of the four stems first, before cutting all three. I
would take the cutting about 18" from the top of the stem.
First, using a sharp knife cut almost halfway through the
stem. Insert a wooden matchstick to hold the cut slightly
open. Now surround the open cut with a ball of moistened
sphagnum moss. Using a plastic bag, wrap the moss
carefully, securing it to the stem above and below the cut.
Check the moss regularly to be sure it stays moist. Roots
should emerge from the cut surface and grow into the moss.
Once you see this happening, cut the stem just below the
new roots and plant in fresh, sterile potting soil.

I hope it works for you! Good luck!
their lower leaves as they put on new
growth at the top....

With regard to starting new plants from cuttings, it's always worth a try but these plants are normally started by air layering instead. I'll try to describe the process
here--but if you visit your library you may find a book with
illustrations.

Begin by deciding where you want to cut the stem. I would
try one of the four stems first, before cutting all three. I
would take the cutting about 18" from the top of the stem.
First, using a sharp knife cut almost halfway through the
stem. Insert a wooden matchstick to hold the cut slightly
open. Now surround the open cut with a ball of moistened
sphagnum moss. Using a plastic bag, wrap the moss
carefully, securing it to the stem above and below the cut.
Check the moss regularly to be sure it stays moist. Roots
should emerge from the cut surface and grow into the moss.
Once you see this happening, cut the stem just below the
new roots and plant in fresh, sterile potting soil.

I hope it works for you! Good luck!

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