of the many ficus Trees available for purchase as houseplants, rubber trees, also known as rubber trees, are undoubtedly one of the most sought after. Its large leaves are shiny and impressive, often with interesting shades or surprising colors.
With just a few simple steps, you could be well on your way to propagating your own (or a friend’s) rubber plant for free. i used my lover ficus elastic ‘Ruby’, but the same steps apply to all cultivars.
Contents
prepare the ground
Rubber plants need a well-drained potting mix to keep them from rotting while they develop roots. The soil should also be light, with large spaces between particles to provide oxygen and the least resistance to root growth.
A combination of materials to balance drainage and water retention is essential for successful propagation. You can buy growing mixes online or at a nursery. If you plan to propagate often, you can also create your own mix to create the perfect environment for propagation.
Combine equal parts coco or perlite in a bucket. Coir is light enough to facilitate root growth while retaining enough moisture to keep the cutting in good growing conditions. Peat performs the same function, but is less durable, so should only be used if you already have some lying around.
Perlite, made from expanded volcanic glass, are the small white stones you might find in houseplant soils. This material improves drainage by increasing the space between soil particles. It also retains small amounts of moisture, but not as much as coir.
Mix the soil until it is evenly distributed. Then, fill a pot with the potting soil and water well. Wait for excess water to drain from the drainage holes before planting to prevent rot.
Choose a branch
With the soil ready, take your rubber plant and examine the stems. Identify one with strong leaf growth and no signs of damage or disease. The healthier the stem, the greater the chance of successful root growth.
Select a section of stem about 10 inches (25 cm) from the tip with a few sets of leaves. One or two are manageable, but three is preferable. The closer the leaves are, the better.
make a cut
Start by grabbing a pair of sharp pruners or secateurs. Cleaner cuts heal faster on the parent plant, increasing the chance of regrowth. You also need to make sure they are 100% clean to prevent the spread of disease. Scrub with soap and water before cutting.
On your chosen branch, count a few knots and cut a piece over 10 inches (25 cm) long. Cut just below a leaf node, as this is the point where new root growth will begin. Alternatively, you can cut the branch above a node to encourage new growth and simply cut back the cutting before planting.
A milky juice will immediately escape from the cup. This juice can be irritating to the skin, so do not touch it and wash your hands after spreading it on it to avoid accidental ingestion.
remove the leaves
The bottom half of the cutting will be buried underground, so any leaves that might make planting difficult should be removed. It also promotes root growth at exposed nodes.
Simply remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting, leaving a leaf or two on top for energy absorption. You can also cut them with your pruner to limit potential damage to the stem.
Dive into Rooting Hormone
Rooting hormone, usually available in powder form, is designed to stimulate root growth in new cuttings. It also protects fragile new growth from disease, increasing your overall chances of success.
Take a small amount of powder and place it in a separate container. You should avoid plunging a cutting directly into the main container to prevent contamination. Don’t remove too much at once, as the rest should be discarded for the same reason.
Dip the end of the cutting in water and then in rooting hormone so that the end is evenly coated. Remove the excess and prepare to plant.
plant the cutting
Take the previously prepared full pot and make a large hole in the center with your finger or a pencil halfway. Plant the cutting in the planting hole, avoiding touching the sides as much as possible to keep the dust at the end of the cutting.
Press around the cut to hold it in place. If the soil is moist enough and the cuttings are dug deep enough, they should stay firmly in place to resist any adjustment by wind or water.
Place the jar in a warm place out of direct sunlight to avoid burns. Keep humidity in the high zone with a humidifier or place a clear plastic sheet over the pot to maintain humidity.
Transplantation
If your propagation efforts are successful, there should be root growth after a few weeks. Although you cannot see the roots, you can gently tug on the cutting; resistance indicates root growth. Any new leaf growth on the cutting is also a positive sign.
You can leave the plant in the same pot for a few more weeks until growth is strong. Then repot in a larger pot filled with airy potting soil for indoor plants. Maintain the same conditions to limit transplant shock, and keep watering well.
Once well established, you can move the plant to its permanent home among its native relatives.