The best way to make rubber plants bushy is to prune them carefully. You can cut off the branches with a sharp knife or scissors and removes dead leaves on the plants. This article will tell you how to make rubber plants bushy.
If you are worried about the upward growth of the rubber plant then pruning is the best option. To make a rubber plant bushier, pruning is necessary. keep reading the article to know about how to make rubber plants bushy.
How do make rubber plants bushy?
Pruning is the best way to encourage new branches of the rubber plant that make your plant bushier. Choose a young plant for pruning and removes dead leaves. Choose the young trunk that has several branches. Cut the trunk off with a pruning shear. Cut right after the node to encourage the new growth. Moreover, cut the trunk into that place where it should have two new branches below. Ensure that plant has a couple of leaves after pruning.
A rubber plant (Ficus elastica) is a species of an evergreen tropical tree native to Southeast Asia, Indonesia, and southern China. These large trees can grow up to 50 feet. Rubber plants are known for their beautiful leaves and great height. Do you want to make a rubber plant bushy? Then following steps you have to keep in mind.
To make a rubber plant bushy you should have to prune the plant. Pruning is the only method to help the rubber plant begin branching out.
Best time to prune rubber plant
Rubber plants respond very well to pruning, especially in early summer or late spring. They can grow either as a tall trees, or be maintained as a bushy shrub. Pruning helps the plant to keep it in good health while encouraging a desired shape and size.
Wear gloves when pruning
The sap of the rubber plant is sticky. Sap bleeding starts from the cuts and plucked leaves during pruning. Be careful, because the sap can cause stain surfaces and skin irritation.
Removes branches and dead leaves
If you want to improve the overall appearance of the rubber plant then remove all the dead leaves and branches. You may need to use a pair of sharpened cutters to snip off dead leaves and branches. Cut the top of the rubber plant down to desired height.
Cut the branches above the nodes
Nodes are the points where a smaller branch appears from the side of the main stem.
So, if you’re pruning the main stem, cut just above where a smaller branch comes out.
Avoid over-pruning
Make sure, to avoid over-pruning. Always leave at least two to three leaves behind per branch and don’t remove more than five or six living branches in a single session of pruning.
Repot the rubber plant
If you want to expand the plant roots then repot it in a larger pot. Repotting will help the plant to increase in size. Also, remember to always plant your rubber plant in a pot with holes in the bottom for drainage.
Where do you cut a rubber tree to propagate?
You can propagate rubber from cuttings. Choose a young trunk and cut it just above the node and one inch below the node with a sharp knife and pruning shear. Wrap the cut with a paper towel to prevent sap. Ensure that plants remain healthy after the prune
Propagation of rubber plant
If you want to start a second rubber plant in a separate pot then will start propagation. The easiest way to propagate rubber plant cuttings is to take a small branch from a healthy, mature plant and allow it to root in water or soil. The main rule when selecting a cutting is to make sure it has a node for new growth to grow out of.
Care for rubber plant
Other ways to encourage rubber tree branching, or to use it in combination with the cuts, include freshening the soil with a composted mixture, watering and feeding, and providing proper light.
Soil up-gradation
If the plant is too large then mix the potting soil with organic wastes to loosen the existing soil. It will help the plant to have better and healthy growth.
Sunlight
Move the pot container into an area that gets bright light. Moreover, additional lighting will soon help create additional branching and growth.
Water
Avoid cold water because it affects the roots of the plant. Less water is necessary for winter but the soil should be slightly moist. Always use water to plant before fertilization.
Feedings
Young Rubber plants need phosphorus for better development of roots. Moreover,
nitrogen is necessary after the new branches and leaves appear.
Pruning is the easiest way to encourage thick growth on your rubber plant. However, you may find that you need to report it occasionally to allow the tree’s size to increase. If that’s the case, choose a pot that is about one inch larger than the previous pot, and always choose one with good drainage.
Conclusion
Pruning can be a very stressful process for plants. When pruning any plant, it is extremely important to make sure that the proper care requirements are met afterward. This will make it easier for the plant to recover and thrive. In terms of general care, rubber plants are quite easy to maintain. The key to a healthy and thriving rubber plant is a well-balanced amount of sunlight and water.
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