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Growing rubber trees yourself is not as difficult as it might seem. Although sowing and mossing is a tedious affair and sinkers are not an option, it is very easy to pull offshoots.
The rubber tree can be easily propagated via offshoots
How and when should I cut offshoots?
It is best to cut the desired cuttings in the spring after the hibernation or at the beginning of the growing season. This gives your offshoots the best chance of rooting quickly. You can cut your offshoots from a side shoot or cut down a very tall rubber tree and use the piece you have obtained as an offshoot.
Of course, your cutting tool should be sharp and clean to prevent the transmission of any diseases. If you are prone to allergies, wear gloves when cutting, because the milky sap of the rubber tree could trigger an allergy.
The cultivation of offshoots
Ideally, your offshoot is at least six to eight centimeters long and has at least one leaf and one bud. Choose a strong and healthy shoot. Either place your offshoot in a glass of fresh water until the milky plant sap has escaped, or plant it immediately in nutrient-poor soil. Special growing soil is not required.
As soon as it is in the ground, you should keep the offshoot well moist without waterlogging. A greenhouse or a transparent film/bag that you pull over the pot is helpful for this. This not only keeps the humidity constant, but also the temperature. It's important to remember to air your cutting from time to time and make sure it doesn't touch the plastic wrap.
You now have to wait about three months until your offshoot is rooted and robust enough for normal room air. However, you should only get used to it slowly by airing it out longer every day or by cutting a hole in the protective film. Place the cutting in a bright place for the time of cultivation, because it needs a lot of light. You should wait a few more weeks before repotting.
The essentials in brief:
- Cut offshoots at least 6 - 8 cm long
- remove the lower leaves
- keep for about 3 months under foil or in a greenhouse
- keep evenly moist and warm
- get used to the cooler air
- only repot when strong roots have formed (another approx. 3 months)
- the cut off part of a trimmed rubber tree makes a great cutting
tips
If your rubber tree is too big for you, cut it back next spring. This way you give it the chance to get a nice shape and at the same time you get a new rubber tree for yourself or as a gift.