Propagation is a big issue for many hobby gardeners and plant lovers. Self-grown young plants are a special treat and a nice gift for other plant lovers. With a little patience, a rubber tree can be easily grown from a cutting.
Rubber tree cuttings should have at least one leaf and one bud
How do I cut cuttings?
There are several ways to take cuttings from your rubber tree. If the plant has grown too large, cut the trunk to the desired height. Use the part you cut off as a cutting. If you want to rejuvenate your rubber tree at the same time, then mossing is a good alternative.
You can also take cuttings from side shoots. These should have at least one leaf and one bud and be at least six inches long. Cuttings that are cut in the spring at the beginning of the growing season grow best.
Be sure to use a sharp knife for thinner shoots and secateurs when cutting the trunk of your rubber tree. Gloves prevent the milky plant sap from touching your hands and possibly triggering an allergy. In addition, your tools should be clean so that they cannot transmit diseases.
How do I care for cuttings?
First place the freshly cut cuttings in a glass of water until a large part of the milky plant sap has drained away. Then put it in a pot with a nutrient-poor substrate. Always keep it moist, but not wet. This works best in an indoor greenhouse or under a transparent film.
In addition, your cutting needs a lot of light, like any rubber tree. So put it in a bright place. After about three months, you can slowly get your young rubber tree used to normal indoor air by airing it out.
The essentials in brief:
- best cut in spring
- use sharp and clean tools
- Cut cuttings at least 6 cm long
- at least one leaf and one bud each
- bleed out in water
- place in nutrient-poor substrate
- pull under foil or in an indoor greenhouse
- set light
- keep evenly moist
tips
Taking cuttings is the easiest way to propagate rubber trees.