In order for the rubber tree to keep its shape, it needs to be pruned regularly. Here we show how to properly cut the rubber tree.
If the rubber tree (Ficus elastica) feels really comfortable in its home, it can grow up to 60 centimeters in a year. Luckily, the popular houseplant is extremely tolerant of pruning and will not take it amiss if you cut it back or to shape it. In addition, regular pruning is necessary to keep the tree in shape and not to let it grow too big. Here's why you should prune your rubber tree, when it's time to prune, and how to do it properly.
Cutting Rubber Tree
In its homeland, the tropical rainforests, the rubber tree can grow up to 40 meters in height. Its trunk can reach a diameter of up to two meters. Of course you don't want to and can't accommodate such a jungle giant in your rooms. For this reason alone, a regular step on your rubber tree is necessary. But of course there are other reasons to use secateurs on houseplants.
Reasons to prune your rubber tree:
- Strain Growth
- Stimulate New Growth
- Topiary
- In case of illness or pest infestation
- For Multiplication
Cutting the rubber tree: the right time
In general, you can prune your rubber tree at any time of the year. However, winter is the best time for pruning. Then the sap flow of the tree is at its lowest. Even in the evening, the milky juice flows out of the cuts less than during the day, you can take advantage of this when choosing the time of the cut. If you want to propagate your rubber tree, the best time to take cuttings is in spring.
Summary of the right time to cut the rubber tree:
- Best time: In winter
- The sap flow is lowest in the evening
- Cut cuttings to propagate in spring
Cutting rubber tree: Instructions
The good news first: rubber trees are very tolerant of pruning and will forgive you a more radical pruning. However, always use clean tools for cutting. Either a sharp knife or garden shears are suitable here. Depending on why you want to prune your rubber tree, you have to do it differently.
Pruning rubber tree: curb growth
If your gum tree already reaches the ceiling and is literally growing over your head, it is high time to act. To curb growth, you can boldly cut off the entire crown of the tree. The houseplant is simply shortened to the desired height with the secateurs.
Pruning rubber tree: promote growth
If you want to encourage branching in your tree, you can easily do that with one pruning. A cut in the right place stimulates the tree to form new side shoots. First of all, take a good look at your rubber tree and decide where you want new side shoots. Then look for so-called “sleeping eyes” on the trunk. These can be found along the trunk, you can recognize them by small bumps on the trunk. The new side shoots develop from these “sleeping eyes” after the cut. Therefore always cut at the desired location a few centimeters after one or more "sleeping eyes".
Cutting Rubber Tree: Topiary
Sometimes a rubber tree may not grow evenly or branch out too much. A cut can also help here. For an upright growth, cut off the side shoots of the tree - either directly on the trunk or above an eye if new branches are desired. If unwanted side shoots form again on the trunk after the cut, you can cut them off as well. Even if some side shoots are longer than the main shoot, you should cut them back. These can be shortened to your liking to get the shape you want.
Pruning rubber tree in case of illness or pest infestation
You should remove dead or withered plant parts at any time. If parts of your houseplant are affected by diseases or pests, you should remove them immediately to prevent further spread to the whole tree.
Pruning rubber tree for propagation
If you want to propagate your rubber tree yourself, you can do this with cuttings or mosses. For cuttings, cut 7 to 10 cm long shoots from the tree. To remove the moss, an oblique cut is made on a suitable shoot below a leaf node.
We have prepared detailed instructions for the propagation of the rubber tree for you here.
Care for rubber tree after pruning
All pruning measures create fresh cuts on the tree from which plant sap escapes. Appropriate wound care is important here. It is usually sufficient to clean the wound with a cloth dipped in lukewarm water. At room temperature, the juice will stop flowing after a short time. If the wound still does not close after a while, it should be sealed. To do this, first sprinkle the wound with warm water. Then it is closed with wax or special plastic plugs.
Tip: Despite correct wound care, it can sometimes happen that a short piece of the trunk dries up and dies at the cutting point. However, if this part is above a "sleeping eye", this is usually not a problem and the rubber tree will sprout again.
Summary of cutting rubber trees correctly:
- Use a sharp knife or secateurs
- Pruning to curb growth; shorten the whole crown to the desired height
- To encourage side shoots, cut the trunk above "sleeping eyes"
- Prune side shoots for upright growth
- Shorten side shoots that are longer than the main shoot
- Remove dried, dead parts of plants and those affected by disease or pests immediately
- Cut cuttings or moss to propagate
- Wound care with a damp cloth is usually sufficient
- For large cuts, flush the wound with warm water and seal with wax or plastic plugs
Tip: For pruning, go outside or place a tarp or newspaper under the tree, as the sap that leaks from the cuts of the tree is only very difficult to remove from clothing or carpet.
Pruning is not the only care measure that is good for the rubber tree. You can find out more about the correct care of your rubber tree here in our special article on the subjectread.