Odd Rubber Tree/Plant - Ask Extension
I have a Rubber Tree/Plant like none I’ve ever seen before. It has no single stem, but lots of low, long, tangly branches (see photos, attached). Ca...
Knowledgebase
Odd Rubber Tree/Plant #720390
Asked September 02, 2020, 9:40 PM EDT
I have a Rubber Tree/Plant like none I’ve ever seen before. It has no single stem, but lots of low, long, tangly branches (see photos, attached). Can I trim them and, if so, when? Thank you.
Hennepin County Minnesota
Expert Response
If you wish to save the plant you need to rejuvenate it.
Prune off all of the branches that are growing down. Prune them off at soil level. Keep four or five of the branches that are growing straight. You can prune a rubber tree to be a single stem plant or a bush. Since you already have a bush I would keep it that way.
When you prune wear some rubber gloves because rubber plants have a white sticky sap that will ooze from the cut. Be sure and use sharp pruners.
The plant could use a repotting into a good quality potting soil. Water the plant in. After repotting you may have to stake a few of the branches to hold the plant upright.
The plant is gangly because it is not getting enough light. The best place for a rubber plant is in an east window where it can get about 4-5 hours of light a day.
BTW, you can root the cuttings from the pruning. Stick the cuttings into moist soil and they should sprout roots.
Here is an article on caring for a rubber plant, albeit not from University sources: https://smartgardenguide.com/how-to-care-for-a-rubber-plant-ficus-elastica/
If this seems too much you can always toss this one and buy a new one!
Prune off all of the branches that are growing down. Prune them off at soil level. Keep four or five of the branches that are growing straight. You can prune a rubber tree to be a single stem plant or a bush. Since you already have a bush I would keep it that way.
When you prune wear some rubber gloves because rubber plants have a white sticky sap that will ooze from the cut. Be sure and use sharp pruners.
The plant could use a repotting into a good quality potting soil. Water the plant in. After repotting you may have to stake a few of the branches to hold the plant upright.
The plant is gangly because it is not getting enough light. The best place for a rubber plant is in an east window where it can get about 4-5 hours of light a day.
BTW, you can root the cuttings from the pruning. Stick the cuttings into moist soil and they should sprout roots.
Here is an article on caring for a rubber plant, albeit not from University sources: https://smartgardenguide.com/how-to-care-for-a-rubber-plant-ficus-elastica/
If this seems too much you can always toss this one and buy a new one!
Thank you so much. I trimmed it back. I took out the downward-facing branches, and there are now three main stalks/stems, with a few others growing off (see attached). I don’t understand why you want it in an east-facing window if it’s not getting enough light. Our only east-facing rm is the bathroom. Right now it’s off to the side of a southern window. Ok?
I would stake up the branches that are listing to the left so you have an upright plant.
Has the plant been losing leaves?
The stems are long and spindly because they don't have enough light. A southeast window will work. If south is all you have then I would move it so that it gets more light from the south window. If the south window has shears you might want to close them to filter the light. Move the plant into the south window for a couple of hours each day for a week or so; that will get it accustomed to the stronger light.
As winter sets in the south light is not as strong.
BTW you can put it outside in the summer; it will be very appreciative.
Has the plant been losing leaves?
The stems are long and spindly because they don't have enough light. A southeast window will work. If south is all you have then I would move it so that it gets more light from the south window. If the south window has shears you might want to close them to filter the light. Move the plant into the south window for a couple of hours each day for a week or so; that will get it accustomed to the stronger light.
As winter sets in the south light is not as strong.
BTW you can put it outside in the summer; it will be very appreciative.
Thank you. I staked the plant. It is not losing leaves. I moved it outside until it gets too cold. I’ll keep it in the south-facing window. The yard outside is in deep shade, not sunlight. Thank you for your advice. One more question. I got a nice plant from Costco that is labeled, “tropical plant.” I’m attaching two photos. Can you identify it for me? Thanks.
It is difficult to tell from the back lighting, but it looks like an Aralia of some sort (there are several varieties that can be used indoors.
They like indirect light: North or East facing window is best.
They like indirect light: North or East facing window is best.
