How to Root Rubber Tree Plant

If you’re a plant enthusiast, one of the most amazing plants that you could have is a rubber tree plant. Rubber tree plants are not only beautiful but also easy to care for. One of the most interesting things about rubber tree plants is that you could propagate them through stem cuttings. In this article, we’ll show you how to root rubber tree plant cuttings, so you could grow your own rubber tree plants.

Materials Needed

Before we proceed to the steps on how to root rubber tree plant, let’s first list the materials needed:

A healthy rubber tree plant

Clean pruning shears or scissors

Clean garden soil or potting mix

Clean pot with drainage holes

A clear plastic bag or plastic wrap

A rooting hormone powder (optional)

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Root Rubber Tree Plant Cuttings

Now that we have all the materials that we need let’s proceed to the actual steps on how to root rubber tree plant cuttings.

1. Choose a Healthy Rubber Tree Plant

The first thing that you need to do is to choose a healthy rubber tree plant. Make sure that it’s free from any diseases or pests. It’s best to choose a plant that is at least a year old and has a stem with a diameter of at least ? inch.

2. Take a Cutting

Using clean pruning shears or scissors, take a cutting at a 45-degree angle. Make sure that it’s about 6 inches long and has a few leaves on it. If you want, you could also apply rooting hormone powder on the cut end of the stem to increase the chances of rooting.

3. Prepare the Soil and Pot

Fill a clean pot with drainage holes with clean garden soil or potting mix. Make sure that the soil is moist but not waterlogged. Use a pencil or a stick to create a hole in the soil that is deep enough for the cutting to be inserted.

4. Insert the Cutting in the Soil

Insert the cutting in the hole that you’ve created in the soil. Make sure that at least half of the stem is buried in the soil. Press the soil gently around the stem to make sure that it’s securely in place.

5. Cover the Pot with Plastic

Cover the pot with a clear plastic bag or plastic wrap to create a mini greenhouse for the cutting. This will help retain moisture and create a humid environment that will promote rooting. Make sure that the plastic is not touching the leaves of the cutting.

6. Place the Pot in a Bright but Indirect Light

Place the pot in a bright but indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight as it could dry out the cutting. Keep the soil moist by watering it when it feels dry to the touch.

7. Wait for the Cutting to Root

After a few weeks, check the cutting for roots by gently tugging on the stem. If you feel resistance, it means that roots have formed. Once roots have formed, you could remove the plastic cover and start caring for the plant as you would a mature rubber tree plant.

Conclusion

Propagating rubber tree plants through stem cuttings is not only easy but also a cost-effective way to have more rubber tree plants at home. With these simple steps on how to root rubber tree plant cuttings, you’ll be able to grow your own rubber tree plants in no time.