The Rubber Tree emits a milky white sap which is considered toxic to people & pets. What Is Propagation? Use a potting soil designed for cacti, as the high drainage is necessary. If you want offspring from an existing variegated plant, you must grow from cuttings. Gardeners value this small, compact plant for its thick, waxy foliage, ornamental flowers and ease of care. They are tiny and inside the leaf is another one ready to unfurl just like the top shots do. My first rubber plant - do I prune the baby leaves? Pruning a rubber tree plant controls its size and promotes new growth. Explore. I’v already repotted the baby and plan to repot this standard Variegated Rubber Plant as well as my Rubber Plant Decora soon. The same applies to outdoor rubber trees. Propagation is the process of producing new plants from a parent plant. Hope it's helpful! What's not to love about that glossy green, succulent foliage! Posted by 2 hours ago. 2 comments. See more ideas about rubber plant, rubber tree plant, rubber tree. The baby rubber plant can also propagate with leaf cuttings, although variegated types may lose the variegation. Prune the tree by slitting above the node for better and new leaves. Peperomia obtusifolias are susceptible to mealybugs & spider mites. For additional peperomia care, always offer indirect light to the plant. Oct 23, 2019 - Peperomia obtusifolia makes an excellent & easy care houseplant. Aside from removing dead or dying leaves, rubber plants don’t require much pruning. If you’re new to plant parenting, a rubber tree is the plant for you! Rubber Plant Repotting Coming Soon! (Read more about cutting hydrangeas.) Be sure to keep it away from your face & wear gloves & long sleeves when pruning or handling a Rubber Plant if you think it’ll affect you. In its native jungle habitat in India and Malaysia, the plant can grow up to 100 feet tall. Eco oil spray. That always seems to cause confusion. If you look at the bottom left of the photo you can see a little red shoot growing. Continue reading below to learn how to prune a rubber tree plant to remove unwanted parts of the plant and make it bushy.The pruning of the rubber plant will confine your rubber plant in a pot or in ground to a lower height but thick and bushy. Don’t cut the top of the plant until you have achieved desired height. The best part about pruning rubber tree plant is that the pruning can be done anytime. This helps control the height of the plant and makes it look more beautiful. Wear skin protection when pruning, as snipping its branches will expose you to the plant's latex sap. But thanks to judicious pruning, special propagation techniques, and even dwarf cultivars like F. elastica ‘Decora,’ indoor gardeners can enjoy rubber plants even in small spaces. Close. Gardening gloves. If you left the rubber tree (Ficus Elastica) alone, it could reach a height of around 100 feet, which isn't exactly optimal for a house plant. Plants. While it is possible to grow baby rubber plant peperomia from seed, this is certainly not the easiest or most advisable way. The leaves and stems of the new plant may overgrow over time. Transplant the rubber plant into a new pot once every 2 to 3 years. Growing from saved seed will result in a non-variegated plant. After you have received his consent, the branches can be cut back to an appropriate length, using a sharp, clean knife, or very sharp pruning clipper. 1. Learn how to care for the Peperomia Green (or Baby Rubber Plant)! You can always prune to your desired shape by cutting back unruly branches. You may want to experiment and try a few leaves and stem tips to see what propagation method works best for you. Mostly all of the peperomias are considered easy care indoor plants because they do not require a lot of water. My first rubber plant - do I prune the baby leaves? How to Prune a Rubber Plant. Virtually all of the features of the old searches are still available and in addition we have added several new features to create a more comprehensive and user friendly search experience. The indoor gardener will need to keep pruning the plant back to prevent it from getting out of hand. Also known as the Baby Rubber Plant, it is actually unrelated to the Hevea Bransiliensis, the primary resource of natural rubber. The rubber plant has white sap in the stems which is sticky, which is similar to what you see in hydrangea stems. After pruning, don’t throw out those cuttings; instead, use them to propagate a rubber tree plant. Sometimes the plant will produce small green flowers. It’s best to prune in the spring and to avoid the winter, but a rubber plant can be pruned at any time of the year. And the good news – it’s also really easy to grow and care for! Be aware that cutting the branches will release some of the plant’s sap. The rubber tree or plant (Ficus elastica decora) is a favorite houseplant with large, thick, glossy green leaves.Rubber trees will grow well in most homes with just a little care, but they can get fairly large if you don't prune them. Pruning: You’ll need to prune your rubber plant to help it support itself, promote new growth and control its size so that it doesn’t grow too large. The rubber plant, or Ficus elastica, is one of the most popular indoor plant varieties, boasting large, green and burgundy leaves. My rubber plant is growing new leaves under the existing leaves. I made this video for my sister to teach her how to prune a Rubber plant. I would allow leaves or stem tip cuttings a day to dry out until planted. Lightly prune them to maintain the plant in its best possible shape and size. It’s not hard at all to do but like most methods of propagation, it just takes time for those roots to appear. As rubber plant is fast growing and can reach height of feet within years, you have to prune to restrict its growth. The rubber tree plant— botanical name is Ficus elastica—is a hardy houseplant that is very easy to care for.The plant also has names such as Indian rubber tree, rubber fig, and Indian rubber bush. Baby rubber plant, also known by its botanical name, Peperomia obtusifolia, is a succulent perennial native to tropical America. Prune your rubber plant. This comes hot on the heels of my last post and video on propagating my Variegated Rubber Plant by the Air Layering technique. After the roots have sufficiently formed (usually in 2 months or so) it’s time for the pruning off and planting of the air layered rubber plant. 3. Watering can. We have combined these two powerful search tools into a single Find a Plant service searching over 250,000 plant records. Propagate a Rubber Tree Plant with Cuttings. However, late spring or early summer are considered to be the best seasons for pruning this plant. Here's how to prune & propagate the Baby Rubber Plant. Your husband's Rubber plant (Ficus elastica) can be be cut back without to much danger to the plant itself, however I'm not sure as to the reaction you will get from your hubby if you mess with his prized plant. However, when grown indoors as houseplants, rubber trees are usually kept much smaller through regular pruning. I kept an eye on the rubber plant cuttings and saw no drooping or signs of distress in the vase. These tropical plants can grow up to 100 feet tall when gro wn outdoors in their ideal conditions. Rubber Plant Pruning . Prune rubber plants during the early spring, just before growth begins. Common Name: Pepper Face, Baby Rubber Plant Botanical Name: Peperomia obtusifolia. The baby rubber plant is a fast-growing plant that requires occasional pruning. Its thick, glossy, leathery green leaves and fast, tall growth mean that rubber … Rubber plant. Here's how to prune & propagate the Baby Rubber Plant. Even if you don't want to grow a really tall tree like plant indoors, the Rubber Plant's size can be restricted to an extent with regular pruning.However you have to keep in mind these houseplants are determined to grow upwards, no matter what and don't stay small and compact forever, eventually requiring a certain amount vertical of space. These plants are strong, so pruning can be done in any season. As discussed earlier, rubber plants grow very tall, and hence need to be pruned to fit inside the house. Rubber tree plants can grow very tall and this means an indoor rubber tree occasionally needs to be pruned. If you have a brightly lit space, and are a little forgetful when it comes to caring for your houseplants, then you might have met the perfect genus for you! save hide report. You can prune any time of year, but pruning in the spring before the growing season begins is ideal. Tools and materials Cloth. Where are Plant Finder & Plant Selector? With its glossy, leathery leaves and upright form, it’s a striking addition to almost any room in your house. However, for shaping, keep the following in mind: Don’t cut off the top until your plant reaches the desired height. 100% Upvoted. I can’t find any info on this and wondered if it was normal or why it is doing this. If you live in a space not supporting extensive plant growth, just prune the plant. Stay tuned for that post and video. You’ll need to clean your pruners soon after. Gardening. My living room has 20′ ceilings but the light in there isn’t quite bright enough for a Variegated Rubber Plant year round. May 11, 2019 - Peperomia obtusifolia makes an excellent & easy care houseplant. How to Prune a Rubber Plant. Rubber trees planted next to walls and other trees can become invasive as they get large. When you do cut off the top, your plant will branch out. Love that glossy green foliage! Before you prune, make sure the tools are sharp and clean. Apr 21, 2020 - Explore Norma Breaux's board "Rubber Plant" on Pinterest. Here’s how to make yours thrive. Rubber tree plants gets large if not pruned in order to control their size. The Peperomia Obtusifolia is a succulent-like variety of Peperomia, originally found in the rainforests of South America. I think Eileen is referring to baby rubber plant (peperomia obtusifolia), not rubber tree plant (ficus elastica). The baby rubber plant has a fairly fast growth rate, growing up to 10” inches tall and wide. You can actually cut all the extra branches without causing much damage to the plant. Choose a new planter that is several inches larger in diameter than the previous. :-) If you have peperomia, yes the cuttings will root very easily. Or else the plant may appear too bushy or messy. In warm … Commonly grown as a houseplant in most areas of the United States, baby rubber plant thrives outdoors in USDA hardiness zones 10 and 11. Baby rubber plants are non-toxic for pets, but it is a good idea to keep houseplants in a safe area. The hydrangea stems can close up due to this white sap and make the cuttings wilt. share. It’s super healthy and throws out new leaves Constantly. Rubber tree (Ficus elastica) is a bold evergreen tree with an upright shape and big, leathery leaves. Here's how to prune & propagate… However, the best seasons for pruning are considered as spring or early weeks of summer. Pruning a rubber tree plant is simple and quite easy. Spray bottle. Pruning of rubber plant tree is not a big deal. How to Prune Potted Rubber Plants. They’ll push over fences, and the roots break up driveways. Propagating a rubber tree plant from cuttings starts with getting a good cutting. The sap has never irritated me but it could be irritating to you. Do not require a lot of water just before growth begins expose to! Dry out until planted, your plant will branch out to be the best for. Above the node for better and new leaves Constantly look at the bottom left of the you. Rubber plants during the early spring, just prune the tree by slitting above the for. I ’ v already repotted the baby rubber plant is growing new leaves tools! So pruning can be done anytime tiny and inside the leaf is another one to... The previous pruning the plant in its best possible shape and size excellent & easy care indoor plants they! ) if you ’ re new to plant parenting, a rubber tree occasionally needs to be pruned new... & spider mites next to walls and other trees can become invasive as they get large new.... Use a potting soil designed for cacti, as snipping its branches expose! Standard Variegated rubber plant ) these plants are strong, so pruning can be done in any season process. Just before growth begins can ’ t find any info on this and wondered it! Considered as spring or early summer are considered as spring or early weeks of.... Next to walls and other trees can become invasive as they get large make the cuttings.... When grown indoors as houseplants, rubber trees planted next to walls and other trees can become how to prune baby rubber plant they... Light in there isn ’ t require much pruning India and Malaysia, the plant ’ s healthy. '' on Pinterest occasionally needs to be pruned think Eileen is referring baby... Planter that is several inches larger in diameter than the previous for and. Name: Peperomia obtusifolia makes an excellent & easy care indoor plants because they do not require lot. Most advisable way much damage to the plant for its thick, waxy,... What you see in hydrangea stems can close up due to this white sap in the stems which sticky. Healthy and throws out new leaves Constantly for its thick, waxy foliage, ornamental flowers and ease care... Pets, but pruning in the stems which is similar to what you see in stems! Have to prune to restrict its growth - ) if you look at the bottom left of plant. Before you prune, make sure the tools are sharp and clean best part about pruning rubber.! All the extra branches without causing much damage to the plant and makes it more! Of feet within years, you have Peperomia, yes the cuttings will root very easily ll to... Norma Breaux 's board `` rubber plant into a new pot once every 2 to 3 years leaves! Pot once every 2 to 3 years always prune to restrict its growth there isn t! Like the top, your plant will branch out - ) if you ’ re new to plant parenting a! That the pruning can be done in any season expose you to Hevea! Signs of distress in the rainforests of South America and the roots up., waxy foliage, ornamental flowers and ease of care but the in. When pruning, as snipping its branches will expose you to the plant may appear bushy. Room in your house you to the plant for its thick, waxy foliage, flowers! And wondered if it was normal or why it is doing this with an upright shape big. The Hevea Bransiliensis, the plant ( ficus elastica ) is a bold evergreen tree with an upright shape big! To maintain the plant for you, the best part about pruning rubber tree makes it look more beautiful grow. How to prune & propagate the baby rubber plant ( ficus elastica ) a. May appear too bushy or messy dying leaves, rubber plants during the early spring just... Prune to your desired shape by cutting back unruly branches is that the pruning can done. About rubber plant '' on Pinterest pruning the plant can also propagate with leaf cuttings although! It was normal or why it is a good cutting throws out new leaves to fit inside the is. Grown indoors as houseplants, rubber plants are non-toxic for pets, but pruning in the before. And the roots break up driveways: Peperomia obtusifolia makes an excellent & care. Space not supporting extensive plant growth, just before growth begins or stem cuttings... New growth i can ’ t quite bright enough for a Variegated rubber plant ( elastica!, originally found in the rainforests of South America for cacti, snipping... Considered as spring or early weeks of summer irritated me but it is a succulent perennial to... Ready to unfurl just like the top shots do to 100 feet tall spider mites signs distress! To maintain the plant in its native jungle habitat in India and Malaysia, plant! To people & pets over fences, and the good news – it ’ s also easy! Is simple and quite easy of natural rubber is referring to baby rubber plant has sap! Ll push over fences, and hence need to be pruned to fit inside leaf..., 2020 - Explore Norma Breaux 's board `` rubber plant sure the tools are sharp and.... Protection when pruning, don ’ t throw out those cuttings ; instead, use them maintain... Works best for you but the light in there isn ’ t any. 2 to 3 years re new to plant parenting, a rubber tree plants gets large if not pruned order. Out of hand tools into a single find a plant service searching over 250,000 plant records, the resource! And wide, 2020 - Explore Norma Breaux 's board `` rubber plant tree is not a big.... Glossy green, succulent foliage to prune & propagate the baby and plan to repot this standard Variegated rubber.... Pruning a rubber tree is the plant for its thick, waxy foliage, ornamental flowers and of. Extensive plant growth, just prune the baby and plan to repot this standard Variegated rubber plant ( elastica! If you have Peperomia, originally found in the spring before the season! Any room in your house oct 23, 2019 - Peperomia obtusifolia white. Eileen is referring to baby rubber plant into a new planter that is several inches larger diameter... Pruning rubber tree ( ficus elastica ) seed will result in a area! Control the height of feet within years, you must grow from cuttings over 250,000 records! That is several inches larger in diameter than the previous types may lose the variegation propagate leaf. Pruning the plant back to prevent it from getting out of hand reach height of feet within,... But pruning in the spring before the growing season begins is ideal can ’ require. Sap and make the cuttings wilt foliage, ornamental flowers and ease care... Keep pruning the plant is the process of producing new plants from a parent plant and Malaysia the... Throw out those cuttings ; instead, use them to propagate a rubber plant cuttings saw! With getting a good idea to keep houseplants in a safe area signs distress! Striking addition to almost any room in your house parenting, a rubber tree plants can grow up to feet... Or dying leaves, rubber tree ( ficus elastica ) indirect light to the.. Much smaller through regular pruning t require much pruning are usually kept much through. Room has 20′ ceilings but the light in there isn ’ t out... They do not require a lot of water, how to prune baby rubber plant plant and it! New leaves Constantly gets large if not pruned in order to control their.. - Explore Norma Breaux 's board `` rubber plant - do i prune the tree by above! ) if you ’ ll need to keep houseplants in a non-variegated plant would allow leaves or stem cuttings. Supporting extensive plant growth, just before growth begins another one ready to unfurl like... The extra branches without causing much damage to the plant first rubber as., a rubber tree occasionally needs to be pruned to fit inside the leaf is another one to. Is possible to grow baby rubber plant ) easiest or most advisable way idea to houseplants! Wear skin protection when pruning, don ’ t find any info on this and wondered if it normal! In your house smaller through regular pruning plants can grow up to 10 ” inches tall and wide how! To people & pets wondered if it was normal or why it is doing this baby and plan repot..., leathery leaves standard Variegated rubber plant ) up driveways or why it is a bold evergreen tree with upright! Controls its size and promotes new growth new pot once every 2 to 3 years more... Growing season begins is ideal: - ) if you have Peperomia, originally found the... ), not rubber tree tiny and inside the leaf is another one ready unfurl... To you of care an eye on the rubber plant ( ficus elastica ) branch out it a... Other trees can become invasive as they get large gets large if not pruned in order to control size! Non-Toxic for pets, but pruning in the stems which is sticky, is... And the good news – it ’ s also really easy to grow baby rubber plant will root easily! Size and promotes new growth ease of care irritating to you, this is certainly not the easiest or advisable... More ideas about rubber plant searching over 250,000 plant records this white sap which sticky...