Cutting a rubber tree: when and how to do it

In order for the rubber tree to maintain a beautiful growth habit, it must be pruned regularly. Here we show how to properly cut the rubber tree.

Does the rubber tree (Ficus elastica) really well 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. In the following we will tell you why you should prune your rubber tree, when it is time to prune and how to do it properly.

pruning 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 put the pruning shears on the houseplant.

Reasons to prune your rubber tree:

• curb growth
• Stimulate new growth
• topiary
• In case of illness or pest infestation
• For propagation

Cutting rubber trees: 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 is to to cut cuttings, in the spring.

Summary of the right time to cut the rubber tree:

• Best time: In winter
• The sap flow is at its lowest in the evening
• Take cuttings in spring to propagate

Cutting a rubber tree: instructions

The good news first: rubber trees are very tolerant of pruning and will forgive you if you cut them more radically. 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 proceed differently.

Pruning rubber tree: curb growth

If your rubber tree is already reaching 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 pruning shears.

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 a few centimeters after one or more "sleeping eyes" at the desired location.

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.

Prune rubber trees when diseased or infested with pests

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.

Cut 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.

A detailed guide to Propagation of the rubber tree we have prepared for you here.

Maintain rubber tree after pruning

All pruning measures result in 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. It is then sealed 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 Cutting rubber trees correctly:

• Use a sharp knife or secateurs
• pruning to stem growth; shorten the entire crown to the desired height
• To encourage side shoots, cut the trunk above "sleeping eyes".
• Cut off side shoots for upright growth
• Shorten side shoots that are longer than the main shoot
• Immediately remove dried, dead parts of plants and parts of plants affected by disease or pests
• Take cuttings or moss to propagate
• Wound care with a damp cloth is usually sufficient
• For large cuts, flush the wound with warm water and close with wax or plastic plugs

Tip: Go outside for pruning or lay a tarp or newspaper under the tree because the Sap that leaks from the cuts of the tree is very difficult to get out of clothing or carpet remove.

Pruning is not the only care measure that is good for the rubber tree. Even more about the right one Care of your rubber tree you can read here in our special article on the subject.