Growing rubber trees yourself is not as difficult as it might seem to you. Although sowing and removing moss are a lengthy process and sinkers are not an option, growing offshoots is very easy.
How do I grow cuttings from a rubber tree?
To pull a cutting from the rubber tree, cut off a shoot at least 6-8 cm long in spring with a sharp, clean tool. Remove the lower leaves and place the shoot under foil or in a greenhouse in nutrient-poor soil for about 3 months. Keep him evenly moist and warm, and slowly acclimate him to cooler air. Repotting takes place when strong roots have formed (another approx. 3 months).
How and when should I cut offshoots?
It is best to cut the desired cuttings in the spring after winter dormancy or at the beginning of the growing season. This gives your cuttings the best chance of rooting quickly. You can cut your cuttings from a side shoot or shorten a very tall rubber tree and use the resulting piece as a cutting.
Your cutting tool should of course be sharp and clean to prevent the transmission of any diseases. If you are prone to allergies, wear gloves when cutting, as the milky sap of the rubber tree could trigger an allergy.
Growing offshoots
Ideally, your cutting is at least six to eight centimeters long and has at least one leaf and one bud. Choose a strong and he althy shoot. Either place your offshoot in a glass of fresh water until the milky plant sap has come out, or you can plant it immediately in nutrient-poor soil. No special potting soil is required.
Once it is in the ground, you should keep the cutting well moist without causing waterlogging. An indoor greenhouse or a transparent film/bag that you pull over the pot is helpful for this. This not only keeps the humidity but also the temperature constant. Be sure to ventilate your cutting every now and then and make sure it doesn't touch the plastic wrap.
You now have to wait about three months until your offshoot is rooted and robust enough for normal room air. However, you should only get him used to it slowly by airing it out for longer each day or by cutting a hole in the protective film. During the cultivation period, place the cutting in a bright place because it needs a lot of light. You should wait a few weeks before repotting.
The most important things in brief:
- Cut offshoots at least 6 – 8 cm long
- remove the lower leaves
- approx. Keep under foil or in a greenhouse for 3 months
- keep evenly moist and warm
- slowly get used to cooler air
- only repot when strong roots have formed (another approx. 3 months)
- the cut part of a shortened rubber tree makes a great cutting
Tip
If your rubber tree becomes too big for you, shorten it next spring. This way you give it the chance to get a nice shape and at the same time get a new rubber tree for yourself or as a gift.
