Moss removal is a way to reproduce and rejuvenate plants. The future young plant should root before it is separated from the old plant. There are various methods and it is possible to obtain relatively large young plants.
When and why should I remove moss from a rubber tree?
Removing moss from a rubber tree helps the plant multiply and rejuvenate. The best time for this is in spring, preferably March. This method creates relatively large young plants and interesting growth forms, such as bonsai.
You can also use moss to give your rubber tree a special shape. These methods are particularly popular when growing a bonsai. This way roots or branches grow in the places where you want them and you prevent bare spots on the plant.
How does moss removal work?
With the so-called wedge method, you cut the selected shoot diagonally from bottom to top. Use a wedge to keep the resulting gap open and evenly moist over the next period of time. Rooting powder and/or peat moss (€15.00 at Amazon) facilitates the formation of new roots. Wrap plastic wrap around the moss area or pull a cut plastic bag over it and tie it above and below the cut site to help retain moisture.
Since rooting requires a lot of light, the foil or bag must be transparent. You can easily water this area with a sprayer. The first roots will appear after about six to ten weeks. The young plant should only be separated from the old plant when the roots are abundant and strong.
When is the best time to remove moss?
Ideally, you should remove moss from your easy-care rubber tree in spring, around March. The second half of the year is less suitable because root formation should be completed before winter rest. During this time, growth slows down significantly, making moss removal more difficult. Even in spring it is a fairly complex method, but it produces relatively large young plants.
The most important things in brief:
- relatively complex
- Possibility for vegetative propagation
- results in relatively large young plants
- also serves to rejuvenate the rubber tree
- best in spring
- do not moss in the second half of the year
- results in interesting growth forms, for example in bonsai
Tip
If you want to get a relatively large, attractive young plant through propagation, then moss removal is the best method. Start early because it takes a few months.
