This step-by-step guide explains how to propagate rubber plants through cuttings and air layering.
Use these step-by-step instructions to get started with propagating your rubber plants.
double-check the rubber plant you want to propagate is healthy and free of pests and diseases.
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Dont let the multiple steps involved in air layering intimidate you.
This propagation method is simple and highly successful when you take these actions.
Select a point on a vigorously growing stem about 12 to 18 inches from the shoot tip.
Remove any leaves in the immediate area.
One inch below the first cut, make a second cut completely around the stem.
Make a third vertical cut connecting the first two cuts.
Finally, remove the ring of bark between the first two cuts.
With the edge of a sharp knife, scrape the exposed woody surface, removing any soft tissue remaining.
Dust a small amount of rooting hormone powder on the exposed surface.
Rooting hormone powder is available at garden centers.
Wrap with sphagnum moss.
Thoroughly moisten a handful or two of sphagnum moss.
Wring it out and wrap it around the wounded area of the stem.
Cover with plastic wrap.
Secure the plastic wrap to the stem with twist ties at both ends of the sphagnum moss.
Check the sphagnum moss every couple of days to ensure it stays moist.
If it dries out, it will appear lighter in color and feel dry to the touch.
Then, replace the plastic wrap cover and twist tie.
Roots should be visible in the sphagnum moss about four to six weeks after air layering.
Pot the new plant.
Leave the sphagnum moss in place around the root system; the moss will decompose over time.
Stem Cuttings
Stem cuttings are fast and easy.
Tools and supplies:sharp knife orpruners, rooting hormone, container, soilless potting mix.
The best rubber plant stem for propagating is a vigorously growing branch.
Look for a branch that has several leaves and flexible new growth at the tip.
Cut the stem below a leaf.
Use pruners to snip a 6-inch or so length of stem, cutting just below a leaf.
3 Remove some leaves.
Using pruners, snip away the leaves on the lower half of the stem.
Dip in rooting hormone.
Dip the lower 2 inches of the stem in rooting hormone.
The rooting hormone is not necessary, but it speeds the rooting process.
Fill a small container with soilless potting mix and gently pot the cutting.
Water it well and place it in a warm, bright location.
Water when the top of the soil is dry to the touch.
Expect roots to form in about three weeks.
Air layer only one time per stem.
Water propagation is rarely successful with rubber plants.
Often, disease sets in before the plant has rooted in water.
