How to prune a rubber plant
You may not be aware of how to prune a rubber plant or the illustrated pruning methods for rubber plants in the green plant and flower aspect, which will definitely help you. Let's learn about it together!
Rubber plants are a commonly kept ornamental leaf plant in homes. Their leaves are relatively large, with a very high luster on the entire leaf surface and strong drought resistance, making them relatively easy to care for. However, our goal in keeping rubber plants is not just for display; we aim to cultivate a beautiful shape. Most people want to grow rubber plants into a large tree shape with dense foliage, which requires regular pruning. But pruning rubber plants requires remembering the most suitable pruning time, and only pruning three types of branches can result in a lush, large tree. Today, I will briefly introduce this to everyone.
1. Do not prune in winter
We need to understand the conditions required for the growth of rubber plants. As long as the temperature does not drop below 10 degrees, they can grow slowly, and if the temperature remains above 15 degrees, they can grow normally and rapidly, even when the temperature exceeds 30 degrees in summer. This is their optimal growth temperature. Since they are a plant from the south, the higher the temperature, the faster they grow. Therefore, in winter, when the temperature at home is low, we should not prune them.
Some gardening friends say that the temperature in their homes during winter can reach 20 degrees. Should they prune then? During winter, indoor windows cannot be opened for ventilation, and watering should be reduced. The plant's growth may weaken, and some gardeners even dare not fertilize. Thus, pruning should not be done during this period, regardless of whether the temperature is suitable or not. It's best not to prune in winter, ensuring adequate light, reduced watering, and no fertilization, allowing the plant to safely pass through the winter. In spring, summer, and autumn, when ventilation is guaranteed and the plant has sufficient water, pruning can be done at any time, and new buds will grow after pruning.
2. Remove inward-facing buds
When pruning rubber plants, new buds will grow from the remaining main stem after pruning. These new buds have different orientations. We should retain those that grow upwards or outward, but not those that grow斜 towards the main stem. Keeping these inward-facing buds will cause them to grow inward, and when they get longer, they will intersect with internal branches, affecting the growth of other branches.
Moreover, if they grow upwards and become tall, they will block the entire branch and leaf structure, affecting the plant's overall shape. These branches, due to sunlight blockage, will grow thin and weak, making the plant not only unattractive but also unnecessarily consuming nutrients. Therefore, it is essential to remove these inward-facing buds as soon as they appear to prevent nutrient wastage and affect the growth of subsequent branches.
3. Remove buds from the main stem
Usually, when we grow rubber plants, we aim for a large tree shape with a single main stem. Buds growing from this main stem should also be removed promptly. Remember, it's the thick main stem. As the plant grows to a certain height, we should pinch the top to encourage side branches. After the side branches grow, we should pinch the top again. The thicker branches will continue to grow, and new buds from these thick branches should not be retained. Only the buds that grow from branches that have just been pruned should be kept. Buds from the main stem, whether at the base or the tip of pruned branches, will receive nutrients first, affecting the nutrient absorption and rapid growth of the pruned branches.
4. Trim overly long branches
If you want to grow a rubber plant in a certain shape at home, you should prune it accordingly. For example, if you want to grow it into a large tree with a thick trunk and dense foliage, you should promptly remove any branches that affect the plant's growth. These long branches can affect the plant's appearance and should be cut to allow new branches to grow. Keep pruning new branches, removing two to three leaves each time, to encourage continuous new bud growth. This will create a dense and lush appearance.
Relative to other plants, rubber plants are easy to care for. Use a small pot with well-draining soil, keep it in the sunniest spot all year, water when the soil is almost dry, and choose a multi-element fertilizer every month. During the growth process, follow the pruning timing as mentioned by Xiaoqi. Do not prune in winter when temperatures are low. In good growth conditions, remove inward-facing and main stem buds promptly, and cut any overly long branches based on the plant's shape. This pruning process will encourage rapid new bud growth, creating a full canopy that becomes denser and more lush, which is the desired outcome. When placed indoors for display, it will have greater ornamental value.
This article shares specific content about how to prune a rubber plant and the illustrated pruning methods for rubber plants, for everyone's reference and operation.