Propagating a rubber plant is a great way to ensure that you have the best plants in the future. Even if you only have one or two plants left, it’s still worth doing rubber plant propagation so that you can go back and get more seeds next year.
This article will show how to take cuttings from your rubber plant and grow them into new plants! So here are ways to do rubber plant propagation:
Rubber plant propagation
Rubber plants can be propagated by air layering or cuttings. Air layering takes several months, but cuttings can be ready to pot in a matter of weeks.
Air layering
It is the process of inserting a cutting into the soil of a plant in order to propagate it. This can be done with any plant, but it’s more commonly used to grow rubber plants because of their large size and slow growth rate. The advantage of air layering is that you don’t have to wait for your cuttings to be ready before planting them. If you’re going through all this trouble just so that you can use some cuttings rather than starting from scratch every time, then why not get started right away?
The air layering process takes several months. 4-6 months for larger plants like rubber trees (which might take up to two years). But with proper care and attention during those first few weeks after transplanting your new plant, chances are good that it will thrive happily ever after! Cuttings are ready within two weeks or less. Depending on how much light they receive while still attached at their base (or root), they may even sprout leaves within hours!
Make a shallow slit
- Make a shallow slit in the branch between two leaves, coat the slit with rooting hormone, and wrap a moistened paper towel around the area.
- Place your seedling in a plastic bag that has soaked for 24 hours in sterile water and then place it in an area where it will get direct sunlight until roots form.
- The root will form in 4 to 6 months. When you see roots, remove the plastic bag and plant your seedling into a pot filled with potting soil.
- Water lightly until new growth appears. When you see new leaves, remove the bag and place your seedling under a grow light.
Rubber plant propagation using cutting
- The cutting should be at least 4-6 inches long and have at least one leaf node on it. You can also use another piece of stem from the same plant, but make sure to keep it under 12 inches in length.
- You may want to take a few leaves from your cutting as well so that you can see how it looks after you get it growing again.
- Fill a container with potting soil that is moist but not too wet. You want it to be damp like a wrung-out sponge.
- Put your cutting into the soil, making sure that it’s standing straight up and not leaning. You can use a clear glass jar or cup with holes poked in the lid for this purpose. Place your cutting in an area where it will get plenty of sunlight but not be exposed to direct sunlight for most of the day.
- Water your cutting with a spray bottle every day or two until it starts sprouting new leaves. When your plant starts growing again, move it into the sunlight and allow it to grow as long as possible before you need more cuttings.
Rooting hormone
Rooting hormone is a chemical that can help to encourage the growth of new roots in plants. It’s not necessary to use rooting hormone on air layering and cuttings, but it can be helpful if you want your plant propagation to root faster.
The best way to apply rooting hormones is by spraying them directly on the cutting (or stem) with an atomizer or syringe. It’s important that you don’t apply too much, since overapplication will lead to rot or mold within your growing medium if conditions are favorable for its growth.
Takeaway:
It’s important to note that rubber plant propagation is easy and quick. You can take a cutting from your own plant, or you can buy one from a local nursery. If you’re too lazy to do all the work yourself, then buying some cuttings may be more convenient for you. Just make sure that the soil is moist when planting them; otherwise, they won’t root properly!
Conclusion
Rubber plants are a great addition to your home or garden. They are easy to care for and can provide you with hours of entertainment, but they do need some special attention in order to thrive.
In this article we’ve covered how best to grow rubber plants from cuttings, tips on caring for them, and what types of rubber plants exist out there so you can decide which type would work best for your needs!