How to Propagate Rubber Trees From Cuttings

1. Prepare a Clean Surface Area

   Propagating rubber trees can get messy, since they ooze a sticky, latex-rich white sap when the stems are cut. Make sure to protect the work surface. Clean the area thoroughly to remove any other plant debris or soil to prevent the spread of diseases. Wearing protective gloves while taking cuttings from a rubber tree is encouraged, as the sap can cause skin irritation on contact. Ensure that you have all of your tools and supplies ready to go before starting to propagate.

2. Choose Where You Will Take the Cutting

   Survey your plant to identify where it could benefit from some pruning. Look for areas that are uneven, or for spots that you would like fuller growth. Leggy, elongated stems or branches also make great options for cuttings. Choose a healthy stem with leaves free of blemishes.

   Before you make any cuts, ensure that you identify the leaf nodes along the stem, as this is where the new roots will eventually grow. Rubber tree cuttings should be about 6 inches (15 centimeters) long and have at least four leaf nodes for the best chance of success.

3. Make the Cuts

   Once you have chosen where you will take the cutting from your rubber tree, take your sharp knife or pruning shears and make a swift, straight cut directly just above a node and one inch below a node. If the cutting is dripping sap, gently pat the cut end of the stem with a paper towel until it stops.

4. Prepare the Cuttings

   Once the cuttings have been taken, remove the bottom leaves from each stem, ensuring that one leaf remains at the top of the cuttings. Not only does this help to expose the stem and encourage rooting, but it also helps to ensure that the cutting's energy is directed toward new growth rather than maintaining existing leaves. Keeping the waxy side outermost, roll the leaf to form a cylinder, secure with a rubber band, and put into the soilless potting mix. Rolling the leaf reduces moisture loss.

5. Plant the Cuttings

   Fill the small plastic pot with a soilless potting mix and perlite and moisten thoroughly. Before planting, apply a rooting hormone to the end of each cutting. Then, poke a small hole in the center of the potting medium and push the cutting in, ensuring that the top node sits on the soil mix surface. Support the cutting with a small stake place in the center of the rolled leaf. Pat the soil firmly down around the cutting to secure it in place.

   Place a plastic zip-top bag over each potted cutting to create a greenhouse-like environment. Rubber tree cuttings require humid environments to sprout roots.

6. Place in a Warm, Sunny Location, and Wait

   Place the cuttings, including the bags, in a warm location that receives dappled sun throughout the day. Avoid direct sun as it will burn the leaves and cause the cuttings to shrivel up and dry out. Spritz with water as needed. Do not let the soil dry out.

   After four to five weeks, the cutting should begin establishing roots. You can give the cutting a gentle tug to check if roots have developed. If you feel resistance then the roots have begun to form.

Rubber tree cuttings can also be propagated in water rather than soil, although it tends to be less reliable, as the cuttings are more susceptible to rot. After five to six months, the cuttings should have well-established root systems. Change the water weekly.