Pruning and shaping rubber plant - rules and tips

The ficus is a common plant that will appeal to lovers of non-flowering houseplants. The rubber plant grows only upward and rarely branches, so pruning is necessary to create a beautiful shape. This process also increases the number of leaves, giving the plant a more attractive appearance. Pruning is a labor-intensive process that requires knowledge and skill.

General information about rubber plant and the need for pruning

The rubber tree (Ficus elastica) is native to the tropical forests of India and Indonesia. It belongs to the Moraceae family. In the wild, it is an evergreen tree, reaching 40 meters in height. Its leaves are oval, elongated, and pointed at the tips. The leaf surface is glossy, covered with a skin, and is a rich green. The leaves grow up to 30 cm in length and are attached to the trunk by a long petiole.

Small, round, green fruits form at the point where the leaf attaches. Young leaves are brown with a pinkish tint, and with age, they turn dark green. This species of ficus is known for its rubber, which is used in construction and industry. In India, the tree is used to build suspension bridges.

The most famous decorative varieties include Decora, whose young leaves have a bronze hue, and Doescheri, with variegated leaves.

Indoors, the tree reaches several meters in height. When maintained in good conditions with high humidity, aerial roots begin to grow from the trunk, which eventually descend to the ground, sprout, and form additional trunks. Indoors, the ficus tree does not flower, and in greenhouses, only mature and older specimens may flower.

The flower has two types of buds from which new shoots emerge: apical and lateral. Apical growth occurs through the formation of new leaves from the top of the plant. Lateral growth occurs through the formation of new leaves from the point where the leaves attach to the stem. In this species, apical growth significantly predominates over lateral growth, resulting in rapid growth of the flower and the expenditure of all energy on this process.

As a result, lateral growth is very slow, and the plant has an insufficient number of leaves. Pruning helps redistribute the plant's energy and encourage lateral growth, resulting in a beautiful ficus shape.

Plant-safe pruning guidelines

First of all, to ensure pruning is as beneficial as possible and doesn't damage the plant, use a sharp, disinfected knife or pruning shears. For thin branches, scissors are suitable. When pruning, remove 10-15 cm from the top, or approximately 3-4 leaves.

Experts also recommend wearing gloves and safety glasses when pruning ficus, as the milky sap contains toxins that can trigger an allergic reaction. Pruning is best done in the spring, when the plant begins its active growth phase. This is the time to achieve the best results.

Experienced gardeners recommend performing this procedure when the flower reaches 70 cm in height. It's important to remember that removing most of the stem can cause the plant to stop growing and remain the same size.

Methods for shaping the crown of rubber plant

Ficus trees can be shaped in a variety of ways. The choice depends on aesthetic preferences and the size of the tree.

Standard

The lower part of the plant stem is stripped of excess leaves and young shoots. If the flowerpot is on a windowsill, about 40 cm is stripped, and if it's on the floor, 90 cm is stripped. 10 cm is cut off the top of the plant. This slows down upward growth, promoting lateral growth.

Once the desired height is reached, the lateral branches near the outer bud are pinched to ensure growth parallel to the stem and the ficus branches outward. This creates a standard-type crown.

Bush

There are several ways to create a bushy crown. The first method involves allowing the plant to grow to 80 cm, then trimming off 10-15 cm of the top. Lateral shoots should be pinched back once they reach 10 cm. Stem pruning stimulates lateral growth, resulting in vigorous growth, creating a full crown.

The second method involves providing the plant with constant, elevated humidity. This encourages the formation of aerial roots on the stem, which are directed into the substrate. Once the roots sprout and take root, they take on the shape of a banyan tree. Excess roots and branches are regularly trimmed.

Arc

To form an arch, the plant must first grow to the desired height, then trim the top of the tree. This will direct all the plant's energy toward lateral growth.

To create a voluminous crown with arched edges, bend and secure the lateral shoots. This position activates the outer buds of the upper stem and begins to grow vigorously. The shoots are unclamped once the plant has reached the desired size and shape.

Spiral

The method involves securing a support, such as a rod or stick, to the pot. The plant stem is then wrapped around the support, after removing any leaves and shoots from the lower part to better see the results.

The entwined stem is firmly tied to the support. Side branches and shoots are regularly trimmed to prevent them from sticking out.

Scythe

The braid shape is formed when the plant is still young. The size should not exceed 15-18 cm. To achieve this, plant three young shoots in one pot and wait until each grows to a height of 18 cm.

After this, the stems are braided, secured with fishing line and thread. The outer layer of skin is completely removed from the intertwined stem parts, and the released juice is drained. The stem is secured as it grows.

Fence

To form a fence or hedge, the plant must be pruned. The pruned shoots are saved and rooted in a large, shallow container, preferably a box, in a single row. For growing young plants, the top layer of bark is trimmed off, the sap is wiped off, and the stems are joined by tying them together. The rate of stem fusion depends on the amount of light in the room.

Crown formation without pruning leaves

The desired shape can be achieved without pruning. To inhibit the growth of a bud, make a deep vertical cut above it and remove the bark around the cut. This method is called burring. Plant hormones called cytokines, which stimulate lateral growth, can also be used.

It's best to shape the crown of young trees without pruning, as they are flexible and won't break, unlike mature trees. To create a uniform crown, it's recommended to periodically rotate the tree's exposure to the light.

Care after pruning

There are a number of rules that must be followed to ensure the flower formation process is successful:

1. When cutting, do not leave stumps, as they become breeding grounds for fungal and bacterial diseases.
2. After pruning, the plant will begin to release a milky sap, which should be wiped off immediately, and the cut area should be sprinkled with crushed charcoal or any fungicide.
3. You can fertilize the ficus after pruning once a month.

   

4. In addition, after pruning, it is necessary to regularly wipe off dust from the leaves in order to reduce the risk of plant infection.
5. A month after the procedure, when the cut sites have completely healed and the lateral parts have begun to grow actively, the flower can be repotted, and for mature plants, the top layer of the substrate can be replaced. Experts recommend using the transshipment method to minimize the risk of root damage during transplantation.

Frequently asked questions about growing

Ficus is a popular evergreen plant that can grow up to several meters tall indoors. Ficus is pruned to create a beautiful, decorative shape and stimulate growth.