It lets in light and reduces the tree s vulnerability to wind damage and is an opportunity to remove diseased or damaged wood.
Pruning large rubber tree.
Rubber tree plants ficus elastica tend to get rather large and need to be pruned in order to control their size overgrown rubber trees have difficulty supporting the weight of their branches resulting in an unsightly display and possible snapping of the branches.
Prune the rubber plant with a sharp pair of pruning shears.
These will easily snip through the rubber plant s branches and prevent the stems from ripping or tearing.
You can cut other vertical stalks down to the soil if necessary.
Do not defer pruning until limbs get large.
Prune trees regularly throughout their life to keep them healthy safe and aesthetically pleasing.
The rubber tree plant tends to grow rather quickly and if left untrimmed it may start looking lanky and could be prone to breaking.
Usually involves shortening side branches all over the tree to make it smaller and more attractive.
In layman s terms this means removing the top growth on the main stem thus re directing a hormone called auxin downward where it will encourage branches to sprout on down the stem.
To create this form select the largest healthy stem to be the plant s central trunk.
Trim the other branches to enhance this shape and to concentrate growth.
How to prune a rubber plant.
Rubber tree plants gets large if not pruned in order to control their size.
Rubber tree ficus elastica is a bold evergreen tree with an upright shape and big leathery leaves.
Pruning a rubber tree plant is simple and quite easy.
Inspect for pruning needs annually.
Pruning which encourages branching of the leaves can help.
5 x research source if you have a young rubber plant with thin stems you could also trim it using a pair of sharp household scissors.
The slim profile of a tall rubber plant tree is a great look for rooms with tall ceilings.
Large limbs equal large wounds which are more difficult for a tree to seal and leave the tree open to disease insects and rot.
For these smaller trees a long handled hedge trimmer is a labour saving option.