How Do You Propagate Rubber Tree Plants?
Ficus elastica–commonly known as the rubber tree plant–originated in India. A vigorous grower, rubber tree plants require very little care. Because of its low maintenance, rubber tree plants are found in homes and yards across the United States. If you’d like to acquire more rubber tree plants for other locations in your home or for gift-giving, you can propagate new rubber tree plants from your existing one. Find a long, strong branch on the existing rubber tree plant. Use the razor blade to cut a diagonal, biased cut partially through the branch. Do not cut all the way through. Wedge the toothpick into the wound of the branch to hold the wound open. Keeping the gap wedged open prevents the plant from self-healing. Instead, the plant will exert energy to develop new roots at the cut site. Pack a handful of damp sphagnum moss around the wound, to keep the area moist. Slip some of it into the wound site, and wrap the rest of the moss around the branch. Wrap plastic wrap around the bal
