3 Easy Ways to Propagate a Rubber Plant, According to Experts

The rubber plant (Ficus elastica) is a beautiful houseplant, and is beloved for its glossy, thick leaves and rich emerald color or variegated patterns. If you're a fan and want to expand your collection, then propagating from cutting is a rewarding way to grow new ones—all without purchasing a new plant. In fact, there are several easy methods that you can follow.

Below, plant experts share a few simple ways to help you multiply your rubber plants. Follow these steps to add more greenery to your home, or to share some with friends and family.

When to Propagate

The best time to propagate a rubber plant is in the spring and summer, according to Samantha Hermann, gardening expert and creator at House + Plant. During this period, the plant will receive ample sunlight, allowing it to generate enough energy so that it can develop roots from the cutting, as well as to encourage new growth from the original cutting site.

During the cooler months, the days become shorter, leading to a slowdown in plant growth, so spring and summer are better overall.

How to Propagate in Perlite

While there are several propagation methods, Hermann's favorite uses perlite.

"You can find perlite at any large retail store or garden center. It's inexpensive, provides excellent oxygen to the roots, and is sterile, which means your cuttings won't be exposed to pathogens that could otherwise be present in soil," she says.

What You'll Need:

• Clean, sharp garden shears or scissors
• Perlite
• A small pot with adequate drainage holes
• A potting dish

How to Do It

1. Using pruning shears or scissors, cut the stem just above a leaf node, and remove the lower leaves.
2. Keep only one or two leaves on the cutting to minimize water loss through transpiration. This is essential for the cutting's survival, at least until roots develop.
3. Fill a small planter with perlite and use your finger to poke a small hole in the center of the pot.
4. Insert the cutting into the hole in the perlite, ensuring that the medium covers the leaf node.
5. Place the pot on a potting dish filled with water. This method, known as bottom feeding, allows the perlite to slowly absorb moisture. Keep the water level in the dish halfway up the planter so that the perlite can continuously absorb it. It will remain damp, and its particle size will ensure adequate airflow to the roots.
   

How to Propagate in Soil

Many gardeners choose to propagate rubber plant cuttings in soil, as this method has a high success rate. It effectively promotes successful rooting and healthy growth. To improve your results, use well-draining soil or mix in perlite to improve airflow and drainage.

What You'll Need:

• Sharp pruning shears or scissors
• A well-draining potting mix
• A small pot

How to Do It

1. Using clean pruning shears or scissors, make a precise cut just above a leaf node.
2. Fill a pot with fresh, damp potting soil. Ensure that the planter you choose has adequate drainage and is not excessively large. A 6-inch planter should be sufficient for one stem.
3. Place the cut end of the cutting into the soil, ensuring that the medium covers a leaf node.
4. Position the plant in a bright area that receives plenty of indirect sunlight. A south or west-facing window that isn’t obstructed is ideal. Maintain high humidity and warmth, and keep the soil consistently moist.
   

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How to Propagate in Water

You can also propagate rubber plants in water if you don’t have soil or perlite handy. This process is fascinating and allows you to observe the root growth. Below, Chris Link, co-owner of PlantAddicts.com, shares straightforward tips for water propagation.

What You'll Need:

• Clean, sharp pruning shears or scissors
• A clear jar or cup
• Water
  

How to Do It

1. Choose a healthy, semi-ripe stem that has at least one node and one leaf. Using sterile pruners, make a cut about a quarter of an inch below the node at a slight angle. Allow the sap to stop bleeding, then gently rinse the cut end.
2. Remove any leaves that would be submerged in water, leaving one to two leaves at the top of the cutting. Aim for a cutting that is 4 to 6 inches long, with one node that will be submerged.
3. Place the cutting in a narrow, clean glass so that the node is underwater while the leaves remain dry. Use room-temperature, dechlorinated, or filtered water. Do not add fertilizer.
4. Provide bright, indirect light and maintain temperatures between 65 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Optionally, you can cover the top of the glass with a clear bag to increase humidity, ensuring to leave a small opening for ventilation.
5. Keep the node submerged by topping off the water as needed, and change the water weekly or whenever it becomes cloudy. If the cut end darkens or turns mushy, recut it a quarter inch above the damaged area and refresh the water.

Care Instructions

Your rubber plant cutting requires special attention in a stable, humid environment, according to Rachel Kemery, a botanical grower and founder of Rising Iris Farm. Follow these simple tips to ensure it gets off to a strong start.

• Keep your newly planted rubber plant near a bright window but out of direct sunlight, as intense rays can scorch tender foliage.
• Water only when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Overwatering can cause the base of the cutting to become soft, indicating that rot has begun. “It’s safer to keep the soil slightly dry than risk waterlogging at this stage," says Kemery.
• To maintain steady humidity, loosely tent a clear bag or place a small dome over the pot, ensuring it doesn’t touch the leaves. “Lift it every few days to let in a bit of fresh air and prevent mold," she adds.
• While the first few weeks may look uneventful, the cutting is quietly growing roots beneath the soil. “After about four to six weeks, you should start to see a new leaf beginning to unfurl—a sure sign that your cutting has rooted successfully," she says.
  

How to Transplant

When the roots of the cutting are a few inches long, or if you gently tug on the stem and feel resistance, it's time to transfer the cutting to a slightly larger pot, says Kemery.

1. Select a pot with good drainage and fill it with a lightweight indoor potting mix.
2. Create a small hole in the center of the soil. Lower the cutting gently into the hole so that the roots are fully covered, and the stem stands upright. Be careful not to bury the stem too deep—just deep enough to keep it stable. Firmly press the soil around the cutting to hold it in place, but avoid packing it down too tightly.
3. After planting, water slowly until a bit of water comes out of the bottom. This helps the soil settle around the roots without squishing them. From then on, water only when the top inch of soil feels dry. Allowing the soil to dry slightly between watering helps the roots grow deeper and stronger.
4. Place the plant in a spot with bright, indirect light while it adjusts to its new environment. Hold off on fertilizer until you see new leaves—that’s your sign the roots are doing their job.