The Rubber Tree (botanical name: *Ficus elastica*) is one of those classic houseplants that’s surprisingly easy to propagate. The simplest way to get more of these beauties is by growing them from cuttings. It’s a great way to grow your indoor jungle or have a few thoughtful gifts ready for friends!
Taking Your Cuttings
When it comes to *Ficus elastica*, there are two main types of cuttings you can take:
- Node cuttings (best from older, woodier plants)
- Tip cuttings (works for any Rubber Tree)
You can specifically set out to take cuttings, or just use the “scraps” left over after you give your plant a trim. Since both pruning and propagating are best done in the spring, they go hand-in-hand perfectly.
Node Cuttings
Node cuttings are taken from a woody stem that already has leaves. Pick a healthy branch and look for a small bump on the stem—this is called a “dormant bud” or “sleeping eye.” Once you’ve spotted one, here’s what to do:
- Cut a piece about 1.5 to 2 inches long that includes one dormant bud.
- Remove the leaves from the cutting.
- Place the node cutting into a small pot filled with seed-starting mix.
- Moisten the soil.
- Cover it with a clear plastic bag or dome to create a mini greenhouse effect.
- Place it in a warm, bright spot (ideally around 77°F / 25°C).
- Regularly mist the cutting and the soil with water.
Once a leaf starts sprouting from that dormant bud, you can remove the cover and start caring for it just like a grown-up plant.
Tip Cuttings
Tip cuttings are exactly what they sound like—the very ends of the branches. To take a tip cutting, find a healthy-looking shoot and:
- Cut off the soft tip (about 2 to 4 inches long) at an angle, just below a leaf node.
- Remove all the leaves except for the very top one.
Once you’ve got your cutting, you can choose between the “Soil Method” or the “Water Method.”
The Soil Method
Prepare a small pot with drainage holes, then:
- Stick the tip cutting into the soil.
- Moisten the mix.
- Cover it with a clear plastic bag or dome to keep the humidity high.
- Place it in a bright spot at about 77°F (25°C).
- Regularly mist the cutting and the soil.
When you see new growth starting to sprout, it means the plant has developed strong roots. You can now ditch the plastic cover and treat your new little Rubber Tree like a pro.
The Water Method
- Place the cutting in a glass of lukewarm water, submerged about halfway.
- Change the water every two to three days to keep it fresh.
Once the tip cutting has grown a solid set of roots, you’re ready to transplant it into a small pot with potting soil.
