Ask A Scientist Botany Archive

name         Katie K. R.
status       educator
age          50s

Question -   I have a rubber tree plant that has a single stalk and is about 10 feet 
high. I would like to cut it back to a manageable size.
What is the best way to do this? And should I try to "replant" what I cut off?
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Katie,

I think you would have success with air layering.  The procedure is basically enclosing a part
of the stem with growing medium and a watertight membrane where roots will develop; afterward 
the original plant can be severed below the new roots to have a 'shorter'
plant.


Your local greenhouse/nursery or library should have a detailed description of the process.  
Good luck!

Thanks for using NEWTON!

Ric Rupnik
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The following should be helpful:


http://newton.dep.anl.gov/askasci/bot00/bot00292.htm
http://hort.ifas.ufl.edu/trees/FICELAA.pdf
http://www.growinglifestyle.com/h/garden/figs/


Anthony Brach, Ph.D
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