How to prune a rubber plant

Prune the stem that is making your Ficus elastica too tall or unbalanced. A planned cut can encourage a bushier shape, but pruning is optional.

Plant coveredFicus elasticaRubber plant · indoor container

Identify the plant part and the reason for removing it

Choose what to remove

The target is an overlong main branch or a tall, lanky shoot. Leave the other branches in place if you only want to correct the plant’s height or shape.

Shortening a main branch can encourage new side growth and keep the plant within its space. Leaving the branches unpruned produces a taller, narrower, more tree-like shape.

Decide whether to prune now or wait

Prune at the right time

Spring is the main time for a larger size-control cut. You can make a light correction at another time if one indoor shoot has outgrown its space.

Cut only the selected part

Make one clean cut

Shorten the selected main branch or shoot to the intended height with one clean cut. Do not shear the whole canopy when only one branch makes the plant too tall or unbalanced.

Stop when the pruning goal is met

When pruning will not help

Watch the cut and new growth before pruning again

Care for the plant after pruning

Ficus elastica cuts can release milky sap. Protect your skin and nearby surfaces while the cut is fresh, then clean sap from tools or furniture. Do not change the watering routine because of the cut alone.

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