Hello, human propagator. I am a Rubber Plant, *Ficus elastica*. You wish to create more of me, and I wish to grow. This is a mutually beneficial arrangement. From my perspective, successful propagation is about convincing a piece of me that it can become a whole, independent being. Here is my guide to helping me achieve that.
My life force is strongest during my active growth phase, which is typically from late spring through early summer. The increasing sunlight and warmer temperatures signal to my cells to divide and expand rapidly. If you take a cutting from me now, the piece you remove will be brimming with natural growth hormones (auxins) and energy, giving it the highest chance of developing its own root system before the slower, dormant seasons arrive.
Please be precise and use a very sharp, clean blade. A ragged tear from dull scissors will crush my vascular tissues and invite rot. Look for a healthy stem tip, about 6-8 inches long, with 2-4 leaves and at least one node. The node is a brownish, bumpy ring around my stem; this is my command center for new growth. It is where my latent root cells reside. Your cut must be made just *below* one of these nodes. This is non-negotiable. Roots will not emerge from the internode (the smooth stem between nodes). After the cut, you will notice my white, milky sap—this is my latex, a protective sealant. You can blot it away gently; it can sometimes hinder rooting if left to form a solid cap.
The large leaves on your cutting are magnificent, but they present a problem. They will lose water through transpiration faster than the leafless cutting can absorb it, leading to desiccation. To prevent this, you can carefully roll the larger leaves and secure them with a soft tie or simply trim the top halves of the leaves. This reduces the surface area for water loss without completely eliminating my ability to perform photosynthesis and create energy for root development.
You have two choices for me: water or a light, airy potting mix. If you choose water, place my cut end and node into a clear vessel. Change the water every few days to keep it oxygenated and prevent bacterial growth. I will show you white, fibrous roots in a few weeks. If you choose soil, use a well-draining mix of peat and perlite. Moisten it first so it is damp but not soggy. Insert my cut end into the medium, ensuring the node is buried. In both cases, place me in a spot with bright, indirect light. Direct sun will scorch my vulnerable form. A warm environment and high humidity (a plastic bag tented over me can help) will mimic my ideal jungle conditions and encourage swift rooting.
My first sign of success is not wilting. If my remaining leaves stay firm and turgid, I am managing my water correctly. The next sign is new growth. When you see a tiny, reddish sheath (a stipule) emerging from the tip, know that I have established enough roots to support new leaves. Once my roots in water are a few inches long, or once I show clear top growth in soil, I am ready to be potted into my own container with a well-draining soil mix. Treat me as you would a mature plant, and I will grow into a new, strong individual for you.
