How to Propagate a Rubber Plant with Air-layering: Step by Step Instructions from 1935

January 13, 1935 

On this day, the Pittsburgh Press shared a story about how to propagate a Rubber Plant.

Yes, you can get a new rubber plant by air-layering the old.

To do this, a V-shaped cut is made in the branch, almost severing it.

The cut should be made near the growing tip.

 

A wedge is then inserted to keep the cut open.

Bind the wound all around with sphagnum moss, tying with raffia or cord.

Keep this bandage quite moist, never allowing it to dry out, and keep the plant in a warm place.

 

In a month or six weeks, small white roots will appear.

Then the new plant is cut from the parent and planted in a pot of its own without removing the moss bandage.

The place where it is cut from the large plant may be rubbed with a little dry sulfur, and it will quickly heal.

 

The young plant in a five or six-inch pot should be kept shaded for a week when it may be brought into the light and watered.

January to May is the time of the year most seasonable for this work, but it may be done with varying success the year-round.

Rubber Plants (Ficus elastica) are a popular ornamental houseplant plant from the Ficus genus.

For gardeners looking for a tree-type plant species with attractive large foliage, the Rubber Plant is an excellent choice.

It is also a great low-light specimen. Water your rubber plant once a week and clean the leaves monthly.