Pruning a Leggy Rubber Tree (Ficus elastica) to Fill in a Bare Trunk Section

Unusual Bare Section

Rubber Trees typically lose lower leaves, not mid-stem leaves. A photo would help confirm.

Pruning Principle

Any stem pruned will sprout new growth just below the cut. To fill the bare middle, prune the upper stems back to that height. New shoots will emerge there.

Action

• Decide desired height for new growth.
• Cut stems just above a leaf node at that level.
• Expect multiple new branches from each cut.

Care After Pruning

Bright light, water when top quarter of soil is dry, minimal fertilizer.