Question
I've have my 1-1/2' rubber plant (4" pot, never repotted) since the summer and I
wanted to know about it's growth cycle. I see buds of growth and small leaves
occasionally, but I know I'm losing more leaves (1-2 every couple weeks) than it
seems to be growing. Is it just going to stay this same size and I also wanted to
know about pruning. If I needed to cut where and when should I do it?  

Answer
Hi Shelley,

Like most tropical plants, rubber plants are non-seasonal and grow throughout the year. So they have no growth cycle. That means they can be repotted or pruned at any time.

I suspect that your rubber plant is losing leaves because it is potbound and getting too dry in between waterings. If you move it into a 6" pot, the leaf drop will abate and you will soon get a surge of new growth.

You cane prune any stem just above any leaf node (the bump where a leaf attaches to the stem). New growth will come in at  that node. So prune back to the node where you want to see new growth come in.

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.

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Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

You can E-mail me directly at: [email protected]

Visit my website at  www.HorticulturalHelp.com

If you would like to e-mail me some photos, I may be able to provide some additional insights.