What are the cultivation methods and precautions of rubber trees?

Rubber tree cultivation method

1. Temperature

  Rubber trees prefer a warm environment. The suitable growth temperature is between 20-25 degrees. They can also grow well at temperatures above 30 degrees. They are not cold-resistant and the wintering temperature needs to be above 5 degrees. The variegated leaf varieties have slightly poorer cold resistance and the winter temperature needs to be above 8 degrees.

2. Lighting

  Rubber trees like light but cannot tolerate strong sunlight. If the sunlight is too strong, it will burn the leaves, causing them to turn yellow and burn. If the maintenance environment is dark, it will cause a large number of leaves to fall. It is best to place it in a place with sufficient scattered light from May to September, and give it sufficient sunlight in other seasons.

3. Watering

  Rubber trees prefer a moist environment with slightly higher air humidity. During the growth period, the soil in the pot should be kept moist and watered frequently. If the temperature is high, water should be sprayed frequently. In winter, watering should be controlled to keep the soil slightly dry. When the temperature is low and the soil in the pot is too moist, it will cause root rot.

4. Fertilization

Rubber trees grow rapidly and need sufficient nutrients. Nitrogen-based fertilizers should be applied once every half a month. Colored varieties grow slowly, so the number of fertilizations can be reduced. At the same time, additional phosphorus and potassium fertilizers can be applied to make the patterns on the leaves bright in color. Apply phosphorus and potassium fertilizers in September to increase the plant's resistance to cold, and stop fertilizing in winter.

5. Pruning

In spring, you can prune diseased and insect-infested branches, forked branches, inward branches, dead branches and thin branches of rubber trees to increase the light transmittance and ventilation of the plant. If the crown is too large, the outer branches can be shortened.

6. Cutting propagation

Rubber trees are mostly propagated by cuttings. You can cut the one-year-old semi-lignified middle branches as cuttings, seal the incision with glue or wood ash, cut off one of the lower leaves, and plant the cuttings in plain sandy soil or frog stones. The suitable temperature is 18-25℃. Water in time to keep it moist, and provide shade and ventilation. It will take about 7-20 days to take root.

Precautions for rubber tree cultivation

Rubber trees like warm, humid and well-ventilated environments. The best maintenance temperature in winter is above 10 degrees, and good warming measures should be taken. They like sunny environments, but are not resistant to strong light. It is best placed in a place with bright and scattered light. Spray water frequently to keep the leaves clean, otherwise too much dust accumulated on the leaves will cause diseases and pests.