The Ficus elastica is also known as the Rubber Ficus. Native to Asia, it can climb up to 30 meters in height if it grows in its native environment. Its large shiny leaves are particularly resistant and they develop very easily, just like the whole plant. Over time, this species of Ficus can end up being too invasive and take up too much space in your home. Thus, we explain in this article how to prune a Ficus elastica so that it is less voluminous and more resplendent!
Why prune a Ficus elastica?
If the Ficus elastica is a particularly tall plant in its native environment, it will not exceed 3 meters when grown in a pot. This height is still considerable and a well-maintained Ficus elastica will have no trouble reaching it.. In your living room, you certainly do not have the possibility of accommodating a plant so tall… If the size of the Ficus elastica is not essential, it allows all the same to restrict its growth and thus prevent the plant from touch the ceiling!
The rubber Ficus does not need any particular size, except for purely aesthetic reasons. Pruning the plant will therefore not participate in its survival, but it will give the opportunity to provide a nice shaping of its vegetation. On average, the Ficus elastica is about 1,15 meters in width and can reach a considerable height. Its leaves are large and broad, shiny in appearance, plain or variegated depending on the variety. Pruning the Ficus elastica therefore allows you to control its growth and give it the shape you want. When the terminal bud is pinched, the main stem of the plant branches out, which gives the plant a fuller appearance.
Pruning a Ficus elastica therefore has above all an aesthetic goal, but it also makes it possible to limit its growth and to choose its height.
When to prune a Ficus elastica?
To avoid having to prune the plant drastically, you should prune it lightly once or twice a year in late winter or early fall. It is indeed preferable not to wait until the Ficus elastica is extremely developed in height and width to prune it. Removing its stems and leaves too brutally could indeed traumatize the plant.
As a general rule, it is considered that the Ficus elastica is a very resistant plant and that it can be pruned without problems throughout the year. However, care must be taken to act without excess, so as not to traumatize the Rubber Ficus by too frequent pruning. The end of winter or the beginning of autumn are still to be favored because your shrub will have less difficulty in healing at these times of the year.
The growth of Ficus elastica is very fast and it can therefore quickly become cumbersome indoors. A training pruning is therefore useful to better control this development and for your plant to keep a very specific shape throughout the year.
How to prune a Ficus elastica?
To properly prune Ficus elastica, cut each stem above a knot. For a larger Ficus, you can also pinch the top of the stems. When the plant is still young, pinching the stems between your thumb and forefinger allows you to immediately have a well branched plant. The main rod can also be pinched. It then divides into several stems. Thus, the Ficus will not grow only in height.
It is not necessary to cut back the branches of Ficus elastica drastically. A simple light pruning is usually enough for it to branch out properly. It will thus be able to develop more beautiful and denser foliage.
To allow the rubber Ficus to heal properly, you can apply mastic or even charcoal powder.. Charcoal is a completely natural product, very useful for gardening. It helps in the healing of injured plants and it is used in powder. It allows wounds to heal without unwanted bacteria or fungi growing in them.
The Ficus elastica or Rubber Ficus is an indoor plant that does not need to be pruned systematically. However, a maintenance pruning can still give a nice shape to your shrub and limit too much growth. Carried out frequently without being excessive, pruning is interesting for shaping your Ficus elastica and for it to be not only healthy, but also well-proportioned, throughout the year. With the right location and watering, your shrub will be at its best !
