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Name: Katie K. R.
Status: educator
Age: 50s
Location: N/A
Country: N/A
Date: 4/21/2003
Question:
I have a rubber tree plant that has a single stalk and is about 10 feet high. I would like to cut it back to a manageable size. What is the best way to do this? And should I try to "replant" what I cut off?

Replies:
Katie,

I think you would have success with air layering. The procedure is basically enclosing a part of the stem with growing medium and a watertight membrane where roots will develop; afterward the original plant can be severed below the new roots to have a 'shorter' plant.

Your local greenhouse/nursery or library should have a detailed description of the process. Good luck!

Thanks for using NEWTON!

Ric Rupnik

The following should be helpful:

http://newton.dep.anl.gov/askasci/bot00/bot00292.htm

http://hort.ifas.ufl.edu/trees/FICELAA.pdf

http://www.growinglifestyle.com/h/garden/figs/

Anthony Brach, Ph.D


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