Question
I have a big rubber plant which is growing like craxy so thought of starting a new plant out of it.. took a cutting put it in water for the roots to develop and then in the soil but since after it is not growing. it looks in healthy shape all leaves are green but haven't grown a leave since then. Please let me knwo what i am lacking? It was not in proper sunlight for some time but now I placed it in south facing window.

Answer
Hi Rakhi,

If you root a cutting in water, you should wait until you have several roots at least an inch long before transferring it to a pot with soil. I can't tell if you did that.

The pot should be very small - just large enough to hold a couple of inches of bare stem and soil to surround it. If given proper light and water, roots will develop and slowly spread throughout the soil in the pot. Usually, there will be no new stem or leaf growth until after the roots have mostly filled the pot. If you use a pot that is larger than necessary, then it wall take longer for the cutting to fill it with roots. Don't try to hasten the process by using fertilizer.

I don't have much information as to just what you did, however the fact that the leaves are healthy does suggest that the cutting is okay and just in the process of developing a good root system. Be patent and eventually you will probably see healthy new stem and leaf growth.

I have written an article on propagation techniques that I will email for free to you (or anyone else) who sends a request to me at [email protected].

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

Visit my website at  www.HorticulturalHelp.com