Question
I have a 4 foot tall rubber plant that's been in an 8 inch plastic pot for the past two years.  I noticed that it's growth was looking spindly (it was in moderate indirect light), so I have just recently moved it to a sunnier location.  I have not used fertilizer in the past six months, and I only water when the top two-three inches is dry.  Quite a few of the lower, older leaves have fallen off, and I was wondering if it was possible to encourage new growth from the old nodes.  I heard something once that if you nick just beneath the node, a new leaf will grow from the cut.  Do you know if that is true, and if not, do you know how to encourage new, bushy growth?  Thank you for your time.

Mimi

Answer
Hi Mimi,

I am impressed with your knowledge of some indoor plant fundamentals!

Nicking below a node sometimes disrupts the flow of growth hormones to the ends of branches and stems and produces new growth along the stems. However, this nicking technique does not work consistently. Sometimes branching occurs spontaneously, but that is even more inconsistent.

The most reliable way to repair a spindly or leggy looking plant is to cut back stems or branches into the center of the plant. Pruning back will lead to new growth emerging just below the point of the cut. Although this does not promote branching, it does lead to a more compact plant.

Of course, increasing the light will also help as it will shorten the distance along the stem between the leaves for any future growth.

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.
   
Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

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

If this information has been helpful, please remember to give me a rating and nomination.