Question
what do i need to do  to get a starter off my rubber tree plant with out killing it,

Answer
Hi Penni,

Rubber trees have fairly thick stems so their cuttings do not root as readily as cuttings from other plants.

Use a tip cutting that has no more than 4 leaves. Insert the cutting in damp potting mix and place cutting and pot inside of a clear plastic bag to maintain the humidity around the cutting while it is rooting. This usually takes 4 to 6 weeks.

A safer, but more complicated technique called air-layering can be done to get a start from a rubber plant. Space here does not permit me to explain how to air layer. However, if you send a request for my article on Propagation to me at the e-mail address below, you will find a good description of how to air layer.

Note: Even if the start does not take, your original plant will not be harmed.

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 an AllExperts rating and nomination.