How to Transplant a Rubber Tree
Rubber trees can survive outdoors only in the warmest climates. They can reach a height of 70 feet. They are also regularly grown as houseplants and have become one of the most popular types. They are easy to grow and don't require a lot of special care. They are easily propagated, using cuttings placed in soil or by air layering. After they've grown larger, they need to be transplanted into bigger containers. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Container (one size larger than the old one) Shallow dish (to catch water) 1/4" size lava rock Course perlite Water Knitting needle or chopstick
Instructions
-
-
1
Select a container with drainage holes. Fill it with 2 inches of lava rock and top with 1 inch of course perlite.
-
2
Take the rubber tree out of its old container. Clean any old soil from the roots. Use a knitting needle to gently coax the roots out of their ball shape. You can trim thick roots that encircle the root ball. This will encourage new roots to grow.
-
-
3
Place the tree into the new container. Add perlite to fill around the tree's roots. Tamp the soil to get rid of any air pockets. Fill the container with perlite to 1" inch of the rim. Place the shallow dish under the container.
-
4
Water the tree thoroughly, until water comes out of the drainage holes. Empty the shallow dish of any remaining water. Rubber trees can't tolerate standing in water.
-
5
Place the tree in filtered sunlight for several weeks. Keep the rubber tree moist during its growing season. Water it once a week in its dormant period.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
If the rubber tree's leaves turn yellow and drop off, it may need less water. Clean the tree's leaves with a damp cloth to keep them shiny. Rubber trees can tolerate being slightly root bound.
Don't place the rubber tree where it will get too hot. It can't tolerate a lot of heat.
