Rubber kebo (rubber plant) is a popular ornamental plant to be placed indoors. Rubber kebos are generally medium in size, but if given time and space to grow, they can grow to the size of a small tree. Rubber kebo usually does not need to be trimmed as often. Just make sure you remove any dead and wilted leaves, and trim the plant so it grows to the shape you want. Before you start pruning, consider whether you want the plant to have a slender, tall appearance or a short, bushy look.
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Part 1 of 2: Caring for the Health of Rubber Kebo
Step 1. Remove dead leaves and branches whenever you see them
As with other ornamental plants, remove leaves and branches that look dead or wilted. This will improve the overall appearance of the plant and maintain its health. You can remove dead leaves at any time by picking them right away.
- You may need shears to trim dead branches.
- Withered leaves will be yellowish in color and appear limp or alum. Dead leaves will be brown and often have shrunk and blackened.
Step 2. Do heavy pruning at the end of the rainy season or the beginning of the dry season
Kebo rubber is generally strong and probably won't suffer any ill effects when trimmed in any season. However, for the sake of plant health, do most of the pruning around the start of the dry season. Massive pruning includes cutting that does more than just remove dead leaves and branches.
If you have to trim the rubber kebo at another time, only make minor pruning
Step 3. Wear gloves when trimming
The sap of the kebo gum is sticky and will begin to flow from the cuts you make when pruning tree branches. To prevent sticky sap from getting on your fingers, wear gloves.
You can use canvas work gloves or rubber gloves to wash the dishes
Step 4. Cut the saba rubber branch just above the knuckle
The book is where the smaller branches grow from the sides of the larger main branches. So, if you are pruning the main branch, cut it just above where the branch is growing.
That way, you won't damage the small, leafy twigs
Step 5. Trim the rubber kebo with sharp cutting scissors
Sharp scissors will cut branches easily and prevent them from crumbling or breaking. If there are new saplings that have thin stems, you can also cut them using regular sharp scissors. In a pinch, you can use a sharp kitchen knife to trim the plants.
Unlike other types of plants (such as roses) where the branches must be trimmed at a certain angle, you can cut the branches of the kebo rubber in even cuts
Step 6. Do not trim the rubber kebo excessively
If you trim too many leaves and branches, the plant will not be able to photosynthesize and may die. So, always leave at least 2-3 leaves. Also, keep in mind that it will be easier for the plant to grow leaves than branches.
- Do not remove more than 5 or 6 live branches in one pruning.
- When the kebo gum plant is large, leave at least 6-7 leaves after thorough pruning.
Step 7. Move the rubber kebo into a new pot so that it grows bigger
If you want to give your roots more room to grow, move the kebo gum into a larger pot. Each time the plant is moved, choose a pot that is only 2.5 cm larger than the previous pot. Don't forget, always plant the rubber kebo in a pot that has a drainage hole at the bottom.
Remember, once the roots develop, the kebo gum will start to grow taller
Step 8. Propagation of the kebo rubber plant by stem cuttings
If you want to plant a new tree in a separate pot-or friends and family want to grow your own kebo rubber-you can do this by cutting the stem. Cut off a good stem, such as a large, healthy leafy branch or a medium-sized branch. Allow the sap to dry and plant the tips of the gummy stems into the soil to a depth of 5 cm.
Help the cuttings take root by placing a heating pad under the pot for the first week
Part 2 of 2: Forming a Rubber Kebo
Step 1. Decide on the shape of the rubber kebo you want
Rubber kebos can take two forms: tall, skinny or short, bushy. Based on the planting site and your personal taste, choose the desired shape.
- For example, if you place a rubber kebo on a shelf without much room to grow upwards, shape the plant so that it grows short and rounded.
- Or, if placed in a large room with high ceilings, rubber kebo will look better with a tall and slim shape.
Step 2. Prune off any irregular or unsightly branches to keep the plant looking neat
Since the rubber kebo is placed indoors, you want the plant to look beautiful. If any branches are growing in odd directions or at a very fast rate of growth, prune them to improve the overall appearance of the plant.
- You can also trim the branches and leaves so that the kebo gum is not too dense or messy, according to your personal taste.
- Always dispose of used trimmings in the trash.
Step 3. Cut the top of the tree when it reaches the desired height
Once the kebo gum reaches your desired height, cut off the top leaves from the plant. This cutting will prevent the plant from growing vertical shoots and encourage it to grow more horizontally. So, if you want the rubber kebo to grow short and thick, just cut off the top once it reaches a height of 1-1, 5 m.
Remember, if you don't cut off the top shoots, the kebo gum will continue to grow. This plant can grow up to 3 meters high
Step 4. Prune the kebo rubber branches often if you want the plant to be more lush
Each time a rubber kebo branch is pruned, 2 or more new branches will grow from the cut. This will make it easier for the plant to grow thicker and denser. Keep trimming the side branches until the plant is as thick as you want it to be.
