I Stopped Killing My Rubber Plant Once I Knew This

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Download my FREE Plant Parent's Troubleshooting Handbook 👉 resources.sheffieldmadeplants.com/handbook

[@albaniacollado9649]

@@SheffieldMadePlants I already got mine

[@grisespino5342]

Thanks!

[@fifinguyen8944]

Plant information + sense of humor = Sheffield 👍

[@Stannington]

I find that all rubber plants don't like fuss, they just want to be left alone.

[@Ravenelvenlady]

Same here. I have four and two of them have branched out on the bottom on their own.🌿🌱❤💖🌱

[@Jordan8x]

Today I’ve learned that my poor rubber plant has been suffering in my care for years. Thank you for this information 😓

[@leahcorrethers6591]

Genevieve, my rubber plant is thriving because of your tips! Thank you!

[@dogmeet]

I've noticed with rubber plants, that when i get them from a nursery they're either overwatered or the pots have been sitting out in the sun all day- both can cause damage to the roots. So plant parents should keep in mind of these issues with a new plant and it can take weeks before it has recovered and will grow new leaves. Roots come first, leaves come later

[@1984NatashaT]

I picked up a half dead one a few weeks back. New pot, soil, fertiliser and a good drenching and not a lot of hope. 3 weeks later and he’s a whole new boy and looking great!

[@jylromain6439]

As beautiful as they are in our homes, they are incredibly huge, beautiful trees in their native habitat. Saw one in Hawaii years ago.

[@PlantPerson58]

I love that you give your plants names.

[@luisagallarotti9188]

@@PlantPerson58 I never knew Mr. Sheffield gives his plants names I should start too

[@luisagallarotti9188]

Sir I will have you know by air layering I produced a little green Ficus. I am proud of myself.

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

👌

[@Breadfan1280]

I had a rubber tree plant I rescued from a dumpster. The trunk on it at the time was massive and had to be over 20 years old. I had ol’ Floyd for another 20 years until one day we had a surprise frost out of nowhere over night when I left him outside. He did not make it :(

[@jlee4304]

I've seen Rubber plants growing in Spain and Mediterranean countries as a large tree over 20 Meters in full sun.

[@Stargazer-vk6vz]

Woohooo Mr Sheffield!!! I got my green rubber plant when my mother passed in 2019. Grammie just sat and didn't do anything until this year and she is actually growing again... loved this video and thank you for sharing!!!

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

That is awesome!

[@vraimothra]

my boyfriend gave my baby rubber an accidental "pruning" by shutting the window on it 🤦‍♀️ it left two branches almost down to stubs- i was so upset but it was honestly the best thing for the plant it has four healthy new growths a year later!

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Oops!

[@nikhicormier5815]

Rich, I am obsessed with your money tree. Can you do a video on how you have it looking continuously gorgeous? Perhaps add another plant commonly found in all shops? Another awesome and entertaining video- thank you!!

[@NaturatlyMe]

I recently cut my rubber plant right back as it lost all its lower leaves and the cuttings are growing well and the stem has new leaves. Thank you, I recalled your saying "it will always grow back" when I did it.

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Sure does!

[@ImpossiGirl]

I got a neglected rubberplant a month ago. I've named him Rubbert. I removed all the soil, and gave him a fresh pot of leca, with a low reservoir of nutrient solution in the outer pot. I placed him 1m from my south facing window (in Denmark🌦️). He looked so happy until I saw your video. I should have kept the volume down. He looks nervous every time I look at my pruning shears 😅

[@comfortablynumb8832]

If you bend the rubber plant at the top to around 45 degree new branches will form at the point of the bend

[@morebirdsandroses]

And this is ...what I am going to do tomorrow. Thanks!🌹

[@mdsfo]

I pruned several branches on my rubber plant recently, not anticipating the deluge of white sap that spurted out. wow! Fortunately, it stopped within a few minutes and is doing fine now. And, as you said, full/partial sun on plants in a cloudy climate can be beneficial. My plants love it! 🌲🌺🌲

[@charlottecobain6986]

Notching absolutely works and is my preferred method for getting bare stems to produce new leaves and branches. Notching combined with keiki paste applied to the notches works nearly 100% of the time. The key is making proper notches in both placement along the stem as well as ensuring the proper depth and size of the notch. I prefer to use a new razor blade (to ensure sharpness and accuracy) or a sterilized scalpel blade. You have to cut to a reasonable depth on both the upper and lower notch cuts to produce the desired results. Anywhere from 1/3-1/2 through the stem is the depth you want to aim for in order to wound the stem so that new growth is stimulated. Use a paper towel to absorb the bleeding latex for a couple minutes and apply a small amount of keiki paste to the entirety of the notch. Under proper conditions you should see growth at the notches within a few weeks.

[@albaniacollado9649]

Thanks for all your videos I’m learning a lot you-are my mentor and one day went I start to make videos about plants I always going to mention my teacher.you’re the best and always sending you Blessings for your and Sheffield family from New York ❤❤❤🙏🙏🙏

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

That is awesome!

[@bethl8866]

I found a rubber tree branch in the trash. I now have 3 plants growing. Next is to get them to branch out. I cut them yesterday, so I'll be waiting until spring. 🤔

[@laschlein9470]

@@bethl8866 keiki powder/gel can help with this without even pruning!

[@jamiemittermuller6470]

Wow! You done it again, bought a plant and a video about said plant follows promptly after. Just bought a baby rubber plant, hopefully I can grow it to a big plant. A pair of polishing glove is fantastic option as well (it will save your plants having to see your unmentionables)

[@karenburrell3775]

As always, I loved your video and sense of humor!😂I love that you give your plants 🪴 names! Your amazing videos always makes my day! ❤🪴🌹🌻🪴🌹🌻

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Thank you 😊

[@karenburrell3775]

@@SheffieldMadePlantsYou’re welcome!🤗

[@eskithecat]

Thank you for the video. Good timing! My husband just bought me a small ficus tineke yesterday

[@eskithecat]

I think I'm gonna name her Tina Tineke

[@greggae2735]

The chatter is 🔥🔥🔥

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

😁

[@LittleGooseReads]

Excellent advice, same applies for Fiddle Leaf Fig.

[@keresalea1313]

Keiki paste does work for orchids, I hadn't thought to use it on other plants. When I used it on my orchids as a last ditch for some plants I thought were going to rest in peace soon, I got little baby orchids growing off dying stems. Pretty epic really. My rubber sits in the sun and isn't watered but maybe once a month or so. I just use fert when when I do and soak him good and he's happy for a while. =) Tropical climate.

[@jackiewhitney5031]

Mine is in an east window and gets indirect bright light and generally likes water every 3 weeks. From this point on I do not fertilize till March and I'm in Ohio.

[@maverickstclare3756]

I would advise not having too many stems come out from one place, you get an unsightly bulge to facilitate the sap exchange between leafs and root.

[@ashleigh_ann]

I hard pruned my fiddle leaf, and tineke. They were both just tiny dead little stems lol. They are both growing back!

[@realityjunky]

That is a joyful thing, no question!!

[@Wreinie]

Hi! I have pruned my rubber ficus tree several months ago after watching one of your videos. Yes, my plant is looking absolutely beautiful. I did not (cough, couldn"t) toss the cut stems, so have been having them in water. The roots are really looking so lovely on the babies. It is time to pot them up! Now, I am worried because I did not realise that they go dormant. I thought my ficus was drooping in the winter because of the heater and the low light in the room. I live in upper Wisconsin, which is north of the 45 Latitude line, and it gets cold, dark and gloomy pretty much every day after probably the middle to end of October until probably April. What is your suggestion? The roots are beyond ready. I swear they took off in the last week or so, and are now crawling up the propagation glass to run around and jump on furniture like lil toddlers love to do! So sorry for the long post! I did not think about when to repot plants that might go dormant in the winter.

[@parallelsuns1]

Getting the things to branch is never easy, I have some success by leaving my rubber plant outside in a bright position to boost it, they love humidity and light more than anything and bring it in when it gets cold, its possible the faster it grows the more likley it will branch

[@ItsDrMcQuack]

Great timing! I just bought one on a whim last week

[@xDarknessCrusherx]

Same, bought one yesterday, lol

[@morebirdsandroses]

I hope you both enjoy gorgeous rubbery plants for years to come. One of my all time favorites. No fuss and the glossiest green!

[@DelightfulDissident]

My burgundy ficus elastica was my second plant, such a beautiful color, it lives outside in full sun! Some leaves scorch during summer if he dries out, but I actually really like the bare bottom look. The top leaves are perfect and huge ❤

[@laschlein9470]

SMP I have a request! I've been reading about how lots of more professional growers add CO2 to their grow spaces to increase yield. I would love a video where you do an experiment showing how adding CO2 (eg into a small makeshift greenhouse) helps houseplant growth and strength!

[@kelsey9384]

You said you were moving, will that be soon? Will you be taking some time off the tube? I chopped my rubber plant in half because it was doing absolutely nothing and it’s gone crazy with new growth! I tried the notching thing too and nothing! Great video, thanks again!

[@Alwaysherethere]

I was thinking about that a few days ago!

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Yes, going through all the legals! Not decided what to do about videos

[@garagavia]

"I'm well jelly" instant like

[@akagainesy]

When I was in Crete I saw loads of rubber plants that were massive bushes (and I mean 4 or 5 meters high and similar if not more wide) and some almost tree like. Was crazy seeing how big they can get

[@Alwaysherethere]

Thanks! Great video as usual!❤

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Thanks for watching!

[@Alwaysherethere]

@@SheffieldMadePlants Yw!😊

[@bluestar.8938]

Thank you Mister Sheffers : )

[@sillyjellyfish2421]

I'm trying something with my rubber plant right now. You see, it has 2 nice branches and over 10 big healthy leaves, but between that and the soil there's about 40cm of nothing but the stem that looks super ugly. SO! I took some sphagnum mos and a plastic cup, secured it atound the stem just under the nearest leaf, and i keep it there nice and moist in hopes that the plant shoots out roots, so i can cut it there and pot it without that ugly stick under

[@erikasmith4427]

My Rubber plant is doing great! I feed it every time I have to water it,and try to remember to wipe its leaves regularly. My problem is that it so tall now that it has reached my ceiling. 😬 But I really don't want to cut the top. Although, I might have to.😢

[@melissakilburn7395]

Ssap Hack .. I use a folded paper towel and a chip clip when I trim my rubber tree.. I trimmed 3 of the 7 branch tips and it's sent out 43 new growth points

[@allonewordcaps]

Great video thank you 😊

[@Wubblyt]

This was very interesting, thank you! (And as always, the humor is much appreciated) I’ve seen someone winding wire around their Ficus to slowly bend the growtip downwards, this encouraged branching without pruning Does the plant get less top-heavy when it branches out lower? I have never pruned mine, it hardly drops any leaves so never felt the need to and this year it branched out 😍 And also made some roots that came from higher nodes to stabilize itself, plants are so amazing!! Mine has growlights all year round and still stops in the winter, maybe light is still to low? Maybe it counts hours of light (the added light from the North-West window? Or maybe it is temperature related as well? Not sure 🤔

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

It helps distribute the weight yes

[@zeno3630]

I got a burgandy rubber tree and it's really stepped up its growth this summer gotta move it back inside soon gonna be getting a bit to chilly for it.. buuuut that does mean Ill need to buy some new grow lights 😉

[@teuth]

oh man you gotta get a ficus shivereana next, they are fantastic.

[@gottaurus]

Hi Rich, I’m enjoying your videos. Have you considered experimenting with Leca growing techniques? I always like to play around and try things.

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Yeah I’ve got some in leca

[@gottaurus]

OK. Are the results good or bad? I have been doing some research so it seems to be more work than it’s worth.

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

@@gottaurus it’s fine

[@whitenebula6079]

Hi Richard, how tall will you be letting that ruby grow before you prune it for multiple stems?

[@kbm4409]

I have the green rubber plants like Ron....dust is the bane of my existence

[@realityjunky]

Listen to music. Works every time for me. Music makes time fly by...

[@morebirdsandroses]

I'm just a plant weirdo: I enjoy bathing the leaves and giving a good pep talk😂

[@Mspoor70]

‘A fungus gnat to a human head’ 😳🤭😂

[@dawnt6791]

I've never had any results from notching either. It just doesn't work AT ALL for me. The last plant I took a deep breath and ruthlessly pruned back was a fiddle leaf fig. It was slow to put on new growth, but once it did, it's done well. Only one stem though, so... I think I'm going to get ruthless with it again. LOL

[@gm5159]

Hi Mr Sheffield My Teneki plant has lost its leaves . Also the leaves at the top are growing out small 😒. Not sure wether to prune now or next spring. The 3 big leaves i have left are curling I also has have growth below but tiny 2 leaves. I just added more compost but took out all the compost added perlite / coir & added compost back in. Compist was still damp pruir to muxing more in so just added alittle water at the bottom of pot Please can help in what i am doing wrong

[@theafinnerup8848]

Do you prune in the fall? Or all year along? Does the best time of pruning depend on the plant? Lovely video! Really well explained!

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Depends on the plant a bit. Rubber plants I don’t prune in winter

[@PossumBallerina]

Unexpected hack you didn't know you needed: pot your monstera deliciosa in the same pot with a zz plant to make them both super happy. Works like a charm.

[@JayJayInDaZone]

What is a zz plant?

[@brittanycrockett3564]

Just common houseplant! Zamioculcas zamiifolia if you wanna get scientific with the species name. (Googling it will also answer your question… instantly.)

[@grooviechickie]

I love that ZZ (said in an American accent) sounds like zizi, the French word for a little boy's willy. Thanks for the tip.

[@PossumBallerina]

@@JayJayInDaZone Zamioculcas Zamiifolia

[@JayJayInDaZone]

@PossumBallerina ah okay. My employees Zami (that I bought and planted) are in an office devider pot with Epiprenum. They love each other too. I can't really imagine Monstera and Zami in a pot since they both grow so big and since the Zami root system is so extensive. But it's great that it works ;)

[@pinkyssj4]

Some planters should come with wheels and a handle. My schefflera is too tall and heavy to transport now 😅

[@realityjunky]

That is a brilliant idea! Design a trolley. I love it!

[@dawnt6791]

I've got a ficus benjamina and a dwarf umbrella tree that are both WAY too big to be moving around now. I don't even repot them anymore. I just add new soil/compost on top when they need it. No way I could lift them to repot!

[@realityjunky]

@@dawnt6791 And you can't change jobs or move. They must be incredible!

[@dawnt6791]

@@realityjunky Thankfully, we have no plans to EVER move again. I guess if we ever have to for some reason, I'll have to hire a couple of strapping young men to move those houseplants for me. LOL

[@dawnt6791]

BTW, I've seen plant trolleys at Walmart (iron ones with heavy duty casters!). There are a lot of trolleys for houseplants available. There might be some with handles out there, too. I haven't looked for those.

[@gglen6574]

👍for the free cheese, delivered in the form of dad style one liners! 🤣🤣

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Oh yes!

[@tempellem]

"fungus gnats to a human head" 😂 You mean your head.😂

[@ruthbriggs5372]

Not about the plants really but please could you tell me where you got your wooden Window shelf from, like a little bench... it's just what I need. Thank you Mr. Sheffield ❤

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

It was made for us by a local joiner

[@edbar4097]

I have two tineiki leaves that I propagated in the end of the last winter. They rooted really nicely but I can't get them to grow a stem. Should I despair and buy one?

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

A propagated leaf won’t grow a stem. The cutting needs a piece of stem on it

[@edbar4097]

@@SheffieldMadePlants thank you

[@marrigoldmccarthy6319]

What do you do with the part you cut off can it be propergated😊

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Yep

[@larryl4881]

Regarding to new branching out stems topic. My golden pothos just created 11 stems from one 🤯. I just noticed it last week and I was like I have never seen this before

[@realityjunky]

If you prune off a main stem that has leaves, can it be rooted to make a new plant?

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Yep

[@morebirdsandroses]

Definitely.

[@esotericsean]

My rubber plant started losing all its leaves until they were all gone. Not sure what I did wrong.

[@silviadamico4359]

I have a ruby tineke, probably 40-50cm or so. How big does it need to be to prune? Maybe wait until next spring at this point?

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

It can be pruned early

[@RunsWithScissor5]

Thanks for this! If I hose the plant down with regular water without treatment to remove the harmful stuff (like you do with the fish drops), then won't it affect the plant as if you are watering it with regular water? (Hope this makes sense, lol)

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

It's a once in a while thing so as long as you treat the water all the other times it's fine. But rubber plants aren't fussy about water

[@RunsWithScissor5]

@@SheffieldMadePlants thanks for putting my mind at ease!

[@brendanierman1754]

My rubber tree plant is 4 in a pot can I separate them

[@cindywannamaker5299]

I have a teneke. After 1 year of no growth I had had it. I repotted, snap the 2 growth points off and moved it outside. Live or die I told him. Low and behold he put out 3 new branches! He gets morning sun for quite a few hours. The problem now is he is getting brown spots on leaves. Is this sun damage or what?

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

How strong is the sun? Normally they can handle some sun

[@teuth]

my poor rubber tree might be my most neglected plant 😔

[@jklasdfljkadfsjkl]

Does one need to get the highest wattage grow light possible? Is there a reason to get the 20 and not 40? I live in a similar climate to Sheffield just a hair south. Preparing for winter :)

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Depends on the amount of plants you want to cover. For 2 or 3 20 or 30 will be fine

[@muktagaur4105]

Dont you have any "mother of thousands" plant? Would love a video on it.

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Nope

[@aliceboss3134]

Can you propagate the rubber plant? I feel too bad throwing away half the tree!!!

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Yep

[@muktagaur4105]

I have a question for potting mix. One of my friend told me that she puts egg shells and dried banana peels in the base of pot then add soil on the top. She mentioned that this will make those elements release neutrients slowly. I want to know your viewpoint about it?

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

I wouldn’t bother especially for indoor plants

[@sneezyIce]

One quick question. Mine has droopy lower leaves.. what does that droppieness indicate?

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Normally just age. If they suffer some drought and they go droopy it's sometimes hard to get them back up

[@sneezyIce]

@@SheffieldMadePlants that makes perfect sense, thank you vere much!! Especially the drought and not perking up anymore. Thanks a bunch, I learn alot from your video's!

[@kbm4409]

My rubber plant seems to have stop growing...i notched them but no luck...i pruned them and it still doesn't seem to be growing. Im not giving up. I give both of them lots of light but nothing....help Richard...oh yeah its now just September here in Florida and its still over 95 degrees F here on most days so its still room for growth....should i just give it more time or my thoughts chuck it in the bin😢

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

I wouldn't give up yet. It's not pot bound is it?

[@kbm4409]

@@SheffieldMadePlants no I repotted both about 3 months ago because they needed a bigger home. I only went up about 1 1/2 size bigger as to not shock it to much and it fit not snug but not big just with a little room to breathe. I checked the roots about a week ago and the roots are beautiful healthy and hasn't outgrown the pot. I pruned off the top because it wasn't growing and still nothing. I am thinking I may just have to give more time

[@LonaAkhter-vb1cx]

Want a vedio on begonias. ❤

[@animallover1297]

Hi Mr Sheffield , please can you advise me on how to use diatomaceous earth on houseplants that I’ve left outside for summer. I don’t want to bring inside insects especially 🕷️ spiders 🤮. I’m sure I’ve seen it being mixed into water then it’s used to water the plants but I’ve read it doesn’t work if dry . Any help would be greatly appreciated, thank you 🙏

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Needs to be dry to work. Dust it on somehow. Powder brush might work

[@coldnoodleeveryday1879]

I didn't even know rubber plants can die. No watering at all.

[@traceyclark2754]

I have a large tineke. It's had no changes, but the edges of the leaves have started browning. I've googled with no results. Do you know any reason for it? Thanks!

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Normally a watering issue

[@pkfiedorowicz]

How old is the soil in the pot?

[@traceyclark2754]

@@pkfiedorowicz About a year.

[@pkfiedorowicz]

@traceyclark2754 sometimes with time soil compacts around the root ball, and when you water, all the liquid just drains around it, leaving edges wet but centre bone dry

[@myrtheh1481]

The leaves on my rubber plant stay small. It does get a lot of light. Any tips? I want those big leaves 🥺

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

How are the roots?

[@myrtheh1481]

@@SheffieldMadePlants the roots are fine and healty. Not root bounded.

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

@@myrtheh1481 it’s normally a light it roots issue so maybe it’s not got the light you think it had

[@myrtheh1481]

@@SheffieldMadePlants maybe too much light? Window at the south and my plant sees a lot of sky 😉. I was thinking it maybe doesnt have enough fertilizer. Or i created a subspecies with small leaves 😅

[@connieanderson2281]

Can you root the cuttings?

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Yep

[@antoinettehill9333]

I'm doing everything wrong,mines have about 6 leaves ,also had plant for about 6 years 😒

[@BLANKU2]

If not located i the UK to purchase Focus what other brand is equal to this product? Anyone have suggestions?

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Not that I’ve tried. But don’t sweat it too much. But what’s in store near you

[@charlottecobain6986]

Dynagrow is comparable if you’re in the states or Canada.

[@BLANKU2]

@@charlottecobain6986 TY!!!

[@fotispet]

When did you take the correct measurement from moisture meter? Immediately after going to the ground or 60 seconds later (as time passes, the measurement changes) ??

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Not sure what you mean

[@DioneDion13]

​@@SheffieldMadePlants They're asking if you take the moisture meter reading immediately or if you read it after the probe has been in the soil for a minute.

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

@@fotispet I take the reading immediately

[@fotispet]

@@SheffieldMadePlants Thanks!

[@AutismDrMom]

Can you replant the chopped bits in the same pot???

[@kelsey9384]

Yes!

[@bpapso]

@@kelsey9384 my daughter, chopped her rubber tree plant this summer. I’m slowly rerooting the chopped up pieces and all but one cutting has taken root. I’m considering putting several in one pot. I have 5 cuttings in total.

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Yep. Will get crowded in time but yes

[@mettechristineolsen4286]

A pair of microfiber gloves makes dusting leaves quite a bit easier :D Still boring, but you know...

[@sumairahayat7175]

I tried to propagate rubber plant three times but not succeeded 😢

[@morebirdsandroses]

I'd say just keep trying. My pruning only got one branch😒 but two new ones from the prunings.

[@sumairahayat7175]

@@morebirdsandroses thanks!

[@RunsWithScissor5]

The "video up here" isn't showing 😉

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

It's set up my end. Doesn't show on TV if you're watching on that

[@RunsWithScissor5]

@@SheffieldMadePlants Will check again. Thanks ☺

[@DimiDzi]

those things become too large and it's difficult to keep at home

[@steveshuffle]

the sexual innuendos in this video are just 🔞 :D

[@9986752444]

mr sheffield i think you should buy and take care a kalanchoe delgoensis in the next video

[@memeconnect4489]

my rubber plant only has 5 leaf left 🥲🥲 thanks for this video im gonna try save it