If you have a lemon lime rubber tree in your yard, you are probably wondering how to care for it. The key to making your plant grow fast and tall is proper care. This article will give you some tips on how to care for your plant.
Pruning
When it comes to keeping your Lemon Lime Rubber Tree alive and well, the best way to do this is to do some pruning. Not only does pruning promote new growth, it also improves overall shape and density.
One of the easiest ways to prune your Rubber Tree is to simply trim it to the size and shape you desire. If you have an uneven growth pattern, it can be helpful to prune your Rubber Plant in stages.
The most important step in pruning your Rubber Tree is to remove dead and diseased stems. To do this, use sharp shears and a pair of gloves. This will ensure you don’t hurt your plant.
Next, cut away any blemishes and clean the cut end. It’s a good idea to soak the end of the stem in a root hormone solution. You can then re-root the stem in a glass of water and then put it back into the original pot.
Watering
If you’re planning on keeping your lemon lime rubber tree indoors, there are some things you’ll want to consider. This houseplant can be quite beautiful, but it needs a lot of care to survive.
First, you should know that the Rubber Tree is sensitive to light. It is best to place it in a southern facing window. You’ll also need to provide the plant with plenty of water.
However, you don’t have to be a master gardener to take care of your rubber plant. Just follow a few tips and you’ll be on your way to a lush and vibrant plant.
Keep in mind that you may need to repot your plant every couple years. Depending on the size of the pot, you might need to add a bit more soil.
Lastly, don’t forget to clean your rubber plant. Wipe down the leaves and stems regularly with a damp cloth. Otherwise, the dust can interfere with the plant’s ability to photosynthesize.
Pests
There are several pests that can infest Rubber Trees. These include scale and mealybugs. If you see them on your plant, remove them as soon as possible. You can also spray horticultural oil on them to kill them. The oil can be purchased at your local nursery.
Another problem that may affect Rubber Trees is fungal infections. Fungi like high humidity and can cause rot. To control fungi, you can spray the plant with a fungicide such as neem oil.
Aphids are tiny pear-shaped insects that gather in masses on the underside of leaves. They can damage sweet nectar and cause black spots on the leaves.
Spider mites can form webs on the plants. When these insects are present, it is important to wipe the leaves regularly to eliminate them.
Mealybugs lay eggs on the plant and feed on its sap. This can result in a stem that is stark white.
It is possible to get rid of them by wiping the leaves with a damp cloth or hosing them off. Some homeowners choose to spray the plant with a neem oil. But this can be too harsh for indoor plants.
Proper plant care will help your plant grow faster and taller
The Rubber Tree, also known as Ficus elastica, is a durable tropical plant that is a great addition to your home. It can grow up to 50 feet in its native habitat. A Rubber Plant is an easy plant to maintain, but it does require a little care.
As with any houseplant, it’s important to keep it away from small children and pets. You may want to mist the plant with water to help it stay moist. Also, try to avoid overwatering. This can cause the root system to rot and leave the plant with poor growth.
If you have problems with insects, you can apply insecticidal soap to the leaves. Another option is to use horticultural oil.
There are several pests that can attack your Rubber Plant. They include aphids, mealybugs, scale and thrips. These insects can be treated with insecticidal soap, neem oil or horticultural oil.
To make the most of your Rubber Plant, you’ll need to learn how to prune. Depending on your location, you can do it outdoors, indoors or both.