You can trim the branch, or branches back just above a leaf keeping the plant bushy and more compact and will promote new growth above, or near where the cuts were made.
When you prune have something nearby to catch the milky sap (latex) that will seep out of the cut. This dripped on some lower leaves of mine and is still there. You don't want it to dry on a carpet or wooden floor.
Thanks to everyone who offered pruning advice. I also need to repot and add new soil. Should I use soil for succulents or another type of soil?
hey sunteasipper! I was wondering about you and your Rubber tree. How's it doing? Use a good quality potting mix, I don't think it needs succulent mix. Ever take a photo?
I agree with Kay - a rubber tree doesn't need a succulent mix. However, I am a big fan of amending the soils available to us from the retailers. Too many of them use peat as their base which can be difficult to moisten if it gets dry. I like a more 'crumbly' mix.
Hey, If you use pruning sheers, be sure to wash the latex off immediately after you use them! We had a pair get stuck shut one-time because someone was pruning propagation stock from our rubber plant and then closed the sheers and put them away without washing them. We got them open, but it was really difficult to clean them off!
And then when you are done take all the little clippings and stick them in a new pot of soil using hormone or not. They will be happy to root for you. Barb in Pa.
