Propagate a rubber plant

Marcotting, also known as ‘aerial layering’, is a bit like striking a cutting, only it’s still attached to the mother plant. Here’s how it’s done with a rubber plant.

You will need:

• established rubber plant
• sharp knife
• scissors
• clear plastic sheet
• twine
• coir peat
• sticky tape

Method:

1. LOOK for a long, healthy stem, and choose a spot just below the bottom leaves to prepare the marcot.

2. CUT through the bark to make a complete ring around the stem at two points 2–3cm apart. Make a vertical cut to join the rings.

3. PEEL off the bark between the rings, then use the knife blade to scrape off any remaining green material, completely exposing the white inner wood.

4. POSITION a rectangular strip of plastic over the cut, centring it lengthways, then loosely wrap it around the stem, making sure there is a generous overlap.

5. TIE the bottom of the plastic sleeve firmly to the base of the stem, using the twine.

6. PACK moistened coir peat into the plastic sleeve, ensuring the stripped bark section is well covered, below and above.

7. TIE the sleeve off at the top, using more twine. Seal the opening at the overlap with a piece of sticky tape. This prevents the moist coir peat from drying out.

8. REMOVE the marcot from the mother plant when you see lots of roots in the sleeve. In the warmer months, roots can form within a month or two. It will take longer during cooler periods.

9. UNWRAP the plastic sleeve to expose the root ball, and gently moisten the coir medium with water using an atomiser. Plant the marcot in a 20cm pot filled with premium mix. Water well. Place in a warm, bright position (not full sun). Keep it moist, and it will never look back.