leaves only at top of rubber tree plant

Question

I’ve had this tree for almost 15 years and while I don’t have much of a green thumb, it’s a very sentimental plant and I don’t want to screw it up.

So, as you can see there are a few branches that are completely bare but have new growth at the top. (I hope my pictures show what i’m trying to explain)

i’m not sure what to do. should i prune off the tops and propagate them? What would happen to the bare branch? Should I remove it? As I mentioned, it’s a very sentimental plant and I don’t want to kill it.

Please let me know if you have any advice or questions because I’m sure I’m not giving y’all enough information 🙂

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Answer 1

You won't be able to kill it by cutting it! This hardy plant will tolerate the pruning just fine. You can propagate the tops, just in case, but you will likely end up with more plants than you intend to have.

These articles will help:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/rubber-tree/prune-rubber-tree.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/rubber-tree/propagation-rubber-tree-plant.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/rubber-tree/how-to-care-for-a-rubber-tree-plant.htm