rubber plant

Question

My rubber plant has long stalks growing from the stem. What are they and how do I deal with them?

Answer 1

Those growing from the base are called "tree suckers." This article explains what they are and how to remove them:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/tgen/tree-sucker-removal-and-tree-sucker-control.htm

Those growing from higher on the trunk or from the top of the tree are known as "watersprouts." See this article:

http://pubs.ext.vt.edu/430/430-456/430-456.html

Properly pruning your rubber tree plant will help prevent them from growing. Don't remove more than 1/3 of the plant's branches at any one time, because this will encourage watersprout growth:

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