The genus Ficus incorporates edible figs (Ficus carica) as well as many ornamentals such as the rubber tree (Ficus elastica) and weeping fig (Ficus benjamina). Ficus possess a milky sap which bleeds from wounds or reduce cells. Sap bleeding is a natural phenomenon that ceases with time and protects wounds from ailments. Edible figs are sturdy at U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 6 through 9 and also have invasive tendencies in certain places. The rubber tree and weeping fig are equally hardy in USDA zones 11 and 10b.
In rubbing alcohol or a solution of 1 part household bleach sharp pruning shears.
Put on gloves to protect your skin in the ficus sap.
Prune off a terminal branch of a ficus or rubber tree that is roughly 6 to 9 inches in length. Cut off the branch just above a leaf node. Do not worry about the bleeding out of the cut end of the branch that stays about the plant.
By pruning them off the branch cutting remove the foliage aside from the top a couple of leaves edge. This allows the cutting to place all its energy instead of developing leaves.
Put in a container full of water that is sufficient to cover this cutting’s wounded areas so the sap will dissolve into the water instead of hardening on the stem. Wait 30 minutes before removing the cutting. Shake off the excess water.
Coat this cutting’s puned finish with rooting hormone. Set the cutting in a rooting medium such as sand, moistened perlite or vermiculite. Be sure that the container includes bottom drain holes. Maintaining the soil moist.