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How to grow a rubber plant (Ficus elastica) so it grows thick? Detailed care tips

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Many plant lovers worry that their rubber plant is rather thin and do not know how to make it grow thick. In fact, the method is very simple: we can pinch it back appropriately by pinching off the topmost branch with our fingers, and we can also prune its semi-woody parts where the buds are densely packed. These methods can all make it grow thicker and sturdier.

1. Pinching back

We can pinch it back, but we need to pay attention to how it is done. Generally, we do not need to use any tools; we just need to pinch off the topmost part with our fingers. After doing this, you will find that its branches grow better, but the thickening will not take effect immediately; it takes several years to see the results.

2. Pruning

Pruning can also encourage it to grow thick, but it requires a certain method; if our operation is improper, it will have no effect. Generally, we need to prune its semi-woody parts, especially where the buds are densely packed. If we only cut off the tender upper parts, it will grow unattractively, and even if it grows side branches, there will not be many, only about one, so this cannot achieve the goal of making it grow thick.

3. Points to note

① When pruning, we can apply some incense ash to its wounds, because this way the sap will not flow out. Of course, we need to be careful, because sap stuck on clothes is very hard to wash off.

② After we finish pruning it, we must pay attention to one thing: watering. Because there are not as many leaves as before, its demand for water is not high, so we should water it a little less.

③ Of course, we should note that when watering, we should also add a little fertilizer. This way it will grow better and its branches will be thicker. When adding fertilizer, be careful to add more nitrogen fertilizer and a little less potassium and phosphorus fertilizer.

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