Can you train a rubber plant (Ficus elastica) to grow like a tree?
All rubber plants I've seen have not very large trunks and the branches are too heavy to support themselves. Would it be possible to train them to grow like a tree? I assume one could use techniques for growing bonsai, just maybe on a larger scale?
Update:nice pic, but a) how do you get there b) that doesn't look that feasible if you live in zone 6, not 10...
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You have to do something I don't like to do with most plants. You need to cut off the leader. Do this at least six inches down. This well encourage side shoots or branching. Give it plenty of light. If you can stick it outside do so. It takes about two to three months to see the new shoots that well develop into branches.
Your challenge is to find an area large enough and hot enough to grow a 40 foot tree.
Inside the house will never work. You can get a large plant that will fall over and break every 12 to 24 months.
Better off trying a ferm or ivy for indoors.
Now go drink a beer and relax.
http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/showimage/62344/