Q&A for How to Prune a Rubber Plant

Sure, but know that this isn't the kind of plant that you necessarily need to prune. It's a ficus plant and it can kind of just grow wild and be quite healthy like that. Pruning is usually more for aesthetic purposes in this case.

Usually, people do what we call "topping", where you chop off a healthy branch on the top. As a result, it will branch out, giving the plant the opportunity to shoot out new growth and potentially having two branching directions where previously there was just one.

It should stop dripping on its own eventually, as the latex sap of a rubber plant dries at room temperature. You don't need to do anything additional to stop the natural flow of the sap. If you're having problems with the sap dripping indoors or getting on things it shouldn't, place plastic mats down on the ground around the plant to prevent mess.

There are many reasons why the plant could have wilted and died like this. The most common cause for that kind of reaction in rubber plants is overwatering, but if you're certain that the pruning was the specific cause of the issue, make sure in the future that the pruners you are using are sharp and clean, as it is possible for the plant to contract infections from from dirty pruners. Also, as stated in the article, you have to be certain not to prune off too much, or the plant will be unable to photosynthesize.

If you're looking to regrow the plant from a cutting, honey is a good natural substitute for rooting hormone.

You can! Just be certain to wear gloves, and use a drop cloth or plastic sheets on the ground to protect the surrounding environment from the plant's sap.