Is the plant's capacity to support its unpruned upper compromised at all by any root pruning that takes place first? Yes, it is. To some degree that can be offset by siting the plant in the shade and keeping it out of the wind. Also, if you're repotting from a water-retentive soil to a well-aerated soil, the improvement in root function and the number of fine roots usually becomes quickly evident & additionally helps the recovery. If, for instance, you have a healthy 3 gallon tree and you reduce the roots by say 75%, you might need to remove a substantial volume of foliage to prevent the tree from seemingly indiscriminately shedding what it can't support. It's better to select the branches that don't compliment your vision for the tree's design than to let the tree decide. Also, you can partially defoliate if you remove a LOT of roots and the tree will quickly replace lost leaves as soon as the roots' ability to keep up with the canopy is back in balance. Everything revolves around the roots - the roots have to be able to support new growth before it can occur. >> Best time to do extensive root work (repot) is between Father's Day - 4th of July. Al, is this applicable to other trees or to other plants in general? I grow tropicals indoors with no direct light all year round. Does someone's zone affect this best repotting window? Plants have internal clocks (search "endogenous rhythm" and/or "circadian rhythm") that tell them when they are supposed to grow. I keep all my tropical trees (about 75 of them) under lights in a basement grow area. There is only one window at the far end of the basement, so it supplies no usable light. Somehow, the trees know when the vernal equinox is eminent and begin to exhibit more vigorous growth, despite the only usable light they get is artificial and on a 16/8 schedule. I don't think the Father's Day - July 4th rule of thumb is nearly as important if your trees were outdoors or living on sunlight, but I'd still say that even if there were no changes in artificial light intensity/duration throughout the year, that the time frame I suggested would still be the best time. If your trees grow actively all year and they're healthy under artificial light, repot any time you have a mind to. The most significant effect of that sort of 'out of season' repotting would probably be a little longer recovery before active growth can resume. For trees that AREN'T healthy, the timing is a more significant consideration. I don't think a growers zone affects the best window much, but I would say that the closer to the equator you get, the wider the window becomes. In consideration of the best timing, I have a much narrower window than someone who lives in south FL or TX. Growers in those locales can repot with fast recovery anytime in Jun or July, and the effects of repotting in May or Aug - mid-Sep are much easier on the plant than they would be closer to the 40-45th parallels. Al

I used no chemicals just high pressure water. Took it right out of its pot and got rid of the bugs then pruned it back and re planted it back into its same pot with new dirt. I gave it some liquid fertilizer and put it to its original spot that it has always done well in. It has new growth where I pruned they look healthy but there leaves are curling under a bit too. I thought maybe it might be too dry in my house because it is pretty close to a heat vent so I've started misting it everyday to see if that would help.

WL, Carefully pluck off the bottom leaf and put the cutting into soil--a loose one is best. I use perlite, lava rocks, pebbles and a spoonful of peat. Water in lightly once and then just leave them in a bright room without direct sun. Within 3-4 weeks, if you very lightly try to tug them up, they should be rooted in and then you can start watering occasionally. (If it's colder where you are, it will take longer than in spring and summer.) Then you can slowly acclimate it into brighter light, if you'd like. Looks like a nice, healthy cutting!

Roots look like they might have some rot- was this the case? Is the plant kept in a well ventilated location? Repotting was a good Idea. What did you pot it in? These are pretty hardy plants, it should bounce back. As to best potting soil, well LOLOLOLOL...…… some prefer gritty mix some simply use commercial potting soil. Mine is in Miracle Grow to which I have added perlite. There are lots of discussions on this type plant on both the houseplant and container forums. Look for the post on trimming Rubber trees ( don't remember the exact post, sorry) as it is filled with good information. General care: Bright indirect light to dappled sun. Moist soil but never a swamp, allow the soil to dry slightly in between watering- slightly less water in winter. Temperature: average room temperature, it will appreciate 70-80. Keep out of cold drafts. Air should be well ventilated though, not a stagnant corner.