How To Propagate Fiddle Leaf Fig

Fiddle leaf fig (of FLF!) is a trendy houseplant known for its large, violin-shaped leaves that grow up to 15 inches long. Propagation methods include stem cutting, air layering, and division.

Propagating a new fiddle leaf fig is an easy and rewarding process that allows you to create new plants from an existing one.

Each technique has pros and cons, but with the right tools and know-how, you can propagate a fiddle leaf fig and share this beautiful plant with friends and family.

Step-By-Step Instructions For Propagating Fiddle Leaf Figs

Here are some of the most frequently used fiddle leaf fig propagation methods:

Stem Cutting In Soil

Here's how to propagate fiddle leaf figs using the cutting-in-soil method:

1. Choose a healthy fiddle leaf fig plant with a strong stem and at least one mature leaf.

2. Using clean and sharp pruning shears, cut a stem 6-12 inches long just below a node where a leaf is attached.

3. Remove leaves from the lower 1/3 to 1/2 of the stem, leaving only a few leaves at the top.

4. You may want to dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone gel or powder to encourage root growth.

5. Fill a small pot with a well-draining potting mix, such as peat moss, perlite, and sand.

6. Create a hole in the center of the soil with a pencil or your finger.

7. Place the cut end of the stem into the hole and lightly compact the soil around it to secure it into place.

8. Water the soil until moist but do not waterlog it.

9. Cover the pot with a clear plastic bag or place it in a clear plastic container to create a greenhouse-like environment that will keep the cutting moist and warm.

10. The pot should receive bright, indirect light but not direct sunlight, which could damage the young cutting.

11. Check the soil regularly to ensure it stays moist, and mist the leaves with tap water to keep them hydrated.

12. After 2-3 months, gently tug on the cutting to check for root growth. If it resists, it means roots have formed.

13. Once the roots are established, gradually acclimate the new plant to its environment by removing the plastic bag or container for longer periods each day until it thrives independently. You should begin seeing new growth from the top of the cutting if it’s during the growing season.

Stem Cutting In Water

Here are the steps for the cutting-in-water method of propagating fiddle leaf figs:

1. Take a fiddle leaf fig cutting following steps 1-3 from the previous section.

2. Fill a clear glass jar or vase with water and introduce the stem, ensuring the cut end is submerged.

3. Place the jar or vase in a bright, indirect light location but avoid direct sunlight that could damage the cutting.

4. Change the water every 3 to 4 days to keep it fresh and clear.

5. After 2 to 3 weeks, you should see new root growth in the water.

6. Once roots have formed, plant the stem in a pot filled with a well-draining potting mix, such as peat moss, perlite, and sand.

7. Put a clear plastic bag over the plant or put it in a clear plastic container to create a greenhouse-like environment to keep the cutting moist and warm.

8. Place the pot in a spot where it will receive bright, indirect light but avoid direct sunlight as that could damage the young plant.

9. Check the soil regularly to ensure it stays moist, and mist the leaves with enough water to keep them hydrated.

10. After a few months, gradually acclimate the new plant to its normal environment by removing the plastic bag or container for longer each day until it thrives on its own.

Air Layering

Air layering is another popular method involving creating a new root system while the stem is still attached to the plant. Here are the steps for the air-layering process of propagating fiddle leaf figs:

1. Choose a healthy fiddle leaf fig plant with a strong stem.

2. Locate a section of the stem where you want to create a new plant and make a horizontal cut through the bark around the stem, about an inch wide.

3. Scrape away the bark and any rough edges until you see the green inner layer.

4. Dust the exposed area with rooting hormone powder or gel to encourage root growth.

5. Wrap a handful of damp sphagnum moss around the exposed area.

6. Cover the moss with plastic wrap or a clear plastic bag, securing it with a rubber band or twist tie.

7. Mist the moss with water to keep it moist, and check it regularly to ensure it stays damp but not soggy.

8. After a few weeks to a few months, roots should form inside the moss.

9. Once roots have formed, cut the stem below the moss and carefully remove the plastic wrap or bag and the moss.

10. Plant the rooted section of the stem in a pot containing a well-draining potting mix, such as a mixture of peat moss, perlite, and sand. Proper drainage prevents root rot.

11. Covering the pot with a clear plastic bag or putting it in a clear plastic container creates a greenhouse-like environment that will keep the cutting moist and warm.

12. Place the pot somewhere that receives bright, indirect light but avoid direct sunlight as that could damage the young plant.

13. Check the soil regularly to ensure it stays moist, and mist the leaves with water to keep them hydrated.

14. After a few months, gradually acclimate the new plant to the environment by removing the plastic bag or container for longer each day until it starts to thrive on its own.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the fiddle leaf fig tree such a popular indoor plant choice?

Ficus lyrata, also called the fiddle leaf fig tree, has become a popular choice for indoor plants in recent years. With its stunning large, fiddle-shaped leaves, it's no wonder that more and more people are turning to fiddle-leaf fig propagation to create new plants in their homes and to share with friends.

What should I do after repotting rooted cuttings?

When repotting the rooted cutting, ensure the pot has proper drainage holes and use a well-draining soil mix, such as potting soil and perlite. Keep the soil moist but don't waterlog it, and ensure your fig tree receives enough light and plant food during the growing season.