Propagating plants is a fantastic way to multiply your greenery without buying new ones. If you’re feeling generous, you could also share your cuttings with friends. After all, sharing is caring!
Watch: How to propagate pot plants
But that’s if you know how to do it.
One particular plant that’s been given a bad rap for being difficult to grow is the fiddle leaf fig; despite the rumours, it is possible to propagate this gorgeously green and leafy plant.
How to propagate a fiddle leaf fig
There are a few methods for propagating a fiddle leaf fig: leaf propagation, air layering, from stem cuttings and division.
In saying that, for the best chance of propagating a fiddle leaf fig, you should attempt to grow roots from a stem cutting.
In her book, The Plant Rescuer, Sarah Gerrard-Jones says: “If you remove a leaf and put it in water, it will grow roots, but it’s very unlikely to develop into a plant.
“Cells in the stem, however, do have the potential to grow into a new plant, which is why you should propagate a fiddle leaf fig stem cutting or use the air layer method, rather than just stick a leaf in water.”
How to propagate a fiddle leaf fig stem cutting
If you want to multiply your fiddle leaf fig, the best time to attempt to propagate a fiddle leaf fig stem cutting is during spring and summer. That way, it’s more likely to produce roots.
How to take cuttings
First, you will need a pair of clean, sharp pruning secateurs. Before cutting, rub the blade with alcohol to ensure no bacteria are present. The plant you’re taking a cutting from needs to be happy and healthy too.
If your plant is large enough, try cutting the stem so three nodes are present. A node is where a leaf or a branch grows from.
How to root the cuttings
Now you have your cutting, it’s time to encourage it to grow roots. To give your cutting the best chance at growing roots, you’ll need a rooting hormone that stimulates the roots and makes the process faster. It’s as simple as dipping the cut end of the stem into a rooting hormone powder or gel.
You will also need suitable soil; a regular potting mix isn’t quite right for cuttings. Instead, you can buy something premade like this one. Or make your own using equal parts compost, coir peat, and perlite.
Place the soil in your pot (ensure the pot has adequate drainage; you don’t want your cutting to rot). Make a hole in the soil for the cutting using a pen or another stick. Insert the bottom leaves of your cutting into the soil. Pat the soil down, so the cutting is stable.
How to care for your fiddle leaf fig cutting
- Place your cutting in a spot that receives bright, indirect sunlight.
- The critical thing to remember is that your cutting doesn’t have roots yet, so you don’t want to make the soil too wet, as the cutting can rot.
- You can cover the stem in a plastic bag and mist the leaves daily to help them retain moisture while waiting for the roots to grow.
- In about 4–6 weeks, your cutting should start to grow roots.
How to plant your cutting once it has roots
Now it’s time to replant your cutting. For this, you will need a regular-size pot and some potting mix. Transplant your fiddle leaf fig into its new home, being very careful not to damage the roots.
Now that you have successfully propagated your plant, here’s everything you need on how to care for your fiddle leaf fig.
Don’t give up
If your cutting doesn’t grow roots, don’t give up – try again!
As Sarah Gerrard-Jones writes in her book The Plant Rescuer, “Propagating is a lottery, and some attempts will work and while others won’t – don’t let that put you off having anothre go or trying another method.”
Propagating tools
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