The Lazy Person’s Guide to Propagating Fiddle Leaf Figs

The fiddle leaf fig is a popular houseplant prized for its large, vibrant leaves. Propagating fiddle leaf figs is an easy way to get new plants without spending any money. This article will walk you through everything you need to know to successfully propagate fiddle leaf figs at home.

Selecting a Healthy Mother Plant

Choosing the right mother plant is crucial for propagation success. Start with a mature, healthy fiddle leaf fig that is 2-3 years old minimum. Look for a plant with lush leaves without any signs of disease, pests, or nutrient deficiencies. Avoid taking cuttings from weak or stressed plants, as the cuttings are less likely to thrive. Select branches that have leaves with bright green color and prominent veins. This indicates a vigorous, robust plant.

Deciding on the Best Propagation Method

There are several techniques you can use to propagate fiddle leaf figs:

Propagation by Cuttings

To propagate by cuttings:

Propagation by cuttings is the most common and reliable way to propagate fiddle leaf figs. It involves snipping off a stem section from the mother plant and rooting it to grow a new plant.

Select a healthy stem on the mother plant

Select a healthy stem on the mother plant that has several leaves and nodes or joints. Use clean, sharp pruners or shears to cut off a section around 6 inches long. Cut just above a node where leaves emerge from the stem.

Trim off the lowest set of leaves

Trim off the lowest set of leaves from the cutting and prune back remaining leaves by half. This reduces water loss while the cutting tries to form roots.

Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone

Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone powder or gel to encourage root growth. Rooting hormone contains plant hormones that stimulate root formation.

Plant the cutting in a potting mix

Plant the cutting in a potting mix designed for propagation, keeping it consistently moist but not saturated. Or place in a jar of clean water, changing the water every couple of days.

Keep the cutting in bright, indirect light

Keep the cutting in bright, indirect light. Warm temperatures around 70-80°F are ideal for propagation.

Check frequently for root formation

Check frequently for root formation, which can take 3-8 weeks. Look for new white roots emerging from the cut end.

Transplant it into a pot

Once the cutting has grown several inches of roots, transplant it into a pot with fresh potting mix amended with compost for nutrients.

Propagating fiddle leaf figs by cuttings utilizes the plant’s natural ability to generate adventitious roots when stems are cut. With proper care, this method has a high success rate for producing brand new, genetically identical plants.

Air Layering

Air layering is another propagation method used for fiddle leaf figs. It involves encouraging aerial roots to form on the stem while still attached to the mother plant.

To propagate by air layering:

• Select a healthy stem on the mother plant and remove leaves and aerial roots from a section around 6 inches long.
• Use a sharp knife to carefully wound the stem in this area by making a shallow cut all the way around or slicing off a sliver of bark. This injury promotes root growth.
• Wrap the wounded section with damp sphagnum moss and enclose in plastic wrap to retain moisture. Secure the plastic in place.
• After 1-2 months, check for white roots growing from the wounded area into the moss. Mist occasionally to keep the moss damp.
• Once the new roots are a few inches long, cut the stem below the rooted section. Plant this new, already-rooted plant in its own pot.
• Keep the plant humid, warm, and in bright indirect light as it transitions to life fully separated from the mother.

Air layering has the advantage of allowing the new plant to form roots before being cut from the parent. This reduces transplant shock and results in a sturdier, healthier new plant. It’s a great way to propagate older or more delicate plants.

Propagation in Water

Propagating fiddle leaf fig cuttings in water is a simple and convenient way to get new plants. It allows you to easily monitor root development without disturbing the roots.

To propagate in water:

• Take a 6 inch stem cutting from the mother plant, snipping just above a node. Remove lower leaves and trim remaining leaves by half.
• Place the cutting in a glass jar or bottle with clean, room temperature water. Only the cut end should be submerged – leaves should remain above water.
• Put the jar in a warm, brightly lit location but out of direct sunlight. Change the water every 2-3 days to prevent rotting.
• Roots will begin emerging from the cut end within a few weeks. Look for white hairy roots growing up to 2 inches long.
• Add diluted liquid fertilizer to the water once roots establish to provide nutrients.
• When the root system is several inches long, transplant the cutting into a pot with a well-draining potting mix.
• Maintain warm, humid conditions and gradually acclimate to normal indoor conditions. Grow on as a regular houseplant.

Propagating in water allows close monitoring of root growth. However, transitioning to soil can be tricky. Take care not to disturb the delicate new roots when potting up water-rooted cuttings. With the proper transition, propagating fiddle leaf figs in water can be very successful.

Propagation in Soil

Propagating fiddle leaf fig cuttings directly in the soil is another effective option. It avoids the extra step of transferring from water to soil later.

To propagate in soil:

• Take 6-inch stem cuttings from the mother plant in the same way as other methods – just above a node, removing lower leaves.
• Use a specially formulated propagation or cutting mix, or a regular potting mix amended with extra perlite for drainage.
• Plant the cutting in the soil so the lowest node is buried. Firm the soil gently around the stem.
• Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Use a spray bottle to mist the leaves.
• Place the pot in bright, indirect light and maintain warm temperatures around 70-80°F.
• Root formation takes 3-8 weeks. Check for new white roots emerging from the node area by gently tugging.
• Once well-rooted with several inches of roots, transplant into a new pot using fresh potting mix amended with compost.
• Gradually acclimate the new plant to normal conditions. Grow on as a houseplant.

Rooting fiddle leaf fig cuttings in soil skips the hassle of transferring roots from water to soil later on. However, you can’t observe the roots as they develop. Take care not to overwater the cutting before roots establish to prevent rotting. Overall, soil propagation is a simple, effective way to grow new fiddle leaf figs.

Step-by-Step Guide to Propagating by Cuttings

Follow these steps for easy propagation by cuttings:

Selecting and Removing Cuttings

Use clean, sharp pruners or shears to remove 2-3 leaf sections from the healthiest branches. Cut just above a node or joint in the stem. Avoid cutting off the tip of the branch.

Preparing the Cuttings

Carefully trim off the lowest leaves from your cutting and prune the remaining leaves in half. This reduces water loss while new roots form. Dip the cut end in the rooting hormone to spur root growth.

Rooting the Cuttings

Place your prepared cutting in a jar of water or directly into the potting mix. Keep it in bright, indirect light and change the water frequently. For soil, keep the mix consistently moist but not saturated.

Transplanting the Rooted Cutting

Once the cutting has developed several inches of roots, pot it up in its own container with fresh potting soil. Amend with compost or worm castings to provide nutrients.

Caring for Newly Propagated Plants

Young fiddle leaf figs need attentive care to properly establish themselves:

Providing the Right Potting Mix

Use a well-draining indoor plant potting mix amended with compost or worm castings for nutrients and perlite for drainage.

Watering Correctly

Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings, then soak thoroughly until excess drains from the bottom. Take care not to overwater.

Light Requirements

Fiddle leaf figs need very bright, indirect light. Rotate the plant periodically for even growth. Provide supplemental lighting if needed.

Ideal Temperature and Humidity

Maintain indoor temperatures between 60-75°F with humidity around 50-60%. Avoid cold drafts. Group plants to increase humidity.

Fertilizing for Healthy Growth

Feed every 2-3 weeks during the growing season with a balanced houseplant fertilizer diluted to half strength.

Troubleshooting Propagation Issues

Examine your plant carefully and make adjustments if you notice any problems:

Cuttings Not Rooting

Increase ambient humidity around cuttings. Use rooting hormone if not already. Ensure the cut end has a node submerged in water/soil.

Leaf Drop or Yellowing

Improve light exposure and avoid overwatering. Check for pests or nutritional deficiencies. Fertilize with a balanced houseplant food if needed. you can read our detailed article on Fiddle Leaf Fig Dropping Leaves

Slow Growth

Ensure the proper potting mix, water, light, humidity, and fertilizer. Propagated plants grow slowly at first – be patient!

check our Fiddle Leaf Fig Plant Care Guide