How to Propagate Fiddle Leaf Fig, 3 Ways

How to Propagate Fiddle Leaf Fig in Soil

The most reliable way to propagate fiddle leaf fig trees is by rooting branch cuttings in soil. Follow these steps to root fiddle leaf fig cuttings in soil.

1. Take Branch Cuttings

   Using a pair of sharp, clean pruning shears, take a cutting from your fiddle leaf fig. Each cutting should have three or four nodes along the stem. Remove the leaves at the bottom half of the cutting.

2. Dip Cuttings in Rooting Hormone

   Dip the cut end of the branch cutting in rooting hormone, coating it completely. Then, set the cutting aside as you complete the next step.
   

3. Prepare a Pot

   Fill a small- to medium-sized potting container with a well-draining soil mix and water it thoroughly, allowing excess water to drain from the pot. Then use your finger to create a hole for the cutting in the center of the pot.
   

4. Plant the Cutting

   Take the branch cutting and plant it in the hole you just made with your finger, gently pressing the soil down around the stem to hold it in place.
   

5. Place a Clear Plastic Bag Over the Cutting

   Place a clear plastic bag over the cutting and the pot to increase humidity. Remove the bag once every few days for 10 to 15 minutes to give the cutting fresh air and prevent mold growth.
   

6. Keep the Cutting Evenly Moist

   Water the soil lightly once it starts to dry out, but wait for signs of new growth to water thoroughly. Under the right conditions, roots should begin to grow within a couple of weeks.
   

   Tip

   If the leaves on your cutting begin to wilt and droop after a couple of weeks, try cutting a few leaves in half. This is a common practice among commercial growers that helps to reduce moisture lost through the leaves and reduce the energy load on the plant’s developing roots.

How to Propagate Fiddle Leaf Fig in Water

Likely the most common method for propagating fiddle leaf figs is by rooting cuttings in water. Follow these steps to root a fiddle leaf fig cutting in water.

1. Take Branch Cuttings

   Using a pair of sharp, clean pruning shears, take a cutting from your fiddle leaf fig. Each cutting should have three or four nodes along the stem. Remove the leaves at the bottom half of the cutting.
   

2. Put the Cuttings in Water

   Fill a glass container with fresh, room-temperature water and place the cutting in the glass so the exposed nodes are submerged and the leaves remain above the surface. Change the water once a week to replenish oxygen levels and keep it fresh.
   

3. Place the Container in a Bright Spot

   Put the cutting in a warm spot that receives bright, indirect light (ensure you avoid direct sunlight). Roots should begin to develop within a few weeks.
   

4. Plant the Rooted Cutting in Soil

   Once the roots are at least one to two inches long the cutting can be transferred from water to soil. Fill a small pot with well-draining soil and plant the cutting. Water it well and place it in a warm, bright location. Keep the soil evenly moist for the first one to two weeks to help the roots acclimate to the soil.
   

How to Propagate Fiddle Leaf Fig by Air Layering

Air layering is a propagation method that is frequently used by gardeners for woody plants like shrubs and trees. Follow these steps to propagate a fiddle leaf fig using air layering.

1. Identify the Node

   Identify the branch on your fiddle leaf fig that you would like to propagate and use for a new plant, and then choose a node for air layering. Ensure that the new plant will have three to four nodes along its stem, along with a couple of leaves.
   

2. Prepare the Sphagnum Moss

   Prepare the sphagnum moss by soaking it in water for 10 to 15 minutes. This helps to rehydrate the moss. Once the moss is done soaking, squeeze the water from the moss so it’s left moist but not wet.
   

3. Apply the Sphagnum Moss to the Node

   Add the sphagnum moss to the node on your fiddle leaf fig by creating a ball of moss around the node and securing it with clear plastic wrap.
   

4. Keep the Moss Evenly Moist

   Unwrap the moss and check the moisture level once or twice a week depending on the temperature and humidity of your home. Use a spray bottle to spray the moss if it is starting to dry out.
   

5. Remove the Rooted Branch from the Mother Plant

   Once the roots are at least one to two inches long the rooted branch can be transferred to the soil. Using a pair of pruning shears, remove the rooted branch from the mother plant by cutting just below the new roots.
   

6. Plant the Rooted Cutting in Soil

   Fill a small pot with well-draining soil and plant the cutting. Water it well and place it in a warm, bright location. Keep the soil evenly moist for the first one to two weeks to help the roots acclimate to the soil.