Fiddle Leaf Figs, scientifically known as Ficus lyrata, have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their large and striking leaves that add a touch of nature and greenery to any indoor space. One thing that many people don’t know is that propagating fiddle leaf figs is easy and can be done at home with just a few simple steps. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at how to propagate fiddle leaf figs successfully.
Understanding Propagation
Before we dive into the propagation process for fiddle leaf figs, it’s essential first to understand what propagation means. Propagation refers to the process of creating new plants from existing ones without using seeds. There are different methods of propagation such as division, layering, cuttings etc.
Preparing Your Tools
To get started with propagating your fiddle leaf fig plant, you’ll need a few basic tools including sharp scissors or pruning shears (sanitized), rooting hormone powder/gel (optional), small pots filled with potting soil and water.
It’s always important to sanitize your tools before use by wiping them down with rubbing alcohol or bleach solution- This helps prevent the spread of disease between plants.
Taking Cuttings
The best time to take cuttings from your fiddle leaf fig plant is during its growing season in spring or summer months when the plant is actively growing. You want to select healthy stems without signs of damage or disease that are 6-12 inches long and contain at least one node – which is where the leaves attach on the stem.
Using sanitized scissors/pruning shears make clean cuts below where leaves attach but above another set of leaves so there’s enough stem length for rooting purposes.
Rooting Your Cuttings
Dip each cutting into rooting hormone powder or gel (optional) to encourage root growth. Next, insert each cutting about 2 inches deep into a pot filled with well-draining potting soil- make sure not to overcrowd the cuttings as they need room for proper rooting.
Water the soil thoroughly and cover the pot with a plastic bag or dome (this helps maintain humidity). Place your pots in an area that receives bright but indirect sunlight. It’s important to keep soil moist but not waterlogged during this process as it can cause rotting of stems.
Caring for Your New Plants
It takes about 4-6 weeks for fiddle leaf figs cuttings to start showing new growth and roots visibly. Once you notice new growth, you can remove the plastic bags/domes and move them to a location where they will receive more light – such as near a window/skylight.
Once rooted cuttings are established in their pots, continue watering when the top inch of soil is dry and fertilize once every two months using NPK balanced fertilizer that contains micronutrients such as iron & magnesium which are essential for healthy leaves. As they grow larger, transplant them into larger pots until they reach their desired size.
In conclusion, propagating fiddle leaf figs is easy if you follow these simple steps carefully. With proper care and attention, your newly propagated plants will thrive indoors adding beauty and greenery to any space!
