You can easily grow a fiddle leaf fig from a single cutting. This means that you can use this simple method to grow more fiddle leaf fig trees for free. This article will show you how to take fiddle leaf fig cuttings and grow new plants from them. It will also give you tips on how to be successful!
This post contains affiliate links to the plants and products we recommend from our trusted suppliers. We earn a small commission from purchases made through these links, which helps us maintain this website. Thank you for your support!.
Propagating fiddle leaf figs is an easy, free way to multiply your plant collection. While you can root fiddle leaf fig cuttings in soil, water propagation offers a simple alternative with high success rates.
Propagating in water allows you to easily monitor root growth and takes the guesswork out of watering. With the right practices, you’ll have baby fiddle leaf figs sprouting roots in no time.
This article covers everything you need to know about propagating fiddle leaf figs in water, from choosing cuttings to transplanting the rooted plants. Follow these simple steps for the best results
Step 1: Take Healthy Cuttings
Choosing vigorous, healthy cuttings is crucial for propagation success. Look for branches or stems that:
- Are 6-12 inches long
- Have 3-5 leaves
- Have no signs of damage or disease
Use clean, sharp pruners to detach the cuttings just below a node. Remove lower leaves, leaving just 2-3 at the top.
Step 2: Treat the Cut End
To encourage quick root growth. treat the cut end of your cutting
-
Dip it in rooting hormone powder/gel (optional but recommended)
-
Swab it with honey or willow water to deter bacteria
-
Lightly sear it with a flame to seal the tissue
This protects the stem and helps it start roots faster.
Step 3: Place Cuttings in Water
Select a clear glass jar, vase, or bottle to watch roots emerge. Fill with room temperature filtered or distilled water.
Insert cuttings so the bottom nodes are submerged. Leave upper leaves above water.
Step 4: Provide Warmth and Light
Place vases in a spot with indirect sunlight and temperatures around 70°F to 80°F. Direct sun will scorch leaves.
North or east facing windows work well. Supplement with grow lights if needed.
Step 5: Change the Water Weekly
Replace water weekly to prevent rot-causing bacteria. Use filtered or distilled water only.
Give the vase a quick swish to detach any algae and keep water clean.
Step 6: Watch for Root Growth
Check cuttings every few days for new white roots emerging from nodes under water. This takes 4-8 weeks on average.
Once roots reach 2-3 inches long, the cutting is ready for soil!
Step 7: Transplant to Soil
Gently remove rooted cuttings from water and plant in a small pot with well-draining potting mix. Keep soil consistently moist.
Transition to indirect light over 7-10 days to prevent shock. Fertilize once new growth appears.
Tips for Propagating Fiddle Leaf Figs in Water
Follow these tips to maximize your propagation success:
-
Take multiple cuttings to increase chances some will root.
-
Change water before it gets cloudy to prevent rot-causing bacteria.
-
Avoid direct sun which can overheat water and damage tender cuttings.
-
Be patient – rooting takes 1-3 months. Avoid disturbing cuttings.
-
Mist cuttings daily to provide needed humidity.
-
Once rooted, acclimate to soil gradually over 7-10 days.
-
Pot in a houseplant mix amended with perlite for drainage.
With the right practices, propagating fiddle leaf figs in water is an easy way to expand your plant collection!
Common Problems When Propagating Fiddle Leaf Figs in Water
While water propagation is straightforward, issues can arise. Watch for these common problems and how to fix them:
Rotting Stem
If the stem turns brown, slimy, or hollow, it’s rotting from bacteria or fungi. Start over with a new, healthy cutting. Change water more often.
Mold Growth
Gray fuzzy mold on leaves means the water or environment is too humid. Improve air circulation. Replace water more frequently.
Yellowing Leaves
If leaves turn light green or yellow, the cutting isn’t getting enough light. Move to a brighter location. Add a grow light.
No Root Growth
Cuttings that don’t root after 3 months may be too old. Use younger stems. Ensure they have nodes under water.
Leggy Growth
If new growth is sparse and leggy, increase light exposure. Prune off any elongated stems.
With attentive care and persistence, you can troubleshoot any issues that arise.
10 Tips for Growing Healthy Fiddle Leaf Figs from Cuttings
Rooting fiddle leaf fig cuttings in water is just the start. Follow these tips to grow strong plants:
-
After transplanting to soil, use a weak liquid fertilizer every 2-3 months to fuel growth.
-
Prune back leggy stems to encourage full, bushy growth.
-
Provide bright, indirect sunlight from an east or west window.
-
Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil dries out.
-
Mist leaves daily for humidity.
-
Repot annually in spring using a well-draining potting mix.
-
Monitor for pests like mealybugs that may hide in leaf axils.
-
Rotate the plant periodically for even growth on all sides.
-
Wipe leaves often with a damp cloth to prevent dust buildup.
-
Avoid drafty areas which can cause leaf damage.
With high humidity, light, water and care, your new fiddle leaf figs will flourish!
Troubleshooting Leggy Fiddle Leaf Fig Growth
If your new fiddle leaf fig plants start growing tall, sparse and leggy, try these fixes:
-
Move to a brighter location or add supplemental lighting.
-
Prune back any elongated stems to just above a node.
-
Stake stems upward using soft plant ties or bamboo stakes to support vertical growth.
-
Rotate the plant frequently to ensure even sun exposure.
-
Apply fertilizer to provide nutrients for new growth.
-
Be patient – improving leggy growth takes time. Keep optimizing conditions.
With attentive pruning, ample light, and proper care your leggy fiddle leaf fig cuttings will fill out over time.
Fun Ways to Display Your Propagated Fiddle Leaf Figs
Once your propagated fiddles establish, creative displaying ideas include:
-
Grouping several small fiddles together in a large basket or planter for visual impact.
-
Letting plants trail over mantels or shelves for a cascading look.
-
Using tall fiddles as living room corner plants or floor plants.
-
Placing smaller fiddles on plant stands at staggered heights for dimension.
-
Mixing fiddle leaf figs with other plants like pothos or philodendrons.
-
Adding decorative support trellises and training the stems up.
With propagate fiddle leaf figs, the possibilities are endless! Have fun designing dynamic displays.
The worst that can happen when water propagating fiddle leaf figs is failure to root some cuttings. But with multiple cuttings and proper care techniques, you should have a high success rate. Enjoy watching your plants flourish!
How To Avoid Mold When Propagating Fiddle Leaf Figs
Mold growth is common when fiddle leaf fig cuttings are propagated, especially if the humidity is too high or the cuttings are kept in conditions that are too wet. To avoid mold while propagating fiddle leaf fig cuttings, follow these steps:
- Use Clean Tools and Containers: Begin with tools that are clean and germ-free, like scissors or pruning shears. When you plant your cuttings, use a pot or container that is clean and germ-free.
- Choose Well-Draining Soil:Ensure the potting mix you use is well-draining. A mix of perlite, peat moss, and regular potting soil lets water drain away, which lowers the risk of mold.
- Properly Space Cuttings:Avoid overcrowding the cuttings in the pot. Allow enough space between each cutting so that air can flow around the stems and leaves.
- Avoid Overwatering:Mold thrives in damp, stagnant conditions. Don’t water the cuttings too much; the soil should always be lightly damp but not soaked. To keep water from pooling at the bottom of the pot, use one with drainage holes.
- Provide Enough Ventilation: Make sure there is airflow around the area where the spread is happening. To do this, open the plastic bag or take off the plastic wrap every day for a short time to let fresh air in. Using a small fan set on low power to move the air around the cuttings slowly
- Maintain the Right Humidity: Root growth depends on maintaining the right humidity, but it’s important not to go overboard. You can lower the risk of mold by: Putting the cuttings in a clear plastic bag or wrap to make it look like a small greenhouse; However, periodically vent it to prevent excessive humidity buildup. Mold should be taken off of the cuttings by taking off the plastic wrap and letting them air out for a while.
- Keep an eye on the cuttings for any signs of mold and get rid of it right away. If you see mold, you need to act right away. Cut off any leaves or stems that are affected with clean, germ-free scissors or shears. Put a thin layer of sulfur powder or cinnamon on top of the soil. These natural antifungal agents can help prevent mold growth. Increase ventilation to discourage mold.
- Maintain Good Hygiene: To keep from spreading germs, wash your hands well before touching the cuttings or working with the propagating setup.
- Pick the Right Place: Put the propagating setup somewhere clean with good air flow. Avoid locations with excessive humidity or poor airflow.
By doing these things, you can make a good environment for fiddle leaf fig cuttings to grow in while lowering the risk of mold growth. Monitoring your cuttings regularly is key to catching and addressing mold issues promptly.
Fiddle Leaf Fig Propagation: Tips For Success
It can be hard to spread a fiddle leaf fig (Ficus lyrata), but if you use the right methods and are careful, you can improve your chances of success. Here are some tips for successfully propagating a fiddle leaf fig:
- Choose a Healthy Parent Plant: First, choose a parent plant that is a healthy, fully grown fiddle leaf fig. Healthy parent plants are more likely to produce healthy cuttings.
- Pick the Right Time: As the plant grows, take cuttings in the spring or early summer. This is when the plant has more energy to grow roots.
- Use Sharp and Clean Tools: To take the cuttings, use pruning shears or scissors that have been cleaned and germ-free. When you cut with clean tools, you’re less likely to spread disease or pests.
- Choose stem cuttings that are at least 6 to 12 inches long and have at least two leaves. Make sure that every cutting has a leaf node, which is where the leaf connects to the stem. Roots will grow here.
- Apply Rooting Hormone (Optional): You don’t have to use a rooting hormone, but doing so can improve the chances of rooting success. Before you plant the cutting, dip the end that was cut in rooting hormone.
- Make a mini greenhouse: If you are using the soil propagation method, cover cuttings with a clear plastic bag or plastic wrap to make a moist environment. This helps prevent moisture loss and encourages root growth.
- Put the cuttings somewhere bright with indirect sunlight to help them grow. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves. A location with bright, filtered light is ideal.
- Keep an eye on the soil’s moisture level. It should be slightly damp but not soaked. To keep roots from rotting, water plants sparingly and make sure the pot has drainage holes.
- Maintain Humidity: Maintain a humid environment within the plastic covering. Open the cover every so often to let fresh air in and lower the humidity if needed.
- Wait: Rooting can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, so wait. After a few weeks, gently pull on the cuttings to see if roots have grown.
- Carefully Move: Once the cuttings have strong roots, move them to bigger pots and continue to take care of the fiddle leaf fig as usual. Acclimate them gradually to their new environment to avoid shock.
- Keep an Eye Out for Pests and Diseases: Keep an eye on your propagated fiddle leaf fig for any signs of pests or diseases, and if you see any, take the right steps.
- Change as Needed: If you run into problems like mold or slow growth, you’ll need to change how you take care of your plants. Mold can usually be avoided by making sure there is enough air flow, and slow growth could mean that the plant needs more light or nutrients.
Always keep in mind that not all cuttings will root, so it’s best to use more than one to improve your chances. Also, giving your fiddle leaf fig cuttings the same care every time and paying attention to the little things will help them grow.
How to propagate fiddle leaf fig | Using water and a vase
FAQ
Can you propagate a fiddle leaf fig from a single leaf?
Can you propagate a fiddle leaf fig without rooting hormone?