Fiddle leaf figs are the darling of indoor plants, gracing homes, offices, and Instagram feeds with their towering trunks and lush, violin-shaped leaves. But did you know that you can grow an entirely new plant from just one cutting of your fiddle leaf fig? Propagating your fiddle leaf fig isn’t just a cost-effective way to expand your indoor greenery; it’s also incredibly satisfying to watch your cutting grow roots and thrive.
This guide will walk you through the process step-by-step to ensure you propagate your fiddle leaf fig successfully. Whether you’re a plant parent newbie or an experienced greenery enthusiast, these tips will help you grow your indoor plant collection with confidence.
What Is Propagation and Why Do It?
Propagation is a method of reproducing plants by taking cuttings or other plant material and encouraging them to grow into new plants. For fiddle leaf figs, propagation is typically done by rooting stem cuttings in water or soil.
Why propagate your fiddle leaf fig?
Here are a few great reasons to try it:
- Save money by growing your own plants instead of buying new ones.
- Share the joy by gifting propagated fiddle leaf figs to friends and family.
- Revive a struggling plant by trimming and rooting healthy growth.
- Expand your collection to add more lush greenery to your space.
While propagation does require patience, the process isn’t as complicated as it might seem. You just need the right techniques and tools.
Supplies You Need to Propagate a Fiddle Leaf Fig
Before you get started, gather the following supplies:
- A pair of clean, sharp pruning shears or scissors.
- A healthy fiddle leaf fig plant with strong, leafy stems.
- Room-temperature water (if propagating in water).
- A clear jar, vase, or propagation station (if propagating in water).
- A small planter or pot with well-draining soil (if propagating in soil).
- A rooting hormone (optional but useful for faster rooting).
- Plastic wrap or a humidity dome (for soil propagation).
Once everything is ready, it’s time to jump into the propagation process.
Step-by-Step Guide to Propagating a Fiddle Leaf Fig
1. Choose Your Cutting
Start by selecting the right cutting. Look for a healthy stem with at least two to three leaves. Avoid stems that look droopy or diseased, as they are less likely to thrive during propagation.
Using your clean, sharp pruning shears, snip a stem that’s about 6–8 inches long. Make the cut just below a node (the thick part of the stem where leaves grow), as this is where new roots will form.
2. Remove Excess Leaves
Trim off the bottom 1–2 leaves from your cutting, leaving the top two to three leaves intact. This exposes the stem and allows it to focus its energy on root development rather than maintaining excess foliage.
If the remaining leaves are very large, you can trim them in half horizontally to reduce their size. This prevents the cutting from losing too much moisture.
3. Choose Your Propagation Method
Now it’s time to decide how you’ll propagate your cutting. There are two popular methods for fiddle leaf fig propagation:
Propagation in Water
- Fill a clear jar or propagation station with room-temperature water.
- Place your cutting in the jar, ensuring the bottom of the stem is submerged while the leaves stay above the waterline.
- Position the jar in a bright, indirect light spot (avoid direct sunlight, as it may scorch the cutting).
- Refresh the water every 3–4 days to prevent the growth of bacteria.
Roots usually start forming within 2–4 weeks when propagating in water. Once the roots are about 2–3 inches long, the cutting is ready to be transferred to soil.
Propagation in Soil
- Fill a small pot with well-draining soil, such as a mix of potting soil and perlite.
- Dip the cut end of your stem in rooting hormone to encourage faster root growth.
- Plant the stem about 2–3 inches deep into the soil, ensuring it stays upright and stable.
- Water the soil lightly to keep it moist (but not soggy).
- Cover the pot with plastic wrap or a humidity dome to create a greenhouse effect, which promotes root formation.
When propagating in soil, roots may take a little longer to develop, around 4–6 weeks.
4. Monitor and Wait
Propagation requires patience. Check on your cutting regularly to ensure it’s in a healthy environment. For water propagation, look for root growth every few days and keep the water fresh and clear. If you notice the cutting rotting or turning mushy, it’s best to start over with a new cutting.
For soil propagation, check if the cutting is taking root by gently tugging it after a few weeks. If you feel resistance, roots have started forming. Keep the soil moist, but don’t overwater.
5. Transplant Your Cutting
Once your cutting has developed strong roots, it’s time to repot it into a larger planter.
- Select a pot with drainage holes and fill it with well-draining potting mix.
- Gently transplant your cutting, adding soil around the roots to stabilize it.
- Water the plant thoroughly and place it in bright, indirect light.
Avoid fertilizing your new plant for the first few months. Focus on keeping it watered and in an ideal light environment to encourage growth.
Troubleshooting Common Propagation Issues
Even the greenest thumbs run into some hiccups during propagation. Here’s how to address common problems:
- Rotting cutting in water? Ensure you’re refreshing the water regularly and removing any leaves below the waterline.
- No root development in soil? Try a rooting hormone, or ensure the cutting is getting adequate humidity and moisture.
- Leaves turning brown or droopy? Move the cutting to a spot with indirect light, and avoid overwatering.
Why Patience and Care Are Key
Propagating a fiddle leaf fig is as much about patience as it is about technique. These plants take time to root and develop into strong, thriving specimens, but the reward is well worth the wait.
Along the way, celebrate small wins. Spotting the first tiny root, watching your cutting thrive in the water, or seeing new growth pop up are all milestones to be proud of as a plant parent.
Grow Your Plant Collection Today
Congratulations! You’re now equipped with all the knowledge needed to propagate a fiddle leaf fig and expand your collection (or share the joy!). Whether you choose water or soil propagation, the key is to follow the steps carefully and give your cutting the care it deserves.
Ready to start? Grab your pruning shears, and give your fiddle leaf fig a new lease on life today. With enough love and patience, you’ll soon be the proud parent of not one but multiple thriving fiddle leaf figs.
