Fiddle-leaf figs are tropical plants with wavy green leaves that give a jungle-like vibe indoors.
These plants can grow up to 50 feet tall. They, however, grow slower when indoors compared to outdoors.
They are, however, referred to as high-maintenance if you want to avoid the bushy size.
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The fiddle-leaf figs can be propagated differently from cuttings. There needs to be more information about propagating the fiddle-leaf figs. This is why it is advisable to be keen on this article.
How to Propagate Fiddle Leaf Fig in Water
Rooting cuttings in water has been identified by experts as the most common method of propagating fiddle-leaf figs.
However, there are specific steps that you should follow to achieve tremendous success.
Step 1: Taking Cuttings
The first step of propagating the fiddle-leaf figs is to take cuttings from branches. The cuttings can be any shape or size. What you do is to use a pair of sharp shears to cut. The cutting should be precise to avoid damaging the plant.
Selecting an area with at least three nodes when cutting is recommended. It is also recommended to remove the leaves. The cutting from the fiddle leaf fig should be ready for propagation, but more is needed.
Step 2: Watering the cuttings
The next step is to put the collected cuttings in water. It is recommended to use fresh water when dipping these cuttings. It is also recommended to use room-temperature water to avoid damaging the cutting.
The nodes should be immersed in the water. Experts recommend changing the water weekly. This is considered appropriate for keeping it fresh and replenishing oxygen.
Step 3: Container placement
There is a big issue of where the container should be placed to promote growth. It is recommended that the container with the water and the cutting should be placed in an area exposed to sunlight.
This is recommended because it provides enough warmth. However, there is also a need to avoid direct sunlight that can harm the cutting.
Step 4: Planting the cutting
Once the cutting has developed roots, it is time to plant it. The fiddle leaf fig develops roots quickly when exposed to the right conditions. The plant can be moved from the container once the roots are two inches long.
This process should start with filling a small pot with the right soil mix. The soil in the pot should be well drained. Also the soil should also be kept moist to promote root growth. Then you can move the propagated cutting and monitor the fiddle leaf fig as it grows.
How to Propagate Fiddle Leaf Fig in Soil
Other experts recommend propagating the fiddle leaf fig in soil. This is similar to propagation in water.
It only changes the conditions under which the fiddle leaf fig is propagated. This time, it is done in the soil. Here are some of the steps that should be followed.
Step 1: Taking the cutting
It is always good to have the cutting ready as the first step. The propagation starts with getting the right cutting to propagate. The use of sharp shears is also recommended in this case. This ensures that the cutting is precise.
Having at least three nodes along the cutting step is also recommended. It is also recommended to remove any leaves. This ensures that the leaves do not dry up during propagation.
Step 2: Use rooting hormone
One of the best ways to promote root growth is using rooting hormones. Coating the cutting completely ensures it absorbs the rooting hormone in all areas. You should then set aside the cutting for some time to ensure that it absorbs the rooting hormone.
Step 3: Preparing the Pot
Remember that you also need a pot when propagating in the soil. This is where you will put your soil mix for propagation. The pot should have well-drained soil. It should also be well-moist before the cutting is placed.
You can create a hole in the soil mix using your finger. This is easy because the soil mix is moist and smooth. The size of your cutting should determine the depth of the planting hole. Avoid making huge holes that may not accommodate the cutting.
Step 4: Planting the cutting.
The cutting should be planted in the prepared soil mix. This is exactly where the hole has been prepared. You start by placing the cutting in the hole. Then, gently press the soil to hold the cutting in place.
You should use a plastic bag to cover the pot after planting the cutting. The experts consider this as appropriate for increasing humidity. It increases warmth, which is good for promoting rooting. However, you should remove the covering regularly to allow airflow.
It is also recommended to ensure that the planted cutting is watered regularly. Also, ensure that you provide the right conditions to ensure the cutting grows quickly.
Remember that you desire to ensure the plant roots quickly for later transplanting.
The right time to propagate fiddle Leaf Fig
It is also good to ensure you select the right time for propagation. Propagating a fiddle-leaf fig requires warm temperatures. This means that for active growth, you must select a warm propagation season.
However, it is also possible to propagate during the fall season. But this has to be indoors and with all the right conditions provided.
However, it is good to note that the results during the fall season may be slow compared to the summer season. There are also greater chances of failure in propagating during the fall season.
Propagate fiddle leaf in water or soil – Which is better?
A significant issue is whether it is better to propagate in water or the soil. You must note that any of these methods can work perfectly when you follow the appropriate steps.
The fiddle leaf fig cuttings roots quickly as long as the right conditions are provided. Where you propagate the cutting does not affect the success rate. But you must be clear about how both methods work before using them.