How To Grow More Fiddle Leaf Figs From One Plant For An Abundant Collection

With their large, glossy leaves and ability to grow up to 10 feet tall, the fiddle leaf fig (Ficus lyrata) is an impressive houseplant. If you have one in your home and have room for more, you can take cuttings to grow new plant babies. Propagating houseplants through cuttings is an easy and fun way to multiply the greenery in your home and create your own mini jungle. 

To grow more fiddle leaf figs from one plant, you need to first decide on how you are going to propagate your cuttings. These houseplants can be propagated in water or in soil, and which you pick is up to you. Propagating your fiddle leaf figs in water is useful as you can see and monitor the development of the roots. It also means you don't have to go out and buy a specific potting mix. Propagating in soil, on the other hand, means you don't have to transplant the sapling when the root develops, which is less stressful. If you decide to propagate in soil, ensure you have a sterile potting mix that drains easily and retains moisture. A mix of sand, vermiculite, and perlite usually makes for a good potting mix for houseplant cuttings. 

When you have decided on your method, take a pair of sharp, clean pruners and cut off a section of healthy stem. It should be around 3 to 6 inches long with at least two nodes (this is where a leaf or branch grows from). If there are any leaves on the lower section of the cutting, remove them. You should then dip the bottom of the cutting in a rooting hormone before placing it into water or your potting mix. 

Your cuttings need to be stored in a warm location with bright, indirect light. Fiddle leaf figs need a decent amount of humidity, so it is helpful to create a mini greenhouse for your cuttings if you are growing them in pots. To do this, place a plastic bag over your pots or purchase a plastic dome. Make sure to mist your cuttings daily with a water spray to maintain the humidity and moisture in your DIY mini makeshift greenhouse, allowing the plants to root and settle in. You should also check the soil to ensure the moisture levels feel right. Too dry or too wet can affect the growth of your cuttings. When you see new growth on your cuttings, it has probably developed roots. Give it a gentle touch to check. 

If you are propagating your fiddle leaf fig in water, you need to make sure that no leaves are submerged and use room temperature water. Check the water every day. If it starts to look cloudy, change it. Once the roots are a few inches long, you can pot your cutting in pre-moistened soil. Water it regularly to help it settle into its new home.