We are often asked how to propagate different plants. To get you started, we’ve put together an easy-to-follow guide for propagating Ficus plants, like the Ficus Elastica, Ficus Audrey and Ficus Lyrata. Here are the two most effective propagation methods for these:
Stem Cuttings
Propagation using stem cuttings is the most common way to propagate a Ficus plant. Using this technique, small plants are grown from cuttings, each with its own new root system.
STEP #1: Cut a stem with two or three leaves. Make sure to cut approx. 3 inches below the first leaf. This gives your new plant a short stem with leaves to sustain it.
STEP #2: When you have your cutting, you have two options:
- Place it in a container with water to root. Make sure to use room temperature, clean, chlorine-free water. After several weeks, your cutting will start to develop roots. When these look viable, plant the cutting in soil.
- Plant the cutting directly in soil.
No matter which option you select, it is important to place the cutting in a spot where it will get plenty of indirect light.
Air Layering
Air layering is a propagation method that induces roots to form on a plant’s stem while it is still attached to the mother plant. This can be the quickest way to produce a large plant.
STEP #1: Have a sharp knife and sphagnum moss at hand.
STEP #2: Use the knife to make a cut completely around the plant’s stem, making sure to penetrate through to the center of the stem.
STEP #3: Make a second cut around one inch below the first cut and a third cut connecting the previous two cuts.
STEP #4: Remove the string of bark and scrape the exposed surface to remove the soft tissue.
STEP #5: Pack some sphagnum moss around the exposed area and wrap it with clear plastic wrap.
It may take from 90 to 120 days for roots to fully form. Once a good root system has developed, cut the stem, and plant the new plant into a pot.
Happy Growing!
Check out all of our Ficus plants here.
