3 Ways to Propagate Fiddle Leaf Figs, According to Horticulturists

Fiddle leaf figs (Ficus lyrata) are popular houseplants known for their beautiful, large leaves. While they're beloved among those with a green thumb, fiddle leaf figs have a reputation for being hard to grow. But although they're picky about sunlight and humidity levels, these plants are extremely easy to propagate. Ahead, gardening experts share their tips for propagating a fiddle leaf fig tree in soil, water, and by air layering.

When to Propagate a Fiddle Leaf Fig

You can propagate a fiddle leaf fig tree whenever you want, but the best time to do so is during spring and summer when the plant is actively growing. "When the fiddle leaf fig is actively growing, it has a high chance of rooting successfully," says Linda Langelo, horticulture specialist at Colorado State University. The warmer temperatures and longer days give newly propagated fiddle leaf figs an extra boost.

How to Propagate a Fiddle Leaf Fig in Soil

One of the easiest ways to propagate a fiddle leaf fig is in soil. You can do so in any well-draining potting soil or make your own soil from a solution that's half perlite and half peat moss or vermiculite, says Langelo. 

1. With sharp, clean pruners, take a cutting at a 45-degree angle from a stem with three to four nodes. The nodes are where the leaves emerge.
2. Remove the first set of leaves near the bottom of the stem cutting and the next set of leaves above that. 
3. Dip the stem cutting in water and then in rooting hormone up to the third node.
4. Fill a container that's about 4 inches wide and deep with well-draining potting soil and water it thoroughly.
5. Poke a hole in the center of the container. Place the cutting in the hole and pack the soil down around the stem cutting.
6. Place a plastic bag over both the stem cutting and container to keep humidity levels up for rooting.
7. Remove the bag every two to three days to give the cutting fresh air and prevent mold growth.
8. Water the soil lightly as it dries out. Roots should start to develop in about two weeks. 
   

How to Propagate a Fiddle Leaf Fig in Water

The process for water-propagating a fiddle leaf fig cutting is similar to soil propagation, says Justin Hancock, horticulturist for Costa Farms. Once the cutting is well rooted, you can pot it in moist potting mix, following the steps outlined above.

1. With sharp, clean pruners take a cutting at a 45-degree angle from a stem with three to four nodes.
2. Remove the first set of leaves near the bottom of the stem cutting and the next set of leaves above that. 
3. Place the cutting in a clean glass filled with water. Place the cutting in a warm, bright spot.
4. Regularly change the water every couple of weeks to keep it from getting murky.

How to Propagate a Fiddle Leaf Fig by Air Layering

Air layering is an effective propagation technique often used by advanced gardeners. It involves creating new plants from stems that are still attached to the parent plant.

1. Select a branch on the fiddle leaf fig with three or four nodes and a couple of leaves.  
2. Select a node on the branch for air layering and remove the leaf at that node.
3. Soak sphagnum moss in a bowl for 10 to 15 minutes, then squeeze the excess water out of sphagnum moss so that it is moist but not wet.
4. Place the sphagnum moss around the node on the stem.
5. Wrap plastic wrap around the moss and secure with a twist tie or rubber band.
6. Remove the plastic wrap and spray the moss with water about once a week.
7. Once roots are 2 to 3 inches long, cut the branch off below the roots and pot it in potting mix.