Introduction
Fiddle Leaf Fig (FLF) is a type of rainforest plant that is becoming increasingly popular among indoor gardeners. This is partly due to its striking appearance, with large glossy leaves in a variety of shades of green. But it’s also because of its hardiness, with the plant able to survive in a variety of conditions without too much fuss. One of the best things about FLF is that it can easily be propagated or “cloned” – meaning you can have multiple plants from a single specimen. Here’s a guide on how to propagate your own FLF.
Things You Will Need
The first step in propagating your FLF is to gather the necessary materials. You will need a sharp knife or pair of scissors, a potting mix, and some rooting hormone. Rooting hormone is a type of powder that is applied to the cuttings to encourage root growth. You can buy it at any garden store or online. You will also need a pot with drainage holes, and a water bottle with a misting nozzle.
Preparing the Cutting
Once you have all the materials, it’s time to prepare the cutting. Take the sharp knife or scissors and cut a piece of the stem off the parent plant. Make sure the cutting is at least 4-6 inches long. Then cut off any leaves from the lower part of the cutting. This is to prevent any leaves from getting in the way when you bury the cutting in the potting mix.
Applying the Rooting Hormone
Once the cutting is prepared, dip it into the rooting hormone. Make sure to coat the entire cutting, especially the lower part where the roots will emerge. Then let the cutting dry for a few minutes before planting it in the potting mix.
Planting the Cutting
Once the cutting is dry, it’s time to plant it in the potting mix. Make sure the potting mix is damp but not wet. Then take the cutting and stick it into the potting mix, burying it up to the lower leaves. Gently pat down the soil around the cutting to ensure it is firmly planted.
Watering the Cutting
Once the cutting is planted, it’s time to water it. Use the water bottle with misting nozzle to water the cutting. Make sure to keep the soil damp but not soggy. The best way to do this is to mist the soil every few days, making sure not to overwater.
Keeping the Cutting Warm
Once the cutting is planted and watered, it’s important to keep it warm. FLF cuttings prefer temperatures between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. If the temperature is too cold, the cutting may not root. You can use a heating mat or seedling heat mat to keep the cutting warm.
Providing Adequate Light
FLF cuttings need lots of light in order to root. Place the pot in a spot that receives bright, indirect light. If you don’t have access to a sunny spot, you can use a grow light or fluorescent light to provide the necessary light.
Monitoring the Cutting
Once the cutting is planted, watered, and given enough light, it’s time to monitor it. Check the cutting every few days to make sure it’s still healthy. You can also check the potting mix to see if the roots are sprouting. If the cutting starts to wilt or the leaves start to yellow, it’s time to water the cutting.
Transplanting the Cutting
Once the cutting has rooted, it’s time to transplant it into a larger pot. Gently remove the cutting from the potting mix and place it in a larger pot with fresh potting mix. Make sure to provide the cutting with the same conditions as before – warm temperatures, bright light, and regular watering.
Caring for the New Plant
Once the cutting has been transplanted, it’s time to care for the new plant. Make sure to give it the same conditions as before – warm temperatures, bright light, and regular watering. You can also fertilize the plant every few weeks to give it a boost. Be sure to follow the instructions on the fertilizer package.
Conclusion
Propagating your own FLF is a great way to create multiple plants from a single specimen. All you need is a sharp knife or a pair of scissors, a potting mix, some rooting hormone, and a pot with drainage holes. Make sure to monitor the cutting and provide it with the necessary conditions – warm temperatures, bright light, and regular watering. Once the cutting has rooted, you can transplant it into a larger pot and care for it as you would any other FLF.