Fiddle leaf pig is one unique flowering plant that originally came from western Africa. It’s a glamorous plant perfect for indoor display, and believe it or not, it’s been featured in different magazines and pages!
Like any other flowering plant, you can grow or propagate it. And in this article, you’ll get to know this plant and more about how to propagate fiddle leaf fig in a step-by-step process!
Before learning how to propagate fiddle leaf pig, here’s what it is!
Fiddle leaf fig, with the scientific name Ficus Lyrata, originated in tropical West Africa. But today, you’ll find this plant in almost any part of the world, especially in wet, dense, and warm environments.
As we said earlier, the fiddle leaf fig is a glamorous plant you’ll find indoors. But why and what makes it a great decoration?
- It has wide and glossy violin-shaped leaves.
- It can grow 6 feet tall, perfect for accentuating a room.
- It can be planted easily in a pot, which is ideal for apartments and houses with small spaces.
- They’re not demanding when it comes to growing conditions.
The only drawback of this plant is that it’s toxic to dogs and cats, so if you have furry friends, it’s better to keep them away.
There are also different types of fiddle leaf figs, such as:
- Ficus lyrata’ Bambino,’ a dwarf variety
- Ficus lyrata’ Compacta,’ a 5 feet tall variety
- Ficus lyrata’ Variegata,’ the uncommon variety with green and cream leaves
Ways how to propagate fiddle leaf fig
There are different ways how to propagate fiddle leaf fig, and it depends on your preference for what to apply.
Option 1: How to propagate fiddle leaf fig through cuttings?
You can propagate your fiddle leaf fig through stem cuttings. Here’s how to do it.
- Sanitize your pruner or knife by running a cotton ball soaked in alcohol. It’s important to save your plant from any diseases.
- Cut the stem at an angle rather than a straight cut. Angled cuts will produce more roots.
- Locate three nodes on the stem of the fiddle leaf fig and cut it on after the 3rd node.
- You’ll see that the cutting will produce milky and sticky white sap. Ensure it does not get on your eyes.
- Dip your stem cutting into a rooting hormone. Rooting hormone is ideal on woody plants such as fiddle leaf pigs.
- Next, get a pot and fill it with propagation mix. This could be half perlite and half peat.
- Water it thoroughly before planting your cuttings.
- Pre-drill your soil on the spots where you’ll plant your cuttings.
- Cut the bottom leaves on your cutting. Do not strip it.
- Plant your cuttings deeply so they won’t fall.
- Tuck in the soil around it for a more stabilized planting.
Option 2: How to propagate fiddle leaf pig through cutting in water?
Here’s another way how to propagate fiddle leaf fig, and it includes the use of water. Here’s how to do it.
- Get your stem cutting ready and ensure that you cut it at least in 3 nodes, just like what we have on the first method.
- Put the stem cutting in fresh water and place it in indirect light.
- Replace the water every few days to maintain the oxygen levels.
- Now you just need to wait for the roots to grow. Typically, it lasts up to 6 weeks.
Reporting your stem cuttings with roots
When your stem cutting has finally achieved roots, it’s time to transplant it to a pot where it will thrive more. Here’s what you need to do.
- Prepare your soil. You can add more peat to your propagation mix or get a new potting mix.
- Select a medium-sized pot with drainage holes and fill it with soil.
- Do not forget to put some mesh beneath the soil so the roots won’t block the drainage holes.
- Get your cutting carefully and put it straight in the center of the pot.
- Continue adding soil around the cutting that you planted.
- Make sure that you don’t damage the roots.
- Ensure that the soil is wet but not drenched.
Once you’re done repotting your fiddle leaf pig, all that’s left to do is to take care of it!
How to care for your fiddle leaf pig?
Taking care of your fiddle leaf pig is essential to enjoy a healthy indoor plant. Like any other flowering plant, it also has growing conditions that need to be met.
Light
Ensure that your fiddle leaf fig is in bright but indirect light. Do not put them under direct sunlight, or it will burn their leaves. Likewise, low-light conditions can result in poor growth. Placing it on the window with indirect sunlight will be enough.
Soil
Since fiddle leaf fig is an indoor plant, you can use any indoor plant potting mix. Likewise, make sure that you have well-draining soil.
Water
A moderate amount of water is needed for your fiddle leaf fig to look at its best. Excessive water can lead to root rot, while a lack of water can wither its leaves.
During spring or fall, you can water your plant if the soil feels and looks dry. In winter, lessen your watering.
Temperature and Humidity
Fiddle leaf pigs should be in a room between 60 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Likewise, ensure that you place it away from heating and air conditioning vents.
Aim for its humidity level to be between 30 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit. You can also supplement humidity by misting your plant with clean water using a spray bottle.
Fertilizer
During spring or fall, which is its growing season, make sure to add fertilizer. High-nitrogen fertilizers are ideal while considering the label instructions. You can also search or ask for fertilizers especially made for fiddle leaf figs. Skip feeding your plant during winter months.
Propagate your fiddle leaf pig the right way!
Now that you know how to propagate fiddle leaf fig, it’s time to do it! Cutting the stems is an easy task. The real challenge boils down to repotting it. You need to make sure that the roots won’t get hurt.
After transplanting, it’s important to maintain its growing conditions. Remember that propagating it won’t stop cutting the stem, and you should be able to grow it in feet. When you reach this stage, you can say that you’re successful in propagating fiddle leaf fig.