Ficus benjamina Propagation: How to Propagate Weeping Fig in 3 Easy Ways

Some links in this post may be affiliate links

Ficus benjamina (Weeping Fig) is best propagated at the beginning of the growing season by air layering or from stem cuttings which can be rooted either in soil or in water.

Weeping Fig is among the popular Ficus varieties and exhibits an elegant growth with gracefully drooping branch-lets and glossy, oval leaves with an acuminate tip.

Ficus benjamina grows best in bright light with 4-6 hours of direct sunlight, warmth of 16-27⁰C, humidity of 50-55% and moderately moist, fertile, well-drained potting soil coupled with monthly feeding in spring and summer. Learn how to grow and care for Ficus benjamina indoors.

Weeping Fig is easily propagated from stem cuttings or by air layering by 3 easy methods. Keep reading for a detailed account on these propagation methods.

1. Ficus benjamina propagation from Stem Cuttings in water

1. Take 6 inches long stem cuttings from a healthy branch, ensure each has several leaf nodes as this is where new growth will come from.


2. Strip off the lower leaves and dip the lower cut end of the cutting in a rooting hormone to promote rooting.


3. Place the cuttings in a jar of plain water or in a propagation station. Ensure to submerge at least 2-3 inches of the cutting as this is where roots will grow from.


4. Place the set up in a warm, well-lit spot away from direct sunlight. Change the water every 5-7 days to avoid fungal growth.


5. When a good amount of roots have formed on the cuttings, transfer the cuttings into individual pots in moist rooting soil.


6. Position the pots in a warm, well-lit place away from direct sunlight to prevent scorching.


7. Maintain the soil moist until new growth has emerged and substantial growth has been observed.


8. Transfer the new plant into a pot 1 size larger in well-drained soil afterwhich you can begin routine care.

2. Ficus benjamina propagation from Stem Cuttings in soil

1. Take stem cuttings of about 6 inches long from a healthy branch and ensure each cutting has some leaf nodes as this is where new growth will come from.


2. Strip off the lower lower leaves and retain at least 2 sets of leaves on top.


3. Allow the sap to dry and then dip the lower cut end cutting in a rooting hormone to hasten rooting.


4. Select a rooting container and ensure that there is adequate drainage to prevent the soil from getting soggy as it can lead to rotting.


5. Fill the container with free-draining, potting mix and make a hole in the center. Ensure that the hole is slightly wider than the base of the stem cutting.


6. Insert about 2-3 inches of the lower cut end of the cutting in the previously made hole and lightly firm the soil around the cutting while taking care not to bury it too deep.


7. Water the soil thoroughly. To hasten rooting of the cutting, create a mini-greenhouse by covering the set up with a clear polythene sheet or bag.


8. Ensure the leaves of the cutting do not touch the sheet or bag too much by propping it up with sticks.


9. Place the set up in warm, well-lit spot away from direct sunlight to avoid scorching.


10. Maintain the soil moist through out until new growth emerges; new growth indicates the cutting has rooted. In about 2-4 weeks, rooting of the cutting will have taken place.


11. Gradually over a period of two weeks, remove the plastic bag cover to acclimate the new plant to ordinary growing conditions.


12. In 4-6 months, there will be adequate root development and you can begin normal routine care.

3. Ficus benjamina propagation by Air Layering

1. Air layering consists of notching the stem of a healthy plant and coating the notch with a rooting hormone to enhance rooting.


2. Surround the notched area with damp moss and cover the notch with a polythene film or clear plastic wrap.


3. Maintain the moss moist through out and allow some time for roots to develop in the notched area.


4. After the roots have formed and about 2 inches long, the stem is now ready to be seperated from the mother plant.


5. Sever the stem just below the covered part with a sharp cutting tool like a sterlized knife or a sterilized pair of scissors. New shoots will sprout from the shortened stem of the mother plant.


6. Remove the polythene or plastic wrap and get ready to pot the rooted cutting in its individual pot.


7. Select a 6 or 8 inches pot and ensure that the pot has a drainage hole to prevent the soil from getting soggy as it can lead to rotting.


8. Fill the pot with well-drained soil and make a hole in the center of the pot. Make sure that the hole is slightly wider than the root base of the cutting.


9. Place the rooted cutting in the previously made hole and lightly firm the soil around the base of the stem while taking care not to bury it too deep.


10. Wet the soil thoroughly and place the set up in a well-lit, warm place until the new plant is well established after which you can begin routine care.

Tweet

Amazon Associates Disclosure

---

Homeplantsguide.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.