How to Propagate Ficus pumila (Creeping Fig) by 4 Easy Methods

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Ficus pumila (Creeping Fig) is propagated at the beginning of the growing season by air layering, plant divsision or from stem cuttings which can be rooted either in water or in soil.

The best time to propagate is in spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing to hasten establishment. Avoid propagating in the cold season (fall or winter), as the growth slows down, making root formation much more difficult.

Ficus pumila is easy to grow indoors. Care for Creeping Fig entails giving it medium to bright indrect light (filtered light), average warmth of 16-28⁰C, humidity of 60-70% and consistently moist, rich, well-drained soils coupled with monthly feeding in the growing season. Learn more on how to grow and care for Ficus pumila (Creeping Fig).

If you are looking to multiply your Creeping Figs, this guide will walk you through the best propagation techniques, step-by-step instructions, and troubleshooting tips to ensure successful new plant growth.

(A) How to Propagate Ficus pumila from stem cuttings

Stem cuttings is the easiest and most common method of Creeping Fig propagation. You may root the cuttings in soil or in water.

Success Rate: High; simple and great for beginners.

1. Propagating Ficus pumila from stem cuttings in soil

1. With a sharp, sterilized pruning scissors, take stem cuttings about 6 inches long from a healthy plant.


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


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


4. Fill small pots (6-8 inches) with well-draining, potting mix and moisten it slightly.


5. Make a hole in the center of the pot. Ensure that the hole is slightly wider than the base of the cutting.


6. Insert about 2-3 inches of the cutting in the previously made hole and lightly firm the soil around it.


7. Cover the set up with clear plastic bag or polythene sheet to create a greenhouse effect to promote rooting.


8. Confirm that the leaves do not touch the bag or sheet too much by propping it up with sticks.


9. Place the set up in a warm, brightly-lit spot away from direct sunlight.


10. Maintain the soil moist until new growth emerges which indicates rooting; roots will develop in 4-6 weeks.


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


12. Allow the plants to be well established (2-3 months) before transplanting into a pot 1 size larger in free-draining soil after which you can begin routine care.

2. Propagating Ficus pumila from stem cuttings in water

1. Use a sharp, sterilized pruning scissors to take stem cuttings about 6 inches long from a healthy plant.


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


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


4. Place the cuttings in a jar of plain water or in a propagation station. Ensure that at least one leaf node is submerged, but keep the leaves above water.


5. Position the set up in a warm spot under bright indirect light and change the water every 3-5 days to prevent bacterial growth.


6. Rooting should occur in 2-3 weeks. Once the roots are about 2-3 inches long, prepare to transfer the cuttings into soil.


7. Select a small pot and ensure that the pot has a drainage hole to prevent the soil from getting soggy to avoid rotting.


8. Fill the pot with well-drained, potting mix and moisten the soil slightly.


9. Make a hole in the center of the pot. Ensure that the hole is slightly wider than the root base of the new plant.


10. Place the new plant in the previously made hole and lightly firm the soil around the base while taking care not to bury it too deep.


11. Position the set up in warm, well-lit spot and maintain the soil moist until the plants are well established after which you can begin routine care.

Pro tip: For a fuller plant, you may transfer several cuttings into one pot.

(B) How to propagate Ficus pumila by air layering

This technique allows roots to grow before the stem is cut, reducing transplant shock. It is best for large, mature plants.

Success rate: Very high; works well for trailing plants.

3. Propagating Ficus pumila by air layering

1. Choose a long, flexible stem that can reach the soil.


2. Use a sharp knife to make a 1-inch shallow cut around the stem (about halfway through) where it will touch the soil.


3. Coat the notch with a rooting hormone to hasten rooting.


4. Pin the cut section down with a wire, bobby pin, or small rock.


5. In 4-6 weeks the roots will have formed. Once roots are 2-3 inches long, sever the stem.


6. Note: New shoots will sprout from the shortened stem of the mother plant into a bushy plant.


7. Carefully pot the rooted cutting in moist, free-draining soil.


8. Make sure that the pot has a drainage hole to prevent the soil from getting soggy to avoid rotting.


9. Position the new plant in a warm, brightly-lit place away from direct sunlight to prevent scorching.


10. Maintain the soil moist through out but avoid soggy soil.


11. Once the new plant is well established, you can begin routine care.

(C) How to propagate Ficus pumila by plant division

This method is best for a bushy Creeping Fig that has multiple root clumps; you can divide it into smaller plants.

Success rate: Very high; instant new plants.

4. Propagating Ficus pumila by plant division

1. Water the plant deeply at least 1 day before to make it easier to divide and also hasten establishment. A well hydrated plant suffers less shock and takes a shorter time to take root.


2. Slip the plant out of its pot, wash or shake off excess soil to expose the roots.


3. Identify natural divisions in the root ball.


4. Use clean scissors or your hands to separate sections with healthy roots and stems. Ensure each offset has adequate roots to hasten establishment.


5. Select a 6 or 8 inches pot that has a drainage hole to prevent the soil from getting soggy to avoid rotting.


6. Fill the pot with free-draining potting mix and moisten it slightly.


7. Make a hole in the center of the pot. Ensure that the hole is slightly wider than the root base of the offset.


8. Place the offset in the previously made hole and lightly firm the soil around the base; maintain the plant at the same soil level it was in the previous pot.


9. Water the soil thoroughly and place the set up under bright indirect in a warm place until the new plant is well established after which you can begin routine care.

Caring for newly propagated Ficus pumila

• Light: Bright indirect light: avoid direct sun to avoid scorching.


• Watering: Keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy for the first few weeks.


• Humidity: Maintain a humidity of 50% to encourage growth.


• Fertilizer: Wait for about 2 months before feeding to avoid burning the new roots.


• Placement: Place the new plant near the mother plant to mimic its natural environment.

Conclusion

Propagating Ficus pumila (Creeping Fig) is a simple and rewarding process, whether using stem cuttings, layering, or division. With proper care, warmth, and humidity, your new plants will establish quickly and thrive indoors. By following these step-by-step propagation techniques, you can successfully grow multiple healthy Creeping Figs to enhance your home.

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