How to Propagate Ficus cyathistipula (African Fig Tree) by 3 Easy Methods

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Ficus cyathistipula (African Fig Tree) is easily propagated from stem cuttings and by air layering. Propagation by stem cuttings is the most common and beginner-friendly method. You can root the cutting in soil or in water. The air layering method is best for larger, more mature plants.

It is best propagated during the growing season (spring and summer. During this time, the plant is actively growing, which helps new roots develop faster. Avoid propagating in fall or winter, as the plant’s growth slows down, making root formation much more difficult.

Ficus cyathistipula, one of the popular Ficus varieties, is a stunning, low-maintenance houseplant with glossy green leaves and a sturdy growth habit. It is an evergreen, vigourously-growing, shrubby plant with a thin trunk, which has a dark and flaky bark giving it the common name, 'Birchbark Fig'.

The African Fig Tree blossoms in bright light with 4-6 hours of direct sunlight, average warmth of 16-24⁰C, moderate humidity of 50-55% and moderately moist, rich, well-drained, all purpose soil coupled with fortnightly feeding during the growing season. Read more on how to grow and care for African Fig Tree.

Ficus cyathistipula is relatively easy to propagate. In this guide, we will walk you through 3 methods by which you can successfully propagate your African Fig Tree and grow new, healthy plants. Keep reading for more on these propagation methods.

(A) Propagating Ficus cyathistipula from stem cuttings

This is the most common and beginner-friendly method. You can root the cutting in either water or soil.

Step 1: Gather your supplies

• A healthy African Fig Tree (choose a strong stem)
• Sharp, sterilized pruning shears or scissors
• A clean jar of water or a propagation station
• Small pots with a drainage hole
• Well-draining soil
• Rooting hormone (optional, but speeds up root development)
• A plastic bag or humidity dome (for faster rooting in soil)

Step 2: Take stem cuttings

1. With a sharp, sterilized pruning scissors, take stem cuttings of about 6 inches long from a healthy African Fig Tree. Ensure that 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 or 3 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.

Step 3: Choose water or soil propagation

Choose either water or soil propagation. Water propagation is easier for beginners while soil propagation produces stronger roots from the start.

1. How to Propagate African Fig Tree from Stem Cuttings in Soil

1. Fill the small pot with well-draining, potting mix and make a hole in the center. Ensure that the hole is slightly wider than the base of the stem cutting.


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


3. Water the soil thoroughly. To hasten rooting of the cutting, create a mini-greenhouse by covering the set up with a clear plastic bag or humidity dome.


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


5. Place the set up in warm, well-lit spot and maintain the soil moist through out until new growth emerges. New growth indicates the cutting has rooted.


6. In about 2-4 weeks, rooting of the cutting will have taken place.


7. Gradually over a period of two weeks, remove the plastic bag cover or humidity dome to acclimatize the new plant.


8. In 4-6 months, there will be adequate root development and and normal care for Ficus cyathistipula can begin.

2. How to Propagate African Fig Tree from Stem Cuttings in Water

1. Place the cuttings in a jar of plain water or in a propagation station. Place in a warm, well-lit spot away from direct sunlight. Change the water every 5-7 days.


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


3. Position the set up in a warm, well-lit place away from direct sunlight to prevent scorching.


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


5. Transfer the new African Fig Tree into a pot 1 size larger than the current one while ensuring that the soil is well-drained. At this point you can begin routine care.

(B) Propagating Ficus cyathistipula by Air Layering

Air layering is a great method for mature African Fig Trees with thick stems that may not root easily from cuttings.

Gather your supplies

• A healthy African Fig Tree (choose a mature tree)
• Sharp, sterilized knife
• Polythene film or clear plastic wrap
• Small pots with a drainage hole
• Well-draining soil
• Rooting hormone

3. How to Propagate African Fig Tree by Air Layering

1. Air layering consists of notching the stem of a healthy African Fig Tree 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 moist, loose, free-draining potting mix.


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 loose, well-drained soil and make a hole in the center of the pot.


9. Make sure that the hole is slightly wider than the root base of the cutting.


10. 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.


11. Water 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.

Caring for New African Fig Tree Cuttings

When your African Fig Tree cutting or air-layered plant is in the soil, proper care is essential for healthy growth.

• Keep the soil lightly moist but not soggy.
• Provide bright, indirect light and avoid direct sunlight while the roots establish.
• Maintain humidity; use a wet pebble tray or a humidifier if the air is dry.
• Avoid moving the plant too much; allow the roots to develop undisturbed.
• Be patient. Root growth can take several weeks even months.

Final Thoughts

Propagating Ficus cyathistipula (African Fig Tree) is simple and rewarding, whether you use stem cuttings or air layering. With patience and the right conditions, you will have new, thriving plants to expand your indoor jungle or to share with fellow plant lovers.

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