How to Propagate Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata) by 3 Easy Methods

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Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata) is propagated by air layering or from stem cuttings which can be rooted either in soil or in water. The best time to propagate is at the beginning of the growing season when the plant is in active growth for faster establishment.

Ficus lyrata is among the popular large-leafed plants ideal for large spaces. It features striking large, violin-like, leathery leaves with prominent veins and a wavy margin.

According to Petal Republic, Ficus lyrata Fig is toxic to both humans and pets if ingested. It produces a sap that may cause skin irritation on sensitive skin, therefore, always wear gloves when handling the plant.

Ficus lyrata is a vibrant indoor plant which thrives in bright light with 4-6 hours of sunlight, warmth of 15-26⁰C, humidity of 50-55% and moderately moist, fertile, well-drained potting soil coupled with monthly feeding in sping and summer. Learn how to grow and care for Ficus lyrata indoors.

Fiddle Leaf Fig is easily propagated from stem cuttings or by air layering in 3 easy ways. Keep reading for more on these propagation methods.

1. Ficus lyrata propagation from stem cuttings in soil

1. Take stem cuttings of about 6 inches long from a healthy branch. Ensure each cutting has some leaf nodes; 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 with adequate drainage to prevent the soil from getting soggy as it can lead to rotting.


5. Fill the container with free-draining soil 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. Take 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.

2. Ficus lyrata 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. Submerge at least 2-3 inches of the cutting in a jar of plain water or in a propagation station.


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


5. Change the water every 5-7 days to prevent fungal growth.


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


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


8. Keep the soil moist until new growth has emerged and substantial growth has been observed.


9. Transfer the new plant into a pot 1 size larger in well-drained soil and begin routine care.

3. Ficus lyrata 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.

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