How To Propagate Your Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree

I know you’re dying to learn how to propagate a fig tree, and you’ve come to the right place! Fiddle leaf fig trees are an outstandingly popular house plant at the moment (are you even a home decor blogger if you don’t have a fig tree?). They have beautiful large leaves and are relatively low maintenance. But did you know that one healthy tree can be endlessly multiplied? Yes it can! I was blown away when I discovered this and even more surprised when I tried it, and it worked! I’ve successfully propagated my fig tree three times! Get ready to fill your home to the brim with trees as I show you exactly how to propagate a fig tree. Soon you’ll be ready to quit your job and start a fiddle leaf fig tree farm.

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It should come as no surprise to you that I have a major plant addiction. Not only am I known to ‘accidentally’ bring home new plants, I’m also addicted to propagating old ones. Last summer I tried this for the first time and was instantly hooked. After having my fiddle leaf fig tree for two years I decided it was time my fig tree got a hair cut. Hours of research later, I grabbed by scissors and chopped off the top foot of my tree! I was honestly horrified that I had made a huge mistake, but in the end I was so happy I propagated my tree. Not only did I get a new plant baby but my big fig tree grew two new branches.

Propagation and pruning your fiddle leaf fig tree is a great way to encourage new growth and branches. Follow these steps and you’ll have an Instagram worthy fig tree (or several) in to time. 

PRO TIP: Timing is Key

Timing is so important when it comes to propagating your fig tree. You’ll notice most fiddle leaf fig trees are dormant in the winter which is why the best time to give your plant a prune is in the spring. Longer days and more sunlight heightens a plants growth. Once you start to notice new leaves blooming, your plant is ready to be propagated. If you wait until the end of summer or fall your fig tree branch might never grow roots.

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STEP 1

The first step in propagating your fiddle leaf fig is getting yourself a good quality root hormone. This is the one I use and it works every time! This root hormone is great for fiddle leaf fig trees and the Amazon reviews are top notch! This root hormone make sure your fiddle leaf fig tree cutting has all the nutrients it needs to grow roots fast!

STEP 2

Next is prepping a jar of water. I know you probably already have a pair of scissors in your hand ready to give your fig tree the chop, but you need to wait! You need to fill a jar or glass with water and let it sit for at least 24 hours to let the chlorine evaporate. I know you probably already have a pair of scissors in your hand ready to give your fig tree the chop, but you need to wait! Fresh tap water could harm the growth of new roots. Distilled water will also work.

STEP 3

Now that your water has sat for 24 hours you can pick up the scissors again! Make sure the scissors or knife you use is sharp and will make a clean cut. Plants get their energy from sunlight via their leaves (photosynthesis or something – I’m not sure, science isn’t my thing) so make sure there are at least three leaves on the part you cut off. You will want to leave at least 3″ of stem on your branch – this will make the planting process much easier.

STEP 4

Place your freshly cut branch into the still or distilled water. Fiddle leaf fig trees like indirect sunlight, the same rule applies to your propagated branch. The stem should be fully submerged in the water. Make sure to check the water level every few days. If the water gets low or is murky, replace it with new distilled water. Now the only thing to do is wait! Roots will grow in around 4-5 weeks, so don’t be alarmed if roots don’t sprout right away. After your branch has a substantial amount of roots, its time to plant!

Note: Cutting the top of your tree isn’t the only way to propagate it. It is possible to grow a new fiddle leaf fig tree by simply pulling a leaf off and placing it in water. Others have even had success planting a cut off directly in the soil. However after much research I discovered cutting the top off has a much higher success rate.

STEP 5

Prepare your pot with a suitable tropical soil, I used a basic one from Home Depot. Make sure the soil is moist and your pot has adequate drainage. The Fiddle leaf fig tree roots don’t like to be saturated in water once planted. After planting your fig tree I suggest supporting the stem (I used a stick). The added support will help your new tree grow strait. The first time I propagated my fiddle leaf fig tree it completely wilted a few days after planting. I really thought I killed it, but after a week or so the leaves stiffened up again and all was well. Don’t be all alarmed if this happens to you too!

My propagated fig tree already has 5 new leaves after being planted 8 months ago. I’m looking forward to all the new growth that will come in the upcoming warm months. Now that you know how to propagate a fig tree its time to try it yourself! Let me know how it goes in the comments below!