To propagate Ficus benjamina, multiply it by stem cutting.
I managed to “recycle” the branches cut during the pruning of my Ficus and obtain 46 tiny seedlings, with a success rate of 92%.
This post will describe how to root a cutting of your Ficus benjamina in water or ordinary soil, as well as how to multiply your Ficus benjamina by cutting.
I’m confident that you will succeed as well if you follow my suggestions.
If you want to read how I prune my Ficus benjamina, READ NOW.
When Are Ficus Cuttings Taken?
It is advisable to cut it during the spring or in the first summer months To obtain a good rooting rate and allow the Ficus cutting to develop the root system before the arrival of winter,
The best results are obtained between May and July, but it is possible even later if the brightness allows it.
During spring, long days and intense light activate the plant’s metabolism, making it grow faster at the leaf and root levels.
Added to this is the metabolism of the mother plant when the cutting is taken.
Suppose the mother plant is in an active growth phase. In that case, it transmits it at a hormonal level to the cutting, which maintains this stimulus even after separation.
The result is that the cutting takes root sooner and more quickly.
Conversely, if we took a cutting from a “semi-dormant” ficus in January, we would have a lower rooting rate.
Even if once cut, we placed it under artificial light.
How To Take Ficus Benjamina Cuttings
To ensure healthy and vigorous growth, I advise you to cut the Ficus benjamina branch along an internode.
Possibly 1-2 cm above the underlying node to have more surface area along which new roots can grow.
The cut must be made with sterile scissors or shears along the internode of the branch, the portion that separates the nodes from which leaves and branches grow.
You need to cut 10–25 cm long branches when the mother plant is in the active development phase, usually during spring or early summer.
Several cuttings can be obtained from a single Ficus branch by cutting it into several sections spaced at least 5 or 6 nodes apart.
Regardless of the cutting size you want, it must have at least 5–6 or 4-5 nodes in addition to the vegetative apex.
The minimum is two nodes, but taking longer cuttings with 10–15 nodes is usually preferred.
My advice is to take cuttings no more than a span long, with 10-15 leaves on the aerial part and 4-5 nodes buried (about 1/3 of the total length). Excess leaves should be removed.
The white latex that comes out when you cut the plant should be dabbed with kitchen paper.
The portion that includes the tip of the branch is called the apical cutting and is usually easier to propagate.
While the apical cutting continues growing from the meristematic apex, the intermediate cuttings will give rise to a shoot near the nodes.
After removing the leaves, the lower nodes must be buried or immersed in water. In contrast, the upper ones remain emergent and exposed to light.
The latter must be buried following their original direction of growth; if they were inadvertently placed upside down, they would not root.
To prevent the cutting from losing too much water during the rooting phase, the leaf mass mustn’t be excessively large, especially if it is impossible to control the environmental humidity rate.
It is convenient to remove the thin woody layer from the basal 2-4 cm with a sharp and sterilized blade to facilitate the formation of new roots.
Once processed, the Ficus benjamina cutting must be inserted into the soil until it covers the lowest nodes, from which we have removed the leaves.
Alternatively, immerse in water until a sufficiently vigorous root system is formed.
If you opt for propagation in soil, the substrate must remain wet for this entire period.
During the rooting phase, the seedlings should be kept in a humid and well-lit place but away from direct sunlight, which would cause them to dry quickly.
During this time, you may see some leaves yellowing, especially if the environmental conditions are imperfect or the foliage volume is too large.
Don’t worry; the fibrous is inclined to lose its leaves under stress but will make new ones as soon as it has rebuilt a strong root system.
How To Propagate Ficus Benjamina Cutting In Water And Soil
Ficus benjamina cuttings can be rooted in water, soil, or other fine substrates with good water retention.
Applying rooting hormone in gel (or powder) on the 45° cut and along the previously stripped lower internode is necessary, then immerse or bury it in wet soil. To increase the success rate,
During the rooting process, the cuttings must receive a good amount of diffused light. Still, they must also be protected from direct sun or heat sources.
Since the root system is absent and cannot absorb water from the roots, it is important to keep the environmental humidity as high as possible.
To do this, you can cover the vase (or glass) and the cuttings with a transparent container to recreate a closed environment like a greenhouse.
Raise the transparent lid once a day to allow air exchange.
Now let’s see in more detail how to root Ficus benjamina cuttings in water and soil.
How To Root Ficus Benjamina Cutting Into Water
Rooting a ficus cutting in water is very simple, provided you have the cutting and prepare the cutting as described above.
step 1: Cut one or more portions of the branch between 10 and 25cm long with a 45° incision.
step 2: Remove any leaves that are on the lower portion of the cutting. Approximately one-third of the total length.
step 3: Scrape away the layer of woody epidermis from the top 3–4 cm at the base of the cutting.
step 4: Spread some rooting hormone on the cutting, the basal 3–4 cm, and on the nodes of the cutting we want to root.
step 5: Plant the leafless portion in water We must immerse it until the water level reaches the nodes from which we remove the leaves. Let’s say about 30% of the total length.
Since the cutting initially has no roots, you can safely use tap water at room temperature.
step 6: Once the roots start to grow, they should be topped up with water that is left to dechlorinate for 24 hours. Replace the water completely every 10 to 14 days.
step 7: Once the root has reached at least 5 cm [approximately 2 inches], translate it into the soil, but be careful.
To move it into the soil, use your finger or pencil to open the center of the soil and bury the roots.
But make sure you use a small pot with a drainage room and keep it where it receives indirect sunlight.
step 8: Place the cutting in a bright, humid place with a stable temperature.
During the first 2-3 weeks after moving into the ground, it is essential to keep the substrate always wet (not soaked), after which you gradually start to let it dry more and more between one wetting and the next.
advantage Propagating Ficus benjamina in water
- Propagating Ficus benjamina in water has the advantage of allowing the growth of the roots to be observed.
Therefore, understand whether the root system has grown enough to be transferred to land.
- Its root development is faster than soil.
The disadvantages of propagating Ficus benjamina in water
- With this method, the plant produces aquatic roots that are white and without root hairs.
- The root system is weaker to compare when propagating in soil.
- Repotting a cutting from water to soil is very stressful for the plant because it involves moving from an environment 100% saturated with water to a drier one. There is a risk that the roots may dry out.
- This method can quickly attract fungi that cause root rot, but this only happens when proper care is not taken.
How Do You Root Ficus Benjamin Cutting In Soil?
Ficus benjamina cuttings can be rooted in the ground by simply burying the lower portion, free of leaves (about 1/3), in soft, wet soil.
step 1: Cut one or more portions of the branch between 10 and 25cm long with a 45° incision.
step 2: Remove any leaves that are on the lower portion of the cutting. Approximately one-third of the total length.
step 3: Scrape away the layer of woody epidermis from the top 3–4 cm at the base of the cutting.
step 4: Spread some rooting hormone on the cutting, the basal 3–4 cm, and on the nodes of the cutting we want to root.
step 5: Plant the leafless portion in the soil Keep the substrate moist throughout the initial rooting phase until, by pinching the plant, you feel that it is firmly attached to the pot.
At this stage, cut back on watering as needed until the soil is entirely dry and the cutting starts to bud out.
step 6: Place the cutting in a bright, humid place with a stable temperature.
if you don’t know how to water the Ficus, avoid giving it too much water. Click here.
The use of a rooting hormone is strongly recommended. To speed up this process and increase the success rate,
It is advisable to add some perlite when preparing the mix To ensure that the soil can remain wet for a long time without suffocating the plant,
I used a mixture based on 80% non-pre-fertilized universal soil and 20% perlite during my experiment.
Disadvantages of Propagating Ficus benjamina in Soil
- This method does not allow the development of the root system to be monitored.
- Rooting in soil is slower than in water.
The advantages of propagating Ficus Benjamina in soil
- The Ficus is not subjected to subsequent repotting stress.
- It obtains a stronger root system.
If you’re interested in avoiding repotting stress, I recommend you read how to repot a Ficus elastica READ HERE
How To Apply Rooting Hormone
Rooting hormones, whether in gel or powder, are products based on rhizogenic hormones that promote rooting and root growth.
The rooting hormone significantly increases the success rate of the production of cuttings from various plants.
Not only do the roots grow faster, allowing the plant to start absorbing water earlier, but they also develop more vigorously and extensively.
Especially in the case of Ficus cuttings in water, I highly recommend the gel version because it is not rinsed away and is more persistent.
How Long Does It Take For A Ficus Cutting To Root?
Depending on the propagation method, a ficus cutting can take 2-4 weeks to produce the first roots and approximately 45–60 days before the root system is sufficiently developed to support the entire needs of the plant.
Temperature, environmental humidity, and light play a fundamental role in the speed of this process, as does the use of rooting hormones, natural stimulators, or foliar fertilization.
Can I Reproduce Ficus By Cuttings During The Winter?
Suppose the light conditions are sufficient to keep the plant’s metabolism active. In that case, the Ficus can be propagated by cutting even during the winter.
In addition to light, it is essential that temperatures never drop below 18°C and that a good level of humidity is maintained.
Although this process is feasible, it must be said that the success rate is drastically lower than that of the warm months.
It may be necessary to take several To root one,
I recommend this article if you are also interested in understanding how to make Ficus elastica cuttings. READ NOW.
Conclusion
Now you know how to propagate Ficus benjamina by water and soil.
Also, it is essential to use a sterilizer and sharp scissors or shears to avoid infections.
Knowing how to care for yourself, Ficus Benjamina, is also essential.
To read more articles on how to care for Ficus benjamina, Click here.
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