Three inches below that, make another similar cut. Make a shallow cut horizontally all the way around the stem using the blade of a sharp, clean knife. You want to have about a six-inch section to work with, with at least a foot of stem both above and below the area you’re working with. Here’s a brief overview of how to make it happen:Ĭut away the leaves from a section of brown, woody stem using a clean pair of clippers. Once roots form, you cut away the new growth and plant it. By Air LayeringĪir layering involves stripping the outer layers of the stem of a mature plant to expose the interior, and encouraging new roots to grow from there. While it is technically possible to grow a fiddle-leaf fig from seed, it’s extremely difficult and not recommended.įortunately for would-be fiddle-leaf parents, these plants lend themselves nicely to propagation by air layering or via stem cuttings. carica, which produces those familiar delicious fruits that you find at the grocery store.į. ![]() The upper side of the leaves appear somewhat waxy, while the undersides are slightly lighter and matte.Įven if you did happen to give your fiddle-leaf fig the right conditions to produce fruits (if you are growing one outdoors, for example), they don’t taste good like the ones from their cousin the common fig, F. The foliage is deep green and leathery in appearance. The evergreen leaves of the tree are violin or lyre-shaped, which – as you probably guessed – is where they get their name. Collectively, along with dozens of other fig species, they’re known as strangler figs. The fiddle-leaf is related to weeping figs ( F. As they do this, they slowly wrap their roots around the host tree, and may eventually strangle it to death. In the wild, seeds are dropped into the canopy of the forest by birds, bats, or monkeys, where they start their lives if germination is successful.Īs they mature, these epiphytes send roots down from the canopy and into the soil. And dwarf varieties are available as well, if you’re looking for something a little smaller.įor such a seemingly delicate plant, fiddle-leaf figs can be a touch unmerciful. Standard plants will probably top out around 10 feet, though I’ve seen them grow over 12 feet under ideal conditions. In your home, they won’t have the right growing conditions to reach such heights. ![]() I even know people who name their plants, talk to them, and hire house sitters to watch them when they leave town!ĭon’t worry about your new fiddle-leaf fig growing that tall and crowding you out indoors. They’re a bit more challenging to care for than various other types of houseplants, but once you get to know fiddle-leaf figs, they’ll come to feel like a part of the family, and caring for them will become second nature. It’s going to need time and attention, though you won’t have to worry about waking up at three o’clock in the morning for a feeding or an emergency potty trip.ĭon’t let their persnickety ways put you off. If you’re committed to adding one to your space, think of it as something akin to bringing home a new puppy. But they’re hard to beat if you want a plant that makes a serious statement in your home or office. They’re just quite particular about what they like and don’t like. ĭon’t get me wrong – I absolutely love fiddle-leaf figs, and I understand their appeal. If you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. We link to vendors to help you find relevant products.
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