You can grow numerous small plants yourself from a vigorously growing fig tree with tasty fruits. Since the fig will sprout willingly, breeding is relatively easy and even inexperienced hobby gardeners can do it.

Growing a house fig from cuttings

You can cut offshoots from any branch of the fig. However, shoots that you cut from old, mature branches sometimes have the property of not sprouting fresh leaves directly from the cutting. Fresh shoots then grow directly from the newly formed roots in these seedlings.

This is how successful offspring succeeds

For an offshoot, separate a branch about eight inches long from the mother tree below the eye. Make sure the scissors or knife have a sharp cutting edge. If the cutting tool crushes the sensitive tissue of the fig, the offshoot is very hesitant to form roots. If possible, disinfect the tool to prevent bacteria from entering the interface.

The further procedure:

  • Fill the planter with a mixture of sand and commercial potting soil
  • Plant offshoots about halfway into the ground
  • Keep soil moist but never wet
  • Close jar tightly with a clear plastic bag

The microclimate of this closed system is similar to that of a greenhouse and encourages the offshoot to develop roots quickly.

In the first two years you should cultivate the small fig in a pot and only transplant it outdoors after this period. The young fig trees freeze back severely in the winter months and hardly bear any fruit, since the plant puts all its energy into forming new leaves.

Root offshoots in water

Well suited for propagation without a substrate are high jars or wide water glasses, because they let a lot of light onto the cuttings. Fill the jar with about an inch of water and place the cutting upright in the jar. Seal the jar with the lid or a plastic bag. A warm, bright but not full sun location is ideal. Under these conditions, the little fig quickly begins to sprout roots.

Do not wait until the entire container is filled with the almost white roots before transferring the offshoot. These roots are water roots. When planted in the ground, they first have to adapt to the changed living conditions, which saps the plant's strength and slows down development.

tips and tricks

Offshoots are sensitive to stress. Avoid changing temperatures, lack of light or excessive solar radiation and ensure even growth conditions until rooting.

Category:

Indoor plants