Ficus lyrata which is a tropical plant from the Moraceae family is ideal for decorating any interior and helps to purify the air in a room. You may one day want to multiply your plant without spending any money. A good alternative to this is the cutting technique which is done by removing a stem which will then be treated before being repotted. This plant originated in West Africa by cutting mainly in water. For this, there are steps to follow and the technique requires great willpower and patience. However, you will need to protect your hands when removing a branch.
To successfully cut a ficus, it will be necessary to take care of it and select a branch that will be able to give roots. The cutting is a technique which not only allows to give birth to new ficus but also gives you the opportunity to save a ficus at the end of its life. When we know that this plant can reach a life expectancy of 20 years or more, it must be given all possible care. Here are the 4 steps to follow to cut a ficus lyrata in water.
The 4 steps for a successful water cut from a ficus lyrata
Whatever the reason for making a cutting from a ficus lyrata, you should know that it requires a few tools, a pruning shears or a pair of scissors, a jar or a glass filled with water and gloves for them. hands. Water cuttings are one of the easiest techniques, you just have to respect and follow the steps. Here are four steps to follow to cut your ficus lyrata in water.
1. The tools
Before embarking on the water cuttings of your ficus lyrata, you must have the necessary tools. A pair of sharp scissors or pruning shears to cut the stalk, a pair of gloves to protect your hands from the white substance that runs out after each cut, a fogger and a jar or glass. However, it is advisable to disinfect your pruning shears or pair of scissors with 90 ° alcohol before starting. To optimize your safety and to avoid the risk of injuring your fingers, there are special gloves that are resistant to all substances and to cuts.
2. The levy
The first step begins of course with this one, it will be necessary to cut one or more branches on your ficus lyrata, of 15 to 20 cm approximately. You must remove all the leaves on the lower part using your pruning shears and leave only 4 leaves on the upper part or on the end. Make sure to select a branch that is not load-bearing which means a pillar for other fragile branches. You also need a branch which is still very green inside and which will be able to give roots.
3. Place in a glass
During this step, all you have to do is take a glass of water or a jar that you have previously filled with water with a sufficient quantity. Make sure the water is demineralized to maximize your branch's chances of having good roots. The water will need to be mixed with charcoal to prevent rotting your stem. To do this, you just need to drop a piece at the bottom of the water. It should be noted that the water will have to be changed on a regular basis.
4. The waiting time
The young shoot of ficus lyrata should show roots in a few weeks. However, it will be necessary to wait until they are large enough before starting repotting. You should know that repotting should be done in its right period, that is to say in spring, especially for outdoor plants. The cutting will also have to wait until spring for outdoor plants, on the other hand it can be done throughout the year for indoor plants that are in good condition, placed in a place at room temperature, quite humid. and without passage of a draft.
Some tips for cutting a ficus lyrata
The cuttings of the ficus lyrata should be done in early spring. The most suitable cutting technique for this species is water cutting. To do this, you must have the necessary tools and follow the steps before repotting. Protect your hands with gloves when cutting the branches to cut off so that they do not come into contact with the poisonous white substance that comes out of them.
The cutting of the ficus requires a lot of patience and some care to be able to grow. Do not forget to disinfect your pruning shears or your pair of scissors before proceeding to cut the stem.
Before repotting, it will be necessary to wait a few weeks before the roots are very large. Once repotted, it will take good care of your ficus lyrata so that it lives as long as possible.
