The Ficus lyrata, also called lyre fig, is a magnificent houseplant particularly appreciated for its attractive foliage that shines all year round. This tropical plant particularly likes humidity and it should be placed in a bright room, without being exposed to direct sunlight. The lyre fig tree is THE plant of the moment and it even appears in many interior design magazines and blogs.
In its natural state, the Ficus lyrata is a fast growing tree that can reach up to 12 meters in height. Indoors, it will not exceed 6 meters, which is already very impressive! However, by cutting the terminal bud of Ficus lyrata, it is possible to branch it out. By following our advice, you will easily be able to branch your plant.
Everything you need to know about Ficus Lyrata
Why branch a Ficus lyrata?
The Ficus lyrata is composed of a fairly steep port made up of 1 to 3 stems. These bear large leaves that remain green throughout the year. Ficus lyrata is genetically programmed to grow tall. Indeed, in its natural environment, this tropical tree will grow until it leaves the shady environment of the undergrowth. Once it reaches the canopy, it can then benefit from the sun's rays and that is when it will branch out.
This species shows a strong apical dominance. The terminal bud, which is found at the upper end of the plant, produces a hormone called auxin, which inhibits the growth of side branches. If this terminal bud is removed, there is no more inhibition and several secondary branches can then develop. To hope for a branching of Ficus lyrata, it will therefore be necessary to cut this terminal bud! Thus, the plant will be denser and more leafy.
Which method to choose to branch a Ficus lyrata?
To branch the Ficus lyrata, several options are available to you. At first, you can simply pinch the terminal bud. Pinching out a plant simply means that we are going to prune the end of the stem. This action is practiced by simply cutting the stem with the nails of the thumb and the index finger.
You can also cut off the main stem with pruning shears. You will then make this cut about 10 cm from the top. If the lyre fig tree is already really too high, you can cut it down very seriously. This will help you bring it back to a more satisfactory height. Even cutting off a large portion of its main stem, the Ficus lyrata will have no problem growing back from the little stem it has left. Pinching in a specific place helps guide the sap to the buds that are forming. New stems will then develop and the plant will be fuller and much more beautiful.
What precautions should be taken to branch a Ficus lyrata?
It is important to know that the sap of the lyre fig tree can be very itchy. It is also quite toxic if swallowed. When you prune the plant, always wear gloves and protect the soil with newspaper. The sap can indeed be sticky and damage the soil and your skin.
The Ficus lyrata does not react the same way all the time to the removal of its terminal bud. It can produce a large amount of twigs, just as it can produce a single replacement stem. It will therefore sometimes be necessary to prune the plant several times before it finally decides to produce a new branch.
When branching is successful and several branches form, it is also possible that a new apical dominance will develop. These new branches will then prevent new branches from forming. If the apical dominance is too strong, then it is recommended to pinch the Ficus lyrata occasionally. It is then preferable to carry out this action at the beginning of spring by removing the terminal bud from all the branches. This should help maintain the desired growth. Whatever happens, you must properly maintain the Ficus lyrata, providing it with a good dose of light and humidity.
Branching a Ficus lyrata therefore promotes the development of a denser and more harmonious plant. By cutting off the terminal bud of the plant or sharply pruning its main stem, you should be successful in creating brand new branches. If you want to add value to the removed terminal bud, you can have it root in a new pot. It is then enough to place it in a container filled with potting soil and cultivate it as a cutting.. Remember to ensure that the substrate always remains well moist so that the new plant can develop properly!
