Ficus benjamina is the colloquial name of the ficus benjamina (Ficus benjamina). This potted plant that is easy to grow with all-season, decorative leaves is very popular in our homes. If we like it very much, it is worth trying tobreeding ficus benjaminat home. We explain step by cuthow to propagate ficus benjaminto get nice, he althy cuttings.
Rooting cuttings of ficus benjamin
Fig. depositphotos.com
Ficus Benjamin can be easily propagated by shoot cuttings . For this purpose, semi-woody cuttings or woody cuttings from the apical parts of the shoots are taken from the plant.
The optimal date for ficus reproduction is May or JuneA sharp tool (it can be a secateurs or a knife) cuts 10-15 cm long pieces of woody or semi-woody shoots. Then remove the lower leaves, leaving only 2-3 leaves that grow closest to the main shoot. We also remove the growth cone to stimulate the seedling to new growth.
Prepared in this wayFicus benjamin seedlings should be placed in potsfilled with a special substrate or a mixture of sand and peat mixed together in a 1: 1 ratio. We make sure that the substrate covers the places left by the cut off branches, because it is from them that new roots will grow. Before planting, the tip of the ficus cuttings can be immersed in the rooting agent.
In order for the ficus rooting process to run smoothlywe need to ensure an appropriate room temperature (20-21 ° C), sunny but not too exposed position (filtered light, avoid strong direct sun) and constant humidity of the substrate.
Rooted cuttings of ficus benjamin
Fig. depositphotos.com
To maintain high humidity around the plantwe can cover the pot with a transparent plastic cover, e.g. a foil bag, cling film or a cut plastic bottle of mineral water. You should then remember about constant ventilation under the cover to prevent rotting and molding of the seedlings.
After about 4 weeks, the roots should already sproutWe can then transplant the plants into larger pots filled with substrate for potted plants .
Fucus benjamin cuttings can also be rooted in waterTo do this, dip them in water. As in the case of rooting in the ground, water should cover the places left by the cut off lower leaves, as it is from them that the roots will grow. When the roots are about 2 cm long, the plants can be transplanted into pots with soil.
Rooting ficus benjamin in water
Fig. shutterstock.com
Less common practice isthe propagation of ficus benjamin by rootingleaves that detach from the stem along with the petiole. The tips of the petioles are inserted into the same substrate as for the cuttings (a mixture of feather and peat in a 1: 1 ratio) and the rooting process also takes about a month. seems to be the most unreliable, and besides, the ficus shoots do not look very nice after the leaves have been torn off. Rather, then they need to be trimmed, removing all the bare fragments of leaves. However, it is worth using in this way leaves detached with petioles from fragments of shoots prepared for cuttings.
MSc Eng. Anna Błaszczak
