How to propagate Ficus microcarpa

Cutting propagation

Choose 1-2 year old branches, cut them about 20-30 cm away from the surface of the potting soil, and cut the strips into 3-4 stem segments to use as cuttings. Keep one leaf on each cutting and cut off about 2/3-3/4 of the leaves to reduce water evaporation.

First, you need to immerse the wound of the cuttings in water or lightly touch the wound with wood ash to prevent the sap from flowing out. Then prepare a cutting bed with river sand or perlite and insert the cuttings into it. Pay attention to maintaining a suitable temperature and high air humidity around it. Generally, at a temperature of 25-30℃, it will take about a month for the roots to take root. After the plant is cut off, its apical dominance is destroyed, and new shoots sprout from the hidden buds on the stem nodes and can form a forked tree shape. Wait until the new shoots age before you can start cutting and grafting.

Layering propagation

Choose strong semi-lignified branches growing at the bottom of the plant, bend them down gently and bury them in the soil. Be careful to avoid separating the branches from the mother plant or causing damage or breakage. The branches need to be exposed above the soil surface and tied with small bamboo poles to facilitate their upright growth. Before layering, the stem segments buried in the soil need to be ring-barked with a width of about 1 cm. It is best to use auxiliary objects to fix the surface branches buried in the soil to prevent the branches from bouncing up. After the layering work is completed, remember to keep the soil moist and well ventilated. It will take about 3-4 weeks for the roots to take shape. At this time, you can cut it off from the mother plant and plant it separately.