One of the The most common technique for making cuttings is that of water. It really involves putting the cuttings in water and waiting for them to come out and develop roots. For this reason, many who have plants use it. And today we want to focus on how to make ficus cuttings in water.
As you know, ficuses are very varied, from creepers to small trees, but the truth is that this method is usually very effective and almost everyone who dares to take a small plant from the mother plant uses it. But how do you do that?
Contents
What is the water cutting technique
First of all, we want to tell you about what the wet cutting technique is all about. This is a method of multiplying cuttings and growing roots.
To do this, you don’t need anything more than a container you can pour water into (usually a tall glass or jar is more than enough). Next to that are the cuttings you cut from the plants.
As an option, some are encouraged to use rooting hormones. These help the roots of these little cuttings emerge much faster, but the truth is that other situations affect them as well.
And it is that not always putting a cutting in the water will be successful. What is certain is that there will be cuttings that tolerate this form of reproduction and others that do not. Even from the same mother plant.
Other factors that influence cutting success are temperature and humidity. If you provide them with a warm temperature and at the same time adequate humidity (some say 70-80%) you may have a better chance of success when cutting in water.
How to make ficus cuttings in water
Focusing on the ficus, and how to make ficus cuttings in water, we’ll give you the steps to achieve it, or, at least, to do everything to get roots. This, yes, you should know that it is not a quick method we say. The normal thing is that no roots come out until 1-2 weeks later, and that in the best case. Others can take even 6 months to complete, so you have to arm yourself with a lot of patience.
The steps you need to follow are:
cut cut
The first thing to do is to cut the cutting from the mother plant. In the case of a ficus, we recommend that you make a cut in the branches that you see having new shoots, or that are growing new leaves, because this way you make sure that it is a part active of your mother plant and you will get better results.
Of course, when it comes to cutting, try to make the cut with sharp scissors so that it is neat and, moreover, diagonally, never straight.
Other recommendations given when taking cuttings are:
- Cut as soon as possible under the knot that is, always below the bulkiest area of the stem.
- Make sure the ficus cut has at least a few 15-20 centimeters long.
Generally, those twigs that you cut are going to have multiple leaves. To prevent the force of the cut from holding them back, a few leaves should be cut. On the one hand, the lower ones, to have more rod to immerse themselves in the water. And on the other hand the rest. Only leave 1-2-3 at the most to get it started because it will have enough energy to maintain them while it takes care of producing roots.
a good location
Taking ficus cuttings in water does not mean that you do not need to control the environment in which it is going to be kept. Here you can put it in several places:
- If it’s summer and it’s one of the hottest (where temperatures don’t drop even at night and stay warm) you can consider turning it off. Of course, always in a more shady place or with very little sun (or in the morning or in the afternoon), but gently.
- Inside the house if it’s cold outside. But try to put it in a place where there is lighting (this way you help the leaves to photosynthesise well and not wear out) and the temperature is adequate.
- in a greenhouse, because this way you can control the temperature and humidity much better. Make sure you have good lighting.
The choice will depend on each case. All are fine, and can achieve good results, but it is true that depending on the cut, conditions, type of water, etc. they can influence.
What water to use to make ficus cuttings in water
Before I told you about water. And although it’s usually not something that gets a lot of attention, we think it’s important to keep it under control.
And that’s it, if you use tap water that contains a lot of chlorine and limescale, it could harm your clone (water is harder, can weaken, etc.).
For this reason, it is recommended to use rainwater, mineral water… to avoid this problem. If the tap water where you live is healthy (it has balanced values), there will be no problem. But if you have too much chlorine or lime, it is better to use another type.
Another way is to take tap water and wait at least 24 hours for the chlorine to evaporate (some also recommend adding a few drops of vinegar to help and improve water conditions).
How long does it take for ficus cuttings to root in water?
To tell the truth, we cannot answer this question because it depends on many factors. What you need to keep in mind is that we are talking about a slow method. Even when you choose to use rooting hormones, the truth is that it will take at least 2-3 weeks. And that with luck.
Don’t give up until at least 6 months have passed with no results. If the cutting stays healthy and moves as it can, chances are it will take root sooner or later.
Only if you see it starting to deteriorate or rot should you worry (because not all the cuttings always come out).
Is it clearer to you now how to make ficus cuttings in water? Ask us if you need help.