Basically, it is not necessary to cut the fiddle leaf fig. The tree cultivated in the room or on the terrace grows very well with good care. However, you can achieve better branching of the fiddle leaf fig by cutting. You can also cut cuttings to grow new offshoots.
Do I have to prune my fiddle leaf fig?
Pruning the fiddle leaf fig is not essential, but it can promote better branching and provide cuttings for propagation. If the plant gets too tall, you can shorten it in early spring, which will usually cause branching.
Cutting the fiddle leaf fig is not necessary
If you have enough space, especially in winter, just leave the fiddle leaf fig alone. The tree grows quite straight, but in a good location it can reach a considerable height.
If the fiddle leaf fig gets too tall, you can simply shorten it by cutting off the top shoot. As a rule, the tree branches in the upper regions after pruning.
The best time for pruning is early spring, when the fiddle leaf fig begins its growth phase. Towards winter you should not shorten the plant or only shorten it very sparingly.
How to achieve better branching of the fiddle leaf fig
For a fiddle leaf fig to branch well and form a bushy crown, simply cut off the top tips.
Use a sharp knife to prevent the shoots from fraying and bacteria or germs from settling in.
The cut tips can be used very well as top cuttings to propagate the violin fig.
Cut cuttings for propagation
- Cutting head cuttings
- Dip cutting ends into hot water
- let it dry briefly
- put into prepared pots
- set up warm and bright
- keep moist
- resp. wrap with cling film
You need top cuttings to propagate fiddle leaf figs. To do this, cut off non-woody head shoots with a length of around 20 cm.
To prevent the slightly poisonous latex from escaping and the cutting from drying out, dip the cut ends briefly in lukewarm water. Then let them dry.
To allow roots to form, place the pots with the cuttings in a bright and warm place. Temperatures between 25 and 30 degrees are ideal.
Tip
The fiddle leaf fig contains a milky sap that is slightly poisonous. Wash your hands thoroughly after touching the plant. To be on the safe side, you should wear gloves when cutting.
