How to make ficus seedlings in water
One of The most popular technique for making cuttings is the water method. It actually involves placing the cuttings in water and waiting for them to come out and develop roots. For this reason, many people with plants apply it. And today we want to focus on how to make ficus seedlings in water.
As you know, ficuses are very diverse, from creeping to petite trees, but the truth is that this method is usually very effective and is used by almost everyone who dares to take a teenage plant from the mother plant. But how to do it?
What is the waterjet cutting technique?
First of all, we want to talk to you about what the waterjet cutting technique is. It is about a method that allows you to propagate cuttings and obtain roots from them.
To do this, you don’t need anything more than a container into which you can pour water (usually a towering glass or a towering jar is enough). Next to it are cuttings cut from plants.
As an option, some are encouraged to apply rooting hormones. They aid the roots of these little seedlings develop much faster, but the truth is that they are also affected by other situations.
And the thing is that putting the cut in water will not always be successful. The truth is there will be seedlings that tolerate this form of propagation and others that do not. Even from the same mother plant.
Other factors that influence cutting success include temperature and humidity. If you keep them sultry and at the right humidity (some say between 70-80%), you can have a better chance of success when cutting in water.
How to make ficus seedlings in water
Focusing on ficus and how to make water fig cuttings, we will give you steps on how to achieve this or at least do everything in your power to get it established. Indeed, you should know that this is not a quick method we are talking about. It is normal the roots won’t come out until after 1-2 weeks, and that’s in the best cases. Others may take up to 6 months to get them off the ground, so you’ll need to be very patient.
The steps you need to take are as follows:
cut the cut
The first thing you should do is take a cutting from the mother plant. In the case of the ficus, we recommend pruning branches that have sprouted modern shoots or put out modern leaves, as this will ensure that it is an vigorous part of the mother plant and achieve better results.
Of course, when it comes to cutting, try to make the cut with acute scissors so that it is neat and diagonally, never straight.
Other recommendations given when taking cuttings are:
- Cutting whenever possible below the node that is, always below the area of the stem that is most bulky.
- Make sure your fig tree cutting has at least a few Length 15-20 centimeters.
Usually, those branches you cut will have some leaves. To avoid being stopped by the cutting force, you need to cut off some of the leaves. On the one hand, the lower ones to have a larger stem to immerse in water. And on the other hand, everything else. Leave at most 1-2-3 to keep it going as it will have enough energy to sustain it while it goes about producing roots.
good localization
Taking seedlings of a ficus in water does not mean that you do not need to control the environment in which it will be kept. Here you can place it in several places:
- If it’s summer and it’s one of the scorching ones (where the temperatures don’t drop even at night and it’s sultry), you can consider releasing it. Of course, always in a shadier place or one that receives very little sunlight (or in the morning or afternoon), but gently.
- At home if it’s frigid outside. However, try to place it in a place where it is well lit (this way you aid the leaves carry out photosynthesis well and not wear out) and where there is an appropriate temperature.
- in the 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. These are all fine and can give good results, but it is true that depending on the cut, conditions, water type, etc. they can have an effect.
What water to apply to make ficus seedlings in water
Before we told you about water. And while this isn’t usually something that gets a lot of attention, we believe it’s significant to keep an eye on it.
AND, If you apply tap water that contains a lot of chlorine and lime, it may harm your maple tree (water is harder, may cause weakness, etc.).
For this reason, it is recommended to apply rainwater, mineral water… to avoid this problem. If the tap water where you live is fit (balanced), there will be no problem. However, if you have too much chlorine or lime, it is better to apply a different type.
Another way is to draw water from the tap and wait at least 24 hours for the chlorine to evaporate (some also recommend adding a few drops of vinegar to aid and improve water conditions).
How long do ficus seedlings take root in water?
Truth be told, we can’t answer this question because it depends on many factors. Please remember that we are talking about a method that is tardy. Even if you decide to apply rooting hormones, the truth is that it will take a minimum of 2-3 weeks. And with a bit of luck.
Don’t give up until at least 6 months have passed without results. If the seedling remains fit and continues to grow, there is a risk that it will take root sooner or later.
Only if you notice it starting to deteriorate or rot should you worry (because not all seedlings always come out).
Is it clearer to you now how to make ficus seedlings in water? Ask us if you need aid.