If you’re lucky, notching fiddle leaf fig tress will encourage the plant to direct energy and resources to the dormant leaf buds in that spot, which will result in the growth of a new branch about 30-50% of the time. (Yup, this isn’t a sure thing—but few things with gardening are!)
Can you notch a baby fiddle leaf fig?
While it may look like damage to your fiddle leaf fig, that notch is actually perfectly fine for your plant. In fact, it’s helping it to grow more! Of course, it’s always good to keep an eye on your plant as part of your regular houseplant maintenance and this includes after notching a fiddle leaf fig.
How far down can you cut a fiddle leaf fig?
To prune your fiddle-leaf fig to create a tree form with branching lateral growth, wait until spring or summer – when the plant is actively growing – and make a cut at least six inches down from the tip of the tree. You can save this cutting and propagate it! Make sure to cut in an internodal space.
How do I thicken my fiddle leaf fig trunk?
Wiggling your fiddle leaf fig tree for one and a half to two minutes every one to two weeks will help thicken its trunk considerably. Start with gentle shaking motions and gradually increase the intensity. If your plant is supported with a stake, initially wiggle it with the support in place.
How do you get multiple branches on a fiddle leaf fig?
But in order for the Fiddle Leaf Fig to grow multiple branches, we need to prune at about 18″ or more from the top of the stem to get to the woody part. When we cut a stem at a lower woody point, buds form much slower than they do at the top green part of the plant.
Does notching work on all plants?
Heeks says that many plants can benefit from notching, but it is most commonly practiced on ficus trees including: rubber plants ($16), fiddle leaf figs ($54), and other rubber tree varieties. Houseplant enthusiasts have started also using this method on other plants such as monsteras ($11), notes Heeks.
Can I cut the top off my fiddle leaf fig?
Make the cut just above the top of your node. Do not cut into the node which would damage it, but just above. Cutting your fiddle leaf fig or any plant in the fig family will produce an oozing, milky, white latex sap.
How do you shape a fiddle leaf fig tree?
Start off with clean, sharp pruning scissors and proceed with motions that are least damaging or crushing to prune a fiddle leaf fig into a tree. Make an incision just above the top of the node you have decided to cut, avoiding cutting right above it. Now let your fiddle leaf fig develop new branches.
Can I cut the top off my fig tree?
Cut off the top of the newly planted fig tree about 24 inches from the soil. Act in late winter or early spring before the first buds appear. Trim all remaining branches back to 6 inches.
Should I cut the bottom leaves off my fiddle leaf fig?
Removing them denies you one of the plant’s early alert systems. Remember, those lower leaves are HELPING that tree to become a tree-shape and should be left until the very last step of the shaping process.
Why does my fiddle leaf fig have multiple trunks?
Whenever we prune or trim back the fiddle-leaf it will grow extra stems in that place. This is nature’s way of ensuring that the plant continues to grow and also gets enough food to keep it growing well. If you have recently bought a fiddle-leaf fig, you may also see that there is more than one stem.
How do you fan train a fig tree?
Outdoor figs can be fan-trained to help manage growth and create space and light for fruits to ripen. Train against the wall on horizontal wires, tying in the stems to create a fan-shape. In early summer, pinch out half the growing tips on the main frame of the fan, to encourage growth lower down.
