Propagating fig trees (Ficus carica) from cuttings is a rewarding way to expand your fig collection or share a beloved variety with others. One particularly efficient and fun method to do this is called the “Fig Pop” technique, which combines simplicity with high success rates. If you’re a fig lover like me, you’ll appreciate the ease and effectiveness of this method.
What Is the Fig Pop Technique?
The Fig Pop technique involves rooting fig cuttings in a plastic bag with a moistened medium (usually perlite or a perlite-peat mix), creating a mini greenhouse effect. This method is particularly useful because it keeps moisture levels consistent while preventing overwatering, which can lead to rot. I first learned this technique when rooting plumeria cuttings, read the article Bag Rooting Plumeria to learn more.
Materials You’ll Need:
- Healthy fig cuttings (about 6–10 inches long, with 3–4 nodes)
- Clear plastic zip-lock bags (I like snack size is perfect)
- Perlite (or a perlite and peat mix) I use half perlite and half peat
- A permanent marker for labeling
- Scissors or pruning shears
- Rooting hormone (optional but recommended)
- Electrical tape
Step-by-Step Guide to the Fig Pop Technique
Choose Your Cuttings:
Select healthy, semi-hardwood cuttings from a mature fig tree during late fall or early spring when the tree is dormant or just beginning to awaken. The cuttings should be around 6–10 inches in length and include at least 3–4 nodes, which are the spots where leaves or buds emerge.
Prepare the Cuttings:
- Using sharp, sterilized pruning shears, make a clean cut just below a node at the base of each cutting.
- If desired, dip the cut end into rooting hormone to encourage faster rooting.
- Optionally, make small vertical cuts (called “scratches”) along the bottom inch of the cutting to expose the cambium layer, which can stimulate root development.
Prepare the Fig Pop Bag:
- Fill a snack size plastic zip-lock bag about 1/3 full with moist perlite or a perlite-peat mix. It should be damp, not soggy.
- Zip the bag completely closed, cut one corner of the bag off (opposite the zipper) make sure the cut is wide enough to slide the cutting into the planting medium.
- Insert the cutting into the bag, ensuring that at least one node is buried in the medium. This node is where the roots will emerge.
- Wrap a piece of electrical tape around the cutting to seal the cutting into the bag.
Label Your Cuttings:
- If you’re propagating multiple varieties of figs, use plant tags or write directly on the bag with a permanent marker to keep track of each cutting.
- This will keep the cutting moist and make it easier to remove the cutting from the bag without damaging the roots.
- Place in a Warm, Bright Location
Monitor Moisture and Growth
Place the bags in a warm area, ideally where the temperature stays between 65°F and 75°F. A windowsill with indirect sunlight or a spot under grow lights works well.
Be careful not to expose the bags to direct sunlight, which can overheat the cuttings inside the sealed environment.
Check the bags every few days to ensure the perlite remains moist but not waterlogged. You shouldn’t need to add water often since the bag creates a humid environment, but if the perlite feels dry, mist it lightly.
After about 4–6 weeks, you should start seeing tiny roots emerging from the nodes in the cuttings. Once the roots are a few inches long and well-developed, the cutting is ready for transplanting.
While these results are not typical, I started 10 cuttings on September 21st and 4 of them had roots on October 4th, as of October 11th, 6 of the 10 have easily visible roots.
Transplanting Your Rooted Cuttings:
Once your fig cutting has developed strong roots, carefully remove it from the bag and transplant it into a small pot filled with a well-draining potting mix. Be gentle with the new roots to avoid damaging them.
Place the pot in a location with indirect light for a few weeks as the plant adjusts to its new environment.
Water lightly and gradually introduce your fig tree to more sunlight over time.
Tips for Success
- Temperature: Fig cuttings root best in warm conditions, so try to keep the temperature consistent.
- Moisture: Avoid overwatering the perlite or potting medium. A too-wet environment can lead to rot. It’s important to note that I never added additional moisture to these fig pops. And while I started in the in the fall in our area, our daytime temperatures were above 90 degrees and our overnight lows were at the minimum 58 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Timing: Early spring or late fall are optimal times for taking cuttings since figs root better when they are dormant or just coming out of dormancy.
- Patience: Rooting can take 4–8 weeks depending on the conditions and the variety of fig tree. Don’t rush the process!
Why the Fig Pop Technique Works
The Fig Pop technique is popular for several reasons:
- Moisture Control: By using a plastic bag, moisture is retained without oversaturating the cuttings, helping to avoid rot, which is a common issue when rooting cuttings.
- Mini Greenhouse Effect: The sealed environment within the bag keeps the humidity high, which promotes root growth.
- Space-Efficient: Unlike traditional rooting methods that require trays or multiple pots, the Fig Pop technique is compact and can be done with minimal space.
In just a couple of months (or weeks), you can have a healthy, rooted fig tree ready to plant and grow. Whether you’re expanding your own fig orchard or gifting a loved one with a new plant, this method offers a simple, reliable way to propagate fig trees.
Happy figging!
