How to propagate Curtain figFicus microcarpa
A practical guide to making more Curtain fig (Ficus microcarpa) at home — the right method, the right time of year, and what to expect.
How to propagate by stem cuttings
Stem cuttings are the most reliable way to propagate Curtain fig. Each cutting contains a node — the small bump or joint where a leaf attaches — and that node is where new roots will grow.
- Choose a healthy stem with at least one node and one or two leaves. In spring or early summer the plant is growing actively, so cuttings root fastest.
- Cut just below a node using clean, sharp scissors or a knife. A cutting of 10–15 cm with one or two leaves is ideal.
- Remove any leaves from the bottom 5 cm so they don't rot in water or soil.
- Water method: place the cut end in a glass of room-temperature water, keeping the leaves out of the water. Change the water every few days. Move to soil once roots are 2–3 cm long.
- Soil method: dip the cut end in rooting powder (optional), then push it 3–4 cm into moist potting mix. Cover loosely with a clear bag to keep humidity high.
- Keep the cutting in bright, indirect light and warmth (above 18 °C). Avoid direct sun, which wilts the cutting before roots form.
- Roots typically appear within 2–5 weeks. Once new leaves start growing, the cutting is established — treat it like a mature plant.
Other ways to propagate
Air layering
Air layering encourages a stem to root while it's still attached to the mother plant, so you get a well-rooted cutting from day one. It's the best method for woody plants like Curtain fig that are slow to root from a standard cutting.
- Choose a healthy stem about 30–40 cm from the tip. Using a clean sharp knife, make two parallel cuts around the stem about 3 cm apart, then peel away the bark between them to expose the pale cambium layer.
- Optional but helpful: dust the wound with rooting powder to speed things up.
- Wet a large handful of sphagnum moss until thoroughly damp but not dripping. Squeeze out the excess water.
- Pack the moist moss around the wound, completely covering the exposed cambium. The moss ball should be roughly the size of a fist.
- Wrap the moss ball tightly in clear cling film, sealing the top and bottom with tape so no moisture escapes.
- Check every 1–2 weeks — roots will appear through the clear plastic. Once they are 3–5 cm long (usually 4–8 weeks), the layer is ready.
- Cut the stem just below the rooted section, unwrap carefully, and pot into well-draining potting mix without disturbing the roots. Keep in a humid spot for a few weeks while it adjusts.
Track your cuttings
Botanicaly logs each of your Curtain fig plants with its own watering schedule, light reading, and care reminders — so your new cutting gets exactly the same care as the parent from day one. Free on iOS and Android.
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Get the app →Common questions
What is the best way to propagate Curtain fig?
The most reliable method for Curtain fig (Ficus microcarpa) is stem cuttings. It requires some care but is well within reach of most houseplant owners.
When should I propagate Curtain fig?
The best time is spring to summer, when the plant is actively growing and roots form most quickly.
How long does it take Curtain fig to root?
Expect roots to appear within roughly 35–53 days, given warm temperatures and good indirect light. Division and offset methods are faster because the new plant already has its own roots.
Propagation method based on genus-level horticultural knowledge — accurate for the vast majority of specimens in this species.
