Learn how to root (propagate) hard-stemmed houseplants, which cannot be rooted in water. This video shows you how to root a Ficus benjamina. This method can be used to root all types of houseplants.
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Welcome to HealthyHouseplants.com, where we teach you all about gardening in The Great Indoors. Today, we’re continuing our propagation series with a focus on how to propagate hard stem plants, like Ficus benjamina.
Many hard stem houseplants, such as Ficus, won’t root in water. This is because they require a rooting hormone and a rooting medium—not just plain water. While you can root soft-stemmed plants like coleus or pothos in water, hard stem plants need a different approach.
📌 Tip: Even water-rootable plants can be propagated using this method to avoid the challenge of converting water roots to soil roots.
✂️ Steps for Propagating Hard Stem Plants:
Choose New Growth:
Look for younger, newer foliage. These parts have more auxins—natural plant growth hormones essential for rooting.Cut the Stem Properly:
Cut just above a leaf node, keeping the cutting to around 2–3 inches. Avoid long stems with too much foliage, as they’ll struggle to root.Prepare the Cutting:
Remove the lower leaves to expose a stem node. This node is where roots will form. Leave at least one or two leaves at the top for photosynthesis.Apply Rooting Hormone:
Dip the exposed node in rooting hormone. Don’t dip directly into the container—use a small separate dish to avoid contamination.Plant in Rooting Medium:
Make a small hole in the rooting medium and insert the cutting gently. Press the medium around the stem to secure it.Maintain Humidity:
Cover the pot with a humidity dome (a cut plastic water bottle works well). This keeps the environment moist, which is crucial for root development.Care Tips:
Avoid overwatering. There are no roots yet to absorb moisture.
Mist lightly if needed, but don’t drench.
Remove the humidity dome once new growth appears.
After roots form, transplant the cutting into regular potting soil.
Frequently Asked Questions: Propagating Hard Stem Houseplants
What are hard stem plants?
Hard stem plants, like Ficus benjamina, have woody or firm stems and typically cannot be propagated in water. They require a rooting hormone and rooting medium.
Can I root hard stem plants in water?
No, most hard stem plants won’t root in water. They need to be propagated using a rooting hormone and a well-draining rooting medium.
What part of the plant should I use for propagation?
Use newer growth from the plant, ideally 2–3 inches long, and make sure it has at least one leaf for photosynthesis and a visible stem node for rooting.
Why is a humidity dome important when propagating?
A humidity dome keeps moisture levels high, which is crucial for rooting since cuttings don’t yet have roots to absorb water.
How do I know if my cutting has rooted?
You’ll know roots have formed when you see new leaves growing or existing leaves becoming larger and healthier.
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Rooting hormone in powder form (in video): https://amzn.to/3cDtrHh