Air Layering of a Fiddle-Leaved Fig (Ficus Lyrata)

This hot mama was successfully air layered about a month ago. I haven't seen any growth, but I also haven't seen death. Let's count that a success. I assume it's working on establishing its roots apart from its mother plant. I'll keep you posted.

If you're interested, air layering is a fascinating propagation technique. It is taken from one of nature's means of propagation, which is simply called "layering." A tree is layered when its branch is 'injured' and stuck in the dirt. Roots then grow from the injury. Air layering simulates this natural process; you wound a branch and gather damp sphagnum moss around the wound (securing it there with cellophane and twistie ties). Eventually, roots grow! You cut just below the roots and put the new plant into soil. The one pictured here is exactly what it looked like when I cut it from its mother plant. Don't worry, they see each other regularly.