How to Propagate Ficus Altissima in Water (So Easy, It’s Addictive!)

Learn how to propagate Ficus Altissima in water with this easy step-by-step guide. Root cuttings fast, grow new plants, and multiply your collection effortlessly!

If you're the proud plant parent of a Ficus Altissima (aka Ficus 'Little Gem'), let me let you in on a little secret: this plant is shockingly easy to propagate.

A few months ago, my Ficus Altissima got super tall and leggy over the winter, dropping its lower leaves and leaving me with a lanky stem that looked a little... sad.

Instead of giving up on it, I grabbed a pair of shears and turned that tall tree into a propagation party.

Why Propagate Ficus Altissima?

There are so many reasons to propagate your Altissima:

• It roots quickly in water.
• The cuttings grow new leaves fast.
• The parent plant bounces back beautifully.
• It’s perfect for sharing with plant-loving friends (or swapping for a new plant at your next plant swap!).

Whether you want to fill out your pot or share the love, propagation is the way to go.

My Real-Life Water Propagation Success

Here’s exactly what I did:

• I chopped the stem into 12" sections, each with at least one leaf and a node.
• I placed the cuttings in a clear jar of water on a bright windowsill (no direct sun).
• In just two weeks, they started pushing out strong, healthy roots.
• Not long after that, each cutting started growing fresh new leaves and even sprouted new branches!

Meanwhile, the original plant (yes, the one I chopped up!) began growing multiple new branches from where I made the cuts. It honestly looked better than ever just a few weeks later.

This plant doesn’t just survive a haircut—it thrives on it.

Step-by-Step: Propagating Ficus Altissima in Water

1. Choose Your Cuttings

• Pick healthy stems that are about 10–12 inches long.
• Each cutting should have at least one node (where a leaf meets the stem) and ideally a few healthy leaves.

2. Make Your Cut

• Use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears.
• Cut just below a node. That’s where roots will form.

3. Remove Lower Leaves

• Strip off any leaves that would sit below the water line. This prevents rot.

4. Place in Water

• Put your cutting in a clear jar or vase with room-temperature water.
• Make sure the node is submerged but the remaining leaves are above water.

5. Set in Bright, Indirect Light

• A sunny windowsill works great, as long as it doesn’t get harsh afternoon rays.

6. Wait for Roots!

• You’ll usually see roots forming within 10–14 days.
• Change the water every few days to keep it fresh.

7. Pot Them Up (or Keep in Water)

• Once roots are 2–3 inches long, you can pot them up in soil, or keep them in water for a little longer if you’re not quite ready.

Bonus: What Happens to the Mother Plant?

Don’t worry about your original plant—it’s not going to sulk.

After cutting mine back, the base plant exploded with growth. It sent out multiple new branches, creating a much fuller and more compact shape than before.

It’s basically like a free glow-up.

Why Ficus Altissima Is the Best Plant to Propagate and Share

Ficus Altissima is a little more unique than your typical houseplants, so it makes a super fun and unexpected addition to any plant swap. Plus, when you show up with a thriving, already-rooted cutting? You’ll be the star of the swap table.

Whether you’re filling out your own pot, gifting a friend, or just multiplying your plant fam, propagating this beauty is one of the easiest and most satisfying plant projects you can do.

Thanks for reading!