Rooting cuttings in water - Ficus Religiosa / Peepal tree - Part 1 & 2

Tree Species : Ficus Religiosa (Peepal tree)
Collected On : April 2, 2016

Softwood cuttings of Ficus Religiosa roots easily in water, specially green branch tips with leaf buds. You will never need their seed again !

If sand, cocopeat or soil was my rooting medium, then I would have had to cut away most of the leaves, which is a setback that you can avoid totally, by rooting in water. Besides, I would expect only 2-3 specimens to survive. I did not remove any leaves, after collecting this rootless sapling.

My concept here is INSTANT BONSAI (mini) and this method for this species gave me tiny healthy saplings instantly, the moment I collected it from location, with all the already miniaturized leaves intact. And anybody can do this ! No prior knowledge, experience or green fingers needed.

I changed water every 3-4 days & kept in shade, avoiding direct sunlight. To boost local humidity, I sprayed water on leaves twice a day & covered the plant with the top half of a plastic bottle, with the cap removed, for air circulation. I plan to let some of the above specimens grow in water & transplant the rest into cocopeat or coarse sand. This method definitely works for softwood. Hardwood or even semi-hardwood cuttings of this species tends to rot in water. Its a good idea to inspect daily and smell the cutting, till you get the hang of it.

Water Rooting - Part 1

Water Rooting - Part 2

No rooting hormones were used and I am not a fan of them. I believe that air-layering in air-pruning containers can easily offer far superior results than any brand of rooting hormones.