How To : Rooting a leaf cutting of Ficus Racemosa

Tree species : Cluster Fig Tree (Ficus Racemosa, Indian Fig Tree, Goolar Fig)
Leaf taken on : Sept 1, 2016

I took this leaf from a big tree, to compare & show the leaf size reduction I achieved in my bonsai plants of the same species. Then, instead of throwing it away, I thought - why not root it in water and see ! Just plain water, changed twice a week, no rooting hormones.

Sept 18

Sept 21

I remembered seeing a rooted banyan tree leaf very recently on google search and I was influenced by it. I had not seen anything like it, all my life. But today when I rechecked online, I realized I accidentally outperformed even them bcos they rooted a tiny stem cutting with a big leaf attached. It was not a leaf stalk as I had mistakenly thought. Sometimes, ignorance is good :-) Here is what I am talking about.

So, in my case, the leaf  stalk has rooted. There is no node, stem or trunk at all. I am just curious where this is headed. I cannot imagine a new shoot sprouting on this. Once the leaf dies, the whole thing dies, is my guess. But then, it defeats the purpose of rooting. Anyway, I am half expecting the leaf to prove me wrong :-)

If any of you have experience in rooting leaf cuttings or seen something online, please share it in the comments below.

Full size vs. my leaf, miniaturized in 1 yr

Next to tiny rooted cuttings of the same plant.

Tree on roadside

New leaves

Read the story of how I acquired my first bonsai specimen of this species : Plant no. 1 in my bonsai collection