Rooting a Ficus Cutting: Soil Mix, Watering, and Patience for a Sentimental Plant

Choosing the Right Soil

Any well-draining commercial potting soil works. Improve drainage by mixing in extra perlite or vermiculite (about 1 part additive to 3 parts soil).

When to Transfer from Water to Soil

The ideal time is when roots are roughly 1 inch long. The cutting described—8 inches tall with several long roots—is ready.

Watering the New Plant

• Allow the top 1–2 inches of soil to dry between waterings.
• Water thoroughly until a little drains from the bottom; empty the saucer after an hour.
• In winter (dormant period), let the soil dry a bit more, but never completely.

Key Reminder

Avoid overwatering—the original 25-year-old ficus was lost to it. With careful moisture management and bright, indirect light, this cutting will grow into a healthy successor.