What to Do With Ficus Cuttings After Pruning (Full Guide for Plant Parents)
Learn how to prune your Ficus for fuller growth + the BEST ways to use your cuttings.
If you own a Ficus—whether it’s a Ficus elastica (Rubber Plant), Ficus benjamina (Weeping Fig) or Ficus lyrata (Fiddle Leaf Fig)—you already know how quickly they can grow wild. Pruning is one of the most effective ways to keep your Ficus healthy, shapely, and full. But here’s the part most plant parents don’t know: Ficus cuttings are incredibly valuable, and they can be used for propagation, home décor, gifting, composting, and more.
In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to prune a Ficus, how to root Ficus cuttings, and the best ways to use every leftover piece. This article is optimized for anyone searching “what to do with Ficus cuttings,” “how to prune a Ficus,” or “how to propagate Ficus cuttings.”
Why You Should Prune Your Ficus (and When to Do It)
Pruning isn’t just cosmetic. Regular trimming encourages:
Bushier growth
Healthier branching
More light reaching inner leaves
Better airflow to prevent pests
A more defined shape
The best time to prune your Ficus is during active growing seasons—spring through early fall. You can prune lightly year-round, but avoid heavy trimming in winter unless necessary.
If your Ficus looks leggy, sparse, or uneven, it’s a sign it’s ready for a fresh cut.
How to Properly Prune a Ficus
Pruning a Ficus is easier than plant parents think. Follow these clean, simple steps:
1. Identify What Needs to Go
Look for:
Long, stretched-out stems
Dead or damaged branches
Crossing stems that block airflow
Bare lower sections you want to fill out
2. Use Clean, Sharp Shears
Always sanitize your scissors or pruning shears. Ficus sap can attract bacteria and pests.
3. Cut Above a Node
Nodes are where new leaves and branches grow.
Cutting just above a node encourages the plant to sprout new growth, making it fuller over time.
4. Step Back and Shape
Create a balanced silhouette by trimming all sides evenly.
What to Do With Ficus Cuttings (Don’t Throw Them Away!)
Most plant owners toss their cuttings—but they’re actually valuable and reusable. Here are the best ways to use your Ficus cuttings:
1. Propagate Your Ficus in Water (Beginner-Friendly)
Water propagation is the easiest method for beginners. Here’s how:
Step-by-Step Water Propagation
Remove lower leaves from the cutting.
Place the stem in a glass of clean water.
Keep it in bright, indirect light.
Change the water weekly to prevent bacteria buildup.
Roots typically appear in 3–6 weeks.
Once the roots are 2–3 inches long, you can transfer your new baby Ficus to soil.
This is the most searched method — perfect for SEO and new plant parents.
2. Propagate Ficus Cuttings in Soil (Stronger Root System)
Soil propagation creates a more stable plant but requires attention.
How to Propagate in Soil
Dip the cut end into rooting hormone (optional but helpful).
Plant 1–2 inches deep in moist, well-draining soil.
Keep humidity high using a plastic dome or bag.
Place in bright, indirect light.
New leaves may take a few weeks to appear—be patient!
3. Gift Your Propagated Ficus Plants
Ficus cuttings make amazing gifts, especially Rubber Plant and Fiddle Leaf Fig baby plants.
You can pot them up in small nursery pots and give them as:
Housewarming gifts
Birthday presents
Office desk plants
Holiday stocking stuffers
Thank-you gifts
People love receiving free plants.
4. Use Leaves for Décor or Potpourri
If you have pretty, intact Ficus leaves, you can dry them and use them for:
Potpourri mixes
Flat-lay photography props
Table styling
Botanical crafts
Pressed leaf artwork
Rubber Plant leaves in particular look fantastic dried and preserved.
5. Compost the Rest (Eco-Friendly Option)
Ficus cuttings break down quickly in compost and add nitrogen-rich green matter to your bin.
Simply chop them into smaller pieces for faster decomposition.
This is a great way to recycle your plant trimmings sustainably.
Aftercare: How to Help Your Pruned Ficus Recover Fast
After pruning, your Ficus may need a little extra care:
Keep it in bright, indirect light
Water normally—don’t overwater
Wipe leaves to keep dust off
Avoid repotting for 3–4 weeks
Monitor for sap drip and pests
Most Ficus plants bounce back quickly and start pushing out new growth within a few weeks.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Waste Your Ficus Cuttings!
Pruning your Ficus is one of the best ways to keep it healthy, and using the cuttings is an easy way to grow new plants for free. Whether you’re propagating them, gifting them, crafting with them, or composting them, every cutting has a purpose.
If you want deeper care guides, watch the full videos on YouTube: Roots and Roasts for more plant tutorials.