Read about the easy Tricks to Force a Fiddle Leaf Fig to Branch Without Topping It with this post and have a bushier one in your home.
Fiddle leaf figs are popular indoor plants known for their large, violin-shaped leaves. Many plant lovers want their fiddle leaf figs to grow bushy with lots of branches. However, cutting off the top, also known as “topping,” can be harsh. The good news? You don’t have to top your fiddle leaf fig to make it branch. There are gentle Tricks to force a Fiddle Leaf Fig to Branch Without Topping It.
Tricks to Force a Fiddle Leaf Fig to Branch Without Topping It
1. Notching the Stem
Notching means making a small cut in the stem just above a leaf node, which is where a leaf connects to the main stem. To do this, use a clean, sharp knife or blade. Choose the spot where you want a branch to grow, find a leaf node, and carefully make a small cut just above it. The cut should go about one-third of the way into the stem, but not all the way through. You can repeat this step in several places on the plant, but be sure not to overdo it.
This method works because notching disrupts the flow of growth hormones in the stem, which encourages the plant to push out new growth from the node where you made the cut. The best time to try notching is in spring or early summer, when your plant is actively growing.
2. Pinching New Growth
Pinching is a gentle method that involves removing just the very tip of the newest growth. Wait until your fiddle leaf fig has produced a fresh set of baby leaves at the top. Then, using your fingers or a clean pair of scissors, carefully pinch off the small, soft tip. Avoid removing any large leaves.
This method works by briefly stopping upward growth, which encourages the plant to redirect its energy toward the sides, resulting in the formation of new branches.
3. Give It More Light
Good lighting is one of the easiest ways to encourage natural branching. Fiddle leaf figs thrive in bright, indirect sunlight. When your plant receives enough light, it grows stronger and is more likely to branch on its own. Place the plant near a bright window that gets morning or afternoon sun.
South- or east-facing windows work especially well. Don’t forget to turn the plant every couple of weeks so that all sides get equal light. If your plant sits in a dim corner, it may grow tall and thin instead of full and bushy.
4. Shake or Gently Bend the Stem
In the wild, fiddle leaf figs are exposed to wind, which naturally encourages them to grow thicker trunks and sometimes push out new branches. You can mimic this natural movement indoors by gently shaking the stem once a day or softly bending it from side to side.
This mild stress helps the plant strengthen its structure and may encourage branching. Be gentle when trying this method, especially if the plant is still young or has a thin stem.
5. Use a Growth Hormone (Optional)
Some gardeners prefer to use natural plant hormones, such as cytokinins, to promote branching. These hormones can be applied near the leaf nodes or near a notched area. Look for a product made for houseplants and follow the instructions carefully.
This is an optional step; some plant owners find it helpful, especially when used in conjunction with other methods, such as notching or pinching. Be cautious not to overuse, as excessive application can stress or damage the plant.
6. Feed It Right
A healthy fiddle leaf fig is more likely to grow new branches. Ensure you’re feeding your plant with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season, typically spring and summer. A general houseplant fertilizer with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (such as 10-10-10) works well.
Also, be sure to water your plant properly, allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. Ensure the pot has good drainage. A stressed or overwatered plant will struggle to grow new branches, no matter what tricks you try.
