Notching is a horticultural technique used on plants like the Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata) to manipulate its growth habit. It involves making a small, precise incision into the main stem to interrupt the plant’s natural tendency to grow only upward. The goal is to stimulate dormant buds along the trunk, encouraging the development of side branches for a bushier specimen.
The Biological Purpose of Notching
Fiddle Leaf Figs exhibit apical dominance, prioritizing vertical growth over lateral spread. This is regulated by the hormone auxin, synthesized in the terminal growth tip (apical bud). Auxin travels downward, chemically suppressing the growth of lateral buds dormant further down the stem.
Notching works by creating a physical barrier in the stem’s transport tissues. This interruption prevents auxin from reaching the bud immediately below the cut. By blocking the flow of the growth-inhibiting hormone, the dormant bud is released from suppression, allowing it to activate and form a new branch.
Identifying the Precise Location for Branching
Precise placement of the incision is crucial for successful branching. The point of interest is the node, the slightly swollen area where a leaf attaches or was previously attached to the trunk. To activate a dormant bud, the notch must be placed just a few millimeters above the selected node.
This placement ensures the cut is directly in the path of the downward-flowing auxin before it passes the target bud. Selecting a healthy, mature node on the main trunk is recommended, as younger wood may not respond reliably. The chosen node should also be receiving adequate light, which aids bud activation once the hormonal block is removed.
Step-by-Step Notching Technique and Tools
The physical execution requires a sharp, clean tool to create a precise wound and minimize damage. A new, sterilized razor blade or a sharp grafting knife is appropriate. Sterilizing the blade with isopropyl alcohol prevents the introduction of pathogens into the vulnerable plant tissue.
The incision should be a shallow, horizontal crescent or thin line, spanning about one-third of the stem’s circumference. The cut must penetrate through the outer bark and into the cambium layer, the thin layer beneath the bark responsible for cell division. Penetrating the cambium is necessary to disrupt the auxin transport tissues, but cutting deeper than one-third risks compromising the stem’s structural integrity.
Timing and Post-Notching Care
Notching should be attempted during the active growing season, ideally in the spring or early summer, when the plant has the energy reserves to support new growth. Immediately following the cut, the plant will likely exude a milky white sap (latex), which should be gently wiped away with a clean cloth.
To maximize successful branching, the Fiddle Leaf Fig requires consistently bright, indirect light and stable watering conditions. New branches typically begin to swell and emerge within four to eight weeks, though results vary depending on the plant’s overall health.