An efficient propagation system through stem cuttings of a multipurpose plant—<i>Ficus tikoua</i> Bur

<i>Ficus tikoua</i> Bur., a versatile plant with medicinal, edible, landscaping, and ecological applications, holds significant economic value and boasts a long-standing history of utilization in China. Despite its robust adaptability, rapid growth, and extensive distribution, the current research gap concerning the physiological mechanisms underlying stem cutting propagation hampers the development of efficient strategies for commercial-scale propagation of <i>F. tikoua</i>, particularly for large-scale cultivation. To address this, we investigated the effects of habitat heterogeneity, physiological indicators, and environmental factors on the cutting propagation of <i>F. tikoua</i>. Stem segments were collected from grassland, sandy, rocky and understory habitats in the field and subjected to comprehensive analyses using a two-factor mixed experimental design and progressive group experiments. Our findings indicate that stem segments of <i>F. tikoua</i> with a length of 10 cm and a diameter of 0.5∼0.7 cm exhibited the highest shoot induction rate and total multiplication coefficient. Optimal results were achieved with a vertical burial depth of 5∼7 cm. Stem segments aged 2∼3 years produced the highest number of seedlings, and the most suitable propagation period for cuttings was from March to April. The best substrate-habitat combinations for overall seeding yield were grassland-T4 (loam: light substrate: humus = 2:1:1), sandy-T6 (loam: light substrate: humus = 2:3:1), rocky-T5 (loam: light substrate: humus = 2:2:1), understory-T3 (loam: light substrate: humus = 1:1:1), respectively. Mantel test analyses revealed that the ability of <i>F. tikoua</i> cuttings from different habitats to form adventitious roots (ARs) largely determined the functional traits associated with cutting propagation. Overall, our results suggest that stem segment from grassland habitat are the most suitable for <i>F. tikoua</i> cutting propagation, with a loam: light substrate: humus ratio of 2:1:1 being the most favorable substrate. In contrast, <i>F. tikoua</i> from rocky habitat is not suitable for cutting propagation, particularly for large-scale seedling production.