Ficus Tree Care

About Ficus Trees

Ficus trees are part of a classification of woody fig trees that exist naturally in tropical or temperate climates. Their lush foliage with rich colors and their ability to be easily trained into desirable shapes makes them one of the most common indoor tree varieties for both novice and experienced house plant aficionados. The ficus benjamina – weeping fig – in particular is one of the most popular species.

Caring for a ficus tree requires constant vigilance, however, because they can be very sensitive to environmental conditions and changes. Properly cared for, they will easily flourish and can provide years of beauty to complement any home décor.

Ficus Tree Care Tips

Caring for any houseplant starts long before the plant takes up residence in a kitchen, office, or den. From properly choosing the best plant to understanding why a ficus tree loses leaves, these tips can help keep your ficus healthy and vibrant.

Choosing a Ficus

Ficus trees are very temperamental and can become stressed from simple actions such as moving from one room to another, so it is essential to choose a healthy specimen from the nursery before taking it home and immersing it in a completely new setting. When choosing a ficus, look for the following characteristics:

• A straight, sturdy trunk free from scars or warping
• Rich green leaves with no signs of browning or yellowing and no rips or tears
• Moist soil that indicates a well-watered plant
• No bugs in the leaves or soil
• No signs of recent leaf loss that can indicate plant stress

Planting and Positioning

Ficus trees have vigorous root growth and may easily become pot bound. Replanting the ficus is easy, and should be done every one to two years depending on its growth. Choose a pot at least two inches wider in diameter than the previous pot to ensure plenty of space for the tree to grow. For many trees, this will need to be done soon after they have been purchased as they are moved to a new home.

Where a ficus is positioned is the single most important key to its ongoing health. The trees should be in locations that get some bright sunlight during the day, but should not be in full sun all day. The optimum temperature range is between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. A ficus should not be positioned next to heaters or vents that can create widely varied temperatures. Similarly, it is not healthy for a ficus tree to be placed near a large window that may have widely shifting temperatures throughout the day.

Mist to add humidity.

Watering

Because ficus trees are native to more humid climates, they require careful watering and humidity control for the best growth. The soil should be kept moist but not wet, and the use of a pot saucer is recommended for extra drainage to prevent root rot. The tree should be watered after the top inch or two of soil has dried.

Misting the tree gently once or twice daily, particularly while it is young or if it is adjusting to a new location, can help it maintain its humidity. In extremely dry homes, adding a room humidifier can help adjust the humidity level to match the ficus tree’s needs.

Leaf Loss

The first sign of stress a ficus tree will exhibit is losing leaves, but proper ficus tree care can help minimize any problems. It is not uncommon for a tree to lose one-quarter of its leaves even after a simple environmental change such as switching rooms, but diligent care, proper watering, and temperature regulation can help mitigate additional stress.

If leaves turn yellow just prior to dropping off, it is a sign of over-watering, while dull leaves may indicate a lack of essential nutrients. Fertilizer can be added to the plant’s water every few weeks to keep it healthy, particularly during the vigorous growth periods of the spring and summer.

Seasonal Care

Ficus trees are seasonal plants and have different growing cycles for different times of the year. In the spring and summer, growth is quicker and the trees require more water, fertilizer, and sunlight to stay healthy. If nighttime outdoor temperatures do not fall below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, ficus trees may be placed outdoors for the summer in a bright, sunny area where they can take advantage of natural humidity and rainwater.

Ficus Bonsai

In the winter as the days grow colder and shorter, ficus trees will slow their growth. Less water and fertilizer is required because the tree uses less during cooler seasons.

Additional Ficus Options

For the healthiest, most beautiful ficus trees, remember these additional tips:

• Prune and shape the trees in early spring just as the growing season begins.
• Ficus trees can be groomed into bonsai if desired, using both buried and exposed root designs.
• Wipe dust off the tree’s leaves regularly, keeping pores clear to absorb humidity more easily. Do not use wax-based cleaners on the leaves.

By following proper ficus tree care tips, your indoor tree will be healthy and vibrant throughout the year, bringing a bit of the outdoors into any room you choose..