- Light and Soil. Plant the ficus in a well-draining potting mix. Purchase a loamy soil with added vermiculite or perlite for drainage, or mix your own.
- Watering. Water weekly during the summer with room-temperature water. Add water until it drains from the bottom of the pot.
- Pruning. Using sterilized tools, prune the ficus to keep its small size and to shape the canopy. ...
- Fertilizing and a Vacation. Fertilize during the active growth period in summer. You will see new leaves appear and branches grow during this time.
- Leaf Drop. Ficus are sensitive to changes in their environment. They react to these changes by dropping leaves.
- Avoiding Diseases
How do you take care of a ficus tree?
The soil needs water more frequently in spring and summer, when the plant is actively growing, than in fall and winter. The amount of light ficus trees receive also affects how frequently they need water. Ficus trees prefer bright light, though not much direct sunlight, which can scorch their leaves.
How do you raise the humidity on a ficus tree?
Regular misting or setting the ficus tree on a pebble tray filled with water is a great way to increase their humidity, but keep in mind that while they like high humidity, they don’t like overly wet roots. Therefore, when watering, always check the top of the soil first.
How do I know if my ficus tree needs water?
Reduce watering the ficus tree if you notice the leaves turn a yellowish color. This means that the tree has had enough water for the time being. Water Do Potted Ficus Trees Need?
How to grow a ficus tree in a pot?
Use a soilless growing medium if possible. A mix of 3 parts peat moss, 1 part perlite, and 1 part compost will keep the soil well-drained while also retaining water for your ficus. Adding the compost into the pot will add nutrients to the mix as well. You can also use a well-draining potting soil if a soilless growing medium is unavailable.
How do you water a ficus tree?
Your Ficus prefers bright indirect light. Direct sun may burn the leaves and cause them to drop. Water your Ficus Audrey when the top 50-75% of the soil is dry. Water until liquid flows through the drainage hole at the bottom of the pot and discard any water that has accumulated in the saucer.
How do I know if my ficus needs water?
Put your finger a couple of inches into the soil. If the top 1 inch or more is completely dry, your ficus needs water. When watering, pour the water over the entire soil surface and not just on one side.
How do you care for an indoor ficus plant?
Ficus CareLight: Bright to moderate. ... Water: Prefer being slightly dry (but never allow to wilt). ... Fertilizer: Liquid feed during active growth in late spring and summer, or apply Osmocote for the season.Temperature: Between 55F and 85F.Repotting & Pruning: Figs do not mind being relatively pot-bound.More items...•
Does a ficus need direct sunlight?
Ideally, your ficus would have six hours of sunlight a day, but it will be fine even in the shade. Provide about an inch of water each week in summer the first year you plant it. Water every couple of weeks, or when the soil is dry, after that.
How often do you water indoor ficus?
Water your fiddle leaf fig once a week or every 10 days. The number one way to kill a fiddle leaf fig is to overwater it or not allow for proper drainage. And dust the leaves every month to keep spider mites and other pests at bay.
How much water should I give my ficus tree?
Your ficus tree should also be watered about every three days. Don't allow the soil your ficus is growing in to dry out completely. Once the surface of the soil is dry, it's time to water the tree again.
Do ficus like to be misted?
When growing ficus indoors, it's important to maintain a relatively high humidity around the plant. Regular misting or setting the ficus tree on a pebble tray filled with water is a great way to increase their humidity, but keep in mind that while they like high humidity, they don't like overly wet roots.
Why are the leaves on my ficus tree falling off?
Change in environment – The most common cause for dropping ficus leaves is that its environment has changed. Often, you will see ficus leaves drop when the seasons change. The humidity and temperature in your house also changes at this time and this can cause ficus trees to lose leaves.
Is a ficus a good indoor plant?
Popularly known as fig trees, ficus plants become great houseplants. They're easy to grow and maintain if they're grown in the right manner. These medium to large-sized ornamental plants also help in improving the air quality indoors.
How long do ficus trees live indoors?
“If you give [a ficus] what it needs, it's the closest you come to having a tree indoors,” says Barbara Pleasant, author of The Complete Houseplant Survival Manual. “With the right care, a ficus tree can live for about 20 years.”
Why are my ficus tree leaves turning yellow and falling off?
Ficus trees require regular watering. If you let your plant dry out, it may respond by shedding its leaves. If your ficus plant is underwatered, its leaves will turn bright yellow all over the plant and then drop off. Fix the problem by watering your ficus tree every time its soil dries out to a depth of an inch.
How do you revive a dying ficus tree?
Cut away all dead leaves and dry limbs. Cut the limbs up to the trunk of the tree using shears.Wash the pot out with a mild soap and water.Water the ficus and then add additional soil as the water compacts the soil. Continue to add soil until the roots are completely covered. Tip.
How long can a ficus live without water?
If it is a forced air system, depending on soil composition, 7 dry days could certainly spell death.
Do ficus like to be misted?
When growing ficus indoors, it's important to maintain a relatively high humidity around the plant. Regular misting or setting the ficus tree on a pebble tray filled with water is a great way to increase their humidity, but keep in mind that while they like high humidity, they don't like overly wet roots.
Why is my ficus dropping leaves?
Change in environment – The most common cause for dropping ficus leaves is that its environment has changed. Often, you will see ficus leaves drop when the seasons change. The humidity and temperature in your house also changes at this time and this can cause ficus trees to lose leaves.
Why are the leaves on my ficus turning yellow?
If your ficus tree has yellowing leaves or is losing leaves from its branch tips, it is likely overwatered. Let the top inch of soil dry out between waterings, and make sure your plant's pot is not standing in a dish or saucer of water.
Learn About Ficus Houseplants
What is commonly referred to as a ficus is technically a weeping fig. It’s a member of the Ficus genus of plants, which also includes rubber trees...
How to Care For A Ficus Tree
When growing ficus indoors, it’s important to maintain a relatively high humidity around the plant. Regular misting or setting the ficus tree on a...
Common Problems When Caring For A Ficus Plant
Almost everyone who has owned a ficus tree has asked themselves at some point, “Why is my ficus tree dropping its leaves?” A ficus tree losing its...
Can a ficus tree be planted indoors?
Weeping figs (Ficus benjamina) are probably the most common of all potted, indoor trees. Although they don't like changes in their environment, ficus trees eventually can adjust to a wide range of conditions. So they grow well in many homes and on patios.
Do ficus trees need water?
The amount of light ficus trees receive also affects how frequently they need water. Ficus trees prefer bright light, though not much direct sunlight, which can scorch their leaves. With more light, the plants can support more leaves and become lush, beautiful, small trees; expect to water them more frequently under those conditions.
When to water ficus with water?
Such water is not used for plants. +. During the period of growth activation (spring - early autumn), every 10-15 days, it is imperative to water the ficus with water with the addition of liquid fertilizers.
How hot should water be for ficus?
Water for irrigation of ficus is clean, with a temperature of 20-25 ° C. The root section of the soil should be completely wet when the plant is irrigated. Moisten the tree early in the morning or after sunset. To remove excess moisture, it is imperative to provide drainage at the bottom of the tub.
Where do ficus plants grow?
Ficuses are a genus of tropical plants. They grow in the countries of the Pacific and Indian Oceans, the Mediterranean Sea and in southern Africa. Most of them are evergreens, but there are deciduous species as well.
Do ficus trees need water?
Ficuses belong to a varied and numerous genus of plants. They are very popular as indoor culture. Before purchasing a plant, you need to figure out how to water the ficus. Watering schedule is key to healthy tree growth. In summer, the tree is often irrigated, in winter the amount of watering is reduced.
Is it hard to grow ficus?
Growing ficus is not difficult for a novice grower. You just need to remember a few simple irrigation rules. +. Recommendations on how to properly water ficus: +. Change watering regimes depending on the season. The quality of its growth will depend on how often the ficus is watered.
Can a ficus be whimsical?
But the rules for caring for different ficuses differ little from each other. +. Ficus cannot be called a whimsical plant . It takes root well at home. It is important to provide the green pet with moderate watering, good lighting, and protection from drafts. Experienced growers know how to properly water ficuses.
How to grow a ficus indoors?
When growing ficus indoors, it’s important to maintain a relatively high humidity around the plant . Regular misting or setting the ficus tree on a pebble tray filled with water is a great way to increase their humidity, but keep in mind that while they like high humidity, they don’t like overly wet roots. Therefore, when watering, always check the ...
What is a ficus houseplant?
Learn About Ficus Houseplants. What is commonly referred to as a ficus is technically a weeping fig. It’s a member of the Ficus genus of plants, which also includes rubber trees and fig fruit trees, but when it comes to houseplants, most people refer to a weeping fig ( Ficus benjamina) as simply a ficus. Ficus trees can maintain their tree-like ...
What happens if a ficus tree loses its leaves?
If your ficus is losing its leaves, go through the checklist of proper ficus tree care and correct anything that you find wrong. Ficus are also prone to pests such as mealybugs, scale, and spider mites. A healthy ficus tree will not see these problems, but a stressed ficus tree (likely losing leaves) will surely develop a pest problem quickly.
What is a ficus tree?
Image by Watcha. Ficus trees are a common plant in the home and office, mainly because they look like a typical tree with a single trunk and a spreading canopy. For all of their popularity though, ficus plants are finicky.
Can Ficus trees tolerate cold?
Ficus trees also cannot tolerate low temperatures or drafts. They need to be kept in temperatures above 60 degrees F. (16 C.) and actually prefer temperatures above 70 degrees F. (21 C.). Cold drafts from windows or doors will harm them, so make sure to place them somewhere where drafts will not be an issue.
Do ficus plants need water?
Therefore, when watering, always check the top of the soil first. If the top of the soil is wet, don’t water as this means they have enough moisture. If the top of the soil feels dry to the touch, this indicates that they need water. Also while caring for a ficus plant, be aware that they are rapid growers and require plenty ...
Can ficus trees grow indoors?
Bright, direct light may result in scalding of the leaves and leaf loss. Ficus trees also cannot tolerate low temperatures or drafts.
How long do ficus trees live?
“With the right care, a ficus tree can live for about 20 years. ”.
How to tell if it's time to water a pot?
If you underwater, the green leaves will begin to drop. A way to judge whether it’s time to water is to tip the pot and feel its weight; if it’s really light, it’s probably time to give it a drink, says Pleasant. You’ll get the hang of it after a few weeks.
How to tell when to water ficus?
The best way to find out when your ficus needs water is to check the soil. If the soil is dry 2 inches (5.1 cm) down, then add enough water into the container to see it seep through the drainage holes at the bottom. In the wintertime, you'll need to water them a little less, but always check the soil to be sure.
How to keep a ficus?
Provide indirect sunlight for your ficus. Don't keep your ficus next to a window, door, air vent, or radiator, or else it will go through drastic temperature changes. An area with bright, indirect sunlight is the best place to keep a ficus. Ficuses do not tolerate being moved once they have settled in a location.
How to get rid of bugs on ficus tree?
If you notice any bugs on your tree, mix the soap with water in a spray bottle and thoroughly spray your ficus. Spray both the tops and bottoms of the leaves so you get full coverage of the area. If the insecticidal soap does not work, try using neem oil or other essential oils to deter or kill the bugs .
What to use to grow ficus?
A mix of 3 parts peat moss, 1 part perlite, and 1 part compost will keep the soil well-drained while also retaining water for your ficus. Adding the compost into the pot will add nutrients to the mix as well. You can also use a well-draining potting soil if a soilless growing medium is unavailable.
How to clean ficus leaves?
1. Wipe the leaves clean with a wet cloth to remove dust every 2 weeks. If you clean your tree often, the less build-up you'll have to clean later. Wet the cloth with either tap water or distilled water. Gently wipe the leaves of your ficus individually.
How to keep a ficus from dropping leaves?
To maintain humidity, place a saucer with 1⁄8 inch (3.2 mm) of room temperature water underneath the ficus's pot. The water will evaporate and increase the humidity.
What causes leaves to drop on a ficus tree?
Even a slight change in the climate or location can cause leaves to drop. Maintain the area at a humidity above 40 percent. Humidity is just as important as temperature and light for a ficus. If the humidity falls below 40 percent, the tree will drop leaves.
Why are my ficus leaves browning?
Troubleshooting. Leaf loss is a common problem in ficus that are improperly watered. Overly wet soil leads to browning leaves that then fall off. The roots are drowning in the too-moist soil which leads to this leaf death. Check for overly moist soil by sticking your finger in the soil.
Do ficus figs need water?
They thrive with minimum care and live many years, making them a suitable low-maintenance plant in many homes. Watering them properly ensures that they will continue to grow and remain healthy. Most ficus varieties share the same watering needs, though the creeping fig variety is one notable exception.
Can creeping figs tolerate dry soil?
The creeping fig ficus is an exception. These plants do not tolerate any dryness in the soil. Water creeping fig as soon as the soil surface begins to dry but while it is still moist if you stick your finger into it.
Can a ficus plant be grown in a house?
The many varieties of ficus are most often grown as houseplants. Most ficus tolerate some drying between watering, as long as the soil doesn't dry out completely around the root ball inside the planter. The creeping fig ficus is an exception. These plants do not tolerate any dryness in the soil.
Does a creeping fig ficus need fertilizer?
The water aids the roots in quickly accessing the fertilizer nutrients and prevents damage from fertilizer burn. Ficus only require fertilization once monthly while they are actively growing. The creeping fig ficus is an exception. The water aids the roots in quickly accessing the fertilizer nutrients and prevents damage from fertilizer burn.
Why are my ficus leaves turning yellow?
Temperature and Humidity. Like other types of ficus trees, these plants are vulnerable to cool drafts. Unhealthy plants will become leggy, with stretching internodes, and the leaves might first turn yellow and then brown before dropping off entirely.
How hot should I keep a rubber tree?
Generally, rubber trees are best kept in moderate to warm temperatures between 60 degrees Fahrenheit and 75 degrees Fahrenheit, with moderate humidity as well. If your home tends to be dry, invest in a space humidifier to increase the levels.
How to keep indoor plants from stretching?
They are relatively heavy feeders when healthy. Some experts recommend only lightly fertilizing indoor plants to prevent stretching and plants becoming root-bound because they grow too fast.
Do rubber plants need water?
Rubber plants also are vulnerable to excessive dryness and don't tolerate drought well. To check if its time for another watering, check the moisture levels in the first few inches of soil—if they're dry and crumbly, it's time to water your plant again.
Ficus Elastica Burgundy Care Guide
The burgundy rubber tree is a resilient plant, and with a little bit of trial and error anyone can make this house plant happy. The key to ficus burgundy care is proper lighting and making sure that the soil dries out between waterings.
How to Propagate Ficus Burgundy Rubber Tree
The burgundy plant can be propagated from a stem cutting. It is important to be careful when propagating this plant as its sap can cause both skin and eye irritation. We suggest working with gloves on and ensuring you wash your hands after completing the project.
Is Ficus Elastica Burgundy Toxic?
All rubber tree sap is an irritant to both the skin and eyes of humans. The milky sap that is exposed when the plant is cut can produce rash and swelling eyes.
Common Problems With Ficus Burgundy
While burgundy ficus care is fairly simple, this plant can be picky about a few things. Moving the burgundy rubber tree or inconsistent watering can cause it to drop leaves and cause alarm. Thankfully, these issues can be fixed and prevented.
