How to Grow a Weeping Fig Ficus in a Container
The weeping fig ficus is an adaptable tree that responds well to container growth. Known simply as the weeping fig, this evergreen produces rich-green, drooping foliage with strong, gray-colored branches. Its high tolerance for drought conditions and adaptability to all levels of sunlight makes the weeping fig an excellent selection for container growth, both indoors and outdoors. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Fine wire mesh
- Fertilizer
- Potting container
- Potting soil
- Pruning shears
- Sand
Instructions
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1
Choose a well-draining potting container for the weeping ficus. Pick a container that has several drainage holes at the bottom of the container rather than one central hole to ensure good drainage. Affix fine wire mesh across the top of each drainage hole. Use the mesh to keep the soil and roots from exiting the holes and the pests from entering through the holes.
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Mix nutrient-rich potting soil with equal amounts of clean, coarse sand to increase the soil’s drainage. Incorporate the soil and sand thoroughly to create a well-balanced loam. Fill the bottom third of the container with the soil mixture, and set the prepared container aside.
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3
Inspect your weeping fig carefully. Remove any dead or broken branches and stems from the tree with sharp, sterile shears. Make flush cuts just before the branch’s root collar to promote rapid and healthy healing. Thin the weeping fig’s densely foliated canopy to increase the sunlight and air that flows through the canopy.
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4
Remove your weeping fig from its original bindings, and gently remove the excess soil from the root system. Inspect the roots carefully, and remove any dead or wilted roots from the system with sharp, sterile shears. Cut the damaged roots back to its healthiest point. Trim away dead roots back to the root mass. Avoid removing more than a third of the root system, if possible, to prevent growth stunt and dieback.
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5
Place the newly pruned weeping fig in the center of its prepared potting container, and fill the container the rest of the way with soil. Be sure all of the weeping fig’s roots are covered with soil, and press the soil gently around the base of the tree to secure its position.
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6
Water the weeping fig immediately after planting to promote a good establishment. Pour tepid water evenly, at soil level, around the fig until the unused water flows evenly from the drainage holes. Place your fig in a warm, well-ventilated location. Choose a location that receives full morning sunlight with shaded afternoon and evening sunlight to prevent foliage burn.
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7
Fertilize the potted weeping fig throughout the growing season, from early spring through mid-summer. Use a well-balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 or 8-8-8 combination. Apply the fertilizer according to the directions to avoid over-fertilizing and root burn.
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8
Trim the weeping fig periodically throughout the growing season to control its shape. Cut back vigorously growing branches to meet the shape of the canopy. Remove any suckers that appear at the base of the tree. Use a clean cloth to dab the sap that runs from the pruning cuts, as this will help to seal the wounds.
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Repot your weeping fig ficus every other year during the early spring. Repot the fig in the same manner as you completed during the initial potting. Be sure to inspect the roots and prune lightly, if necessary.
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