How to Care for Indoor Ficus Trees

Ficus are among the most popular indoor plants in American homes: ficus trees look lovely indoors, brightening up a sunny corner, and with a little initial attention, they can almost take care of themselves. Here are a few tips to help you care for your ficus.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A plant in the Ficus family, such as the popular Ficus benjamina
• A sunny area indoors
• A plant pot large enough to accommodate root growth

1. Select a sunny place in your home for the ficus to live. They love sunlight. Place the ficus in the area where it will get the most hours of light a day.

2. Don't be worried if the ficus initially sheds leaves when you first place it indoors: these species experience seasonal leaf-loss, and some leaf-loss when their environment changes (such as when they're brought indoors from being outdoors).

3. Water your ficus. A general rule to bear in mind is the more light, the more water. Light enables plant growth so watering enough to keep the soil moist (but not soggy) is essential. If the plant is receiving less light (as in winter months), water less frequently--about once a week, just enough to moisten soil.

4. Periodically check to make sure the ficus is not outgrowing its pot. Ficus species have robust root systems, and if the plant is beginning to outgrow its pot, you may see some leaves yellowing or dropping. Replant into a larger pot to allow the roots to grow.

5. Prune your ficus in spring if it appears to be growing too wildly. Simply prune wayward branches to reshape the canopy into a more pleasing profile.

6. Once the ficus is settled in a sunny spot for a few months, it should regrow any leaves it dropped when it first arrived with a little attention on your part. Once established and cared for properly, ficus trees can grow beautiful green canopies for twenty years or more.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't panic if your ficus loses leaves! Ficus originate in a zone with pronounced rainy and dry seasons, and lose leaves accordingly even when indoors.
• Don't overwater, or let the ficus get too dry. When initially establishing your ficus in your home, it can be sensitive to environmental changes, including watering. Just keep the soil moist to the touch at all time.

[brandy1123]

on 12/7/2008 great tip