How to Plant a Ficus Tree Outdoors

Ficus trees are native to Africa, India and Malaysia but can be grown outside in most sub-tropical climates, including southern California and Florida within the United States. Ficus trees are notorious for their strong, aggressive root systems. When planting ficus trees outdoors consider using a large planting pot to keep the root growth in check and allowing for easy pruning. Planting a ficus tree without a planting container outdoors is not recommended.

Things You'll Need

• Ficus tree
• Container
• Potting soil
• Fertilizer

Instructions

1. Purchase a ficus tree container suitable to your needs. Ficus trees will grow to meet the size of the container. Typically a 1- to 2-foot diameter pot with 1 to 1 1/2 foot depth will result in a manageable, shrub-sized ficus tree.

2. Select a location with direct sunlight. Ficus trees require direct sunlight for 6 hours a day to maintain optimum health.

3. Plant the ficus tree in rich, moist topsoil. Replace the soil within the pot every three to four years.

4. Water the ficus tree two or three times a week until the tree becomes established. After that, water the ficus tree once a week to maintain a moist topsoil texture.

5. Add fertilizer periodically to the top soil to increase soil nutrients and health.

6. Move the ficus tree near a heated building in climates with colder winters. The radiant heat from the building will give the ficus tree added warmth in frost conditions.

References

• Ficus Tree Info