How to Cut a Ficus Plant

Several varieties of ficus are commonly grown as indoor houseplants. The ficus ranges in size from medium-height foliage plants to taller indoor trees. The rubber tree, weeping fig and fiddle leaf fig are just a few varieties that grow well in the home. The plants require minimal maintenance, but some pruning helps them remain healthy and attractive. Pruning also helps control the mature size of the ficus, ensuring that it continues to fit inside the home.

Things You'll Need

• Pruning saw
• Shears
• Fertilizer

Instructions

1. Cut back long branches to the nearest juncture with a branch that is at least one-third the diameter of the branch being pruned. Make the cut flush with the other branch, using a pruning saw.

2. Trim down overgrown top branches to maintain height. Cut these back to within 1/4 inch of the nearest leaf or leaf scar on the branch. Remove no more than one-third of the tree's height when cutting back.

3. Prune out damaged or dead branches, cutting them back to the nearest branch juncture or leaf. Remove interior branches that rub together, as these eventually weaken and break.

4. Water the ficus until the moisture leaks from the container's drainage holes. Fertilize with a balanced soluble fertilizer applied at half the rate on the package to encourage new, healthy growth.

Tips & Warnings

• Do major ficus trims in late winter, when the plant is in its semi-dormant state. Minor pruning can be done at any time of year.

References

• New Mexico State University: Pruning Ficus Benjamina
• University of Minnesota Extension: Rubber Trees, Weeping Figs and Other Friendly Ficus