When to Repot a Ficus Houseplant
Ficus, also known as a fig or rubber tree, is a genus of plants that incorporates more than 800 species, many of which are commonly grown as houseplants. In general, a ficus houseplant is a hardy plant that can tolerate repotting, pruning top growth and root pruning. When you repot has a lot to do with how large you want your ficus to grow. Does this Spark an idea?
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Repot Yearly?
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You usually do not need to repot a ficus houseplant every year. Repotting will only put unnecessary stress on your ficus and if it's not too large for its pot, it's not necessary to repot. Ficas can grow fine in the same container for a long time, sometimes up to 10 years; however, ficus plants are usually repotted approximately every two to three years.
Pot Bound
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Repot when your ficus appears to be too large for its pot. The roots can become root bound, stunting its growth. Signs that the plant is root bound is its growth slows down and it needs more water than usual. However, if you like your ficus the size that it is and don't want it in a larger container to grow even bigger, you can leave it in its pot if desired. Instead take it out, trim the roots and plant, and repot with new potting soil in the same container.
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Time of Year
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You can repot a ficus houseplant anytime of year. Ideally, though, before a new growth spurt is the best time, especially in the spring when a ficus often has its largest growth spurt.
How to Repot
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Lay newspaper on your floor or counter for easy cleanup. Then, turn the pot on its side and run a knife along the insides of the pot to loosen the soil from the container. Gently pull the ficus out by holding the bottom of the plant rather than pulling from the top. Brush off the potting soil and replant it in a slightly larger pot in new, high-quality potting soil. Replant the ficus so it is planted as deep as it was in the old container. Water your ficus thoroughly.
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References
- Photo Credit ficus image by c-chez-marc from Fotolia.com
