How to Care for a Braided Ficus Tree

eHow may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Learn more about our affiliate and product review process here.

Things You'll Need

  • Liquid fertilizer for indoor plants

  • Pruning shears

Braided ficus is a durable tree that requires a moderate level of care.

Braided ficus trees (Ficus benjamina) are regular ficus plants with three or four trunks that were braided together while the tree was young. This treatment gives the ficus an entirely new and different look. Braided ficus trees benefit from an occasional trim, as a ficus grown in plenty of sunlight can grow as tall as 100 feet if allowed to grow unrestrained. Braided ficus will grace your indoor environment for many years with a moderate level of care.

Advertisement

Step 1

Water the plant thoroughly using lukewarm water, until water runs through the drainage hole in the bottom of the pot. Pour out any water remaining in the drainage saucer and don't allow the ficus to stand in water. Water again when the top of the soil feels slightly dry, but don't allow the soil to become bone dry.

Advertisement

Video of the Day

Step 2

Place braided ficus in full sunlight, or in bright, moderate sunlight for at least six hours every day. Braided ficus won't do well in low light and will often respond by dropping its leaves.

Step 3

Feed the plant every three to four weeks while the plant is actively growing. Use a regular liquid fertilizer for indoor plants but dilute the solution to half the strength recommended on the package label. Gradually decrease fertilizing as growth begins to slow in autumn and withhold fertilizer during the winter.

Advertisement

Step 4

Prune the braided ficus tree as needed to control the size and to encourage full, bushy growth. Use pruning shears to trim where one branch grows from another, or just above a node, which is where a leaf grows from the stem.

Advertisement

references

Report an Issue

screenshot of the current page

Screenshot loading...