A tropical plant, ficus trees are grown around the world but are native to America, Asia, and Africa. Under environmental conditions suitable for the plant, the ficus tree grows readily outdoors and is also grown as a landscaping and houseplant. The tree can live for many years and grow up to 70 feet tall outside, and six feet tall inside. Regardless of how tall a ficus grows, it maintains the shape of a tree. Also known as a weeping fig tree, the ficus has a single pliable trunk and an attractive crown that spreads widely. The leaves of healthy ficus trees are plentiful and range from multi-colored to dark green. Most outdoor ficus trees bloom with yellow or white blossoms, whereas those grown indoors are less likely to bloom.
Ficus trees that are grown indoors prefer temperatures above 60 degrees Fahrenheit and are sensitive to cold drafts. They prefer bright indirect light or filtered light since, strong direct light can burn the leaves and result in leaf loss. The ficus tree also prefers high humidity and benefits from being misted regularly or sitting atop a pebble tray kept filled with water. However, the ficus doesn’t thrive when its roots are too wet, and should only be watered when the top of the soil it is planted in has dried out. Because ficus trees grow rapidly, they have a high nutrient intake and should be fertilized once a month during the warmest seasons of the year, and every second month during the cooler seasons. Ficus trees benefit from being fed slow-release fertilizer pellets to provide them with the nutrition they need to grow and remain healthy.
A sensitive perennial, ficus trees can shed their leaves as a reaction to stress due to multiple causes including being overwatered, relocated, and exposed to too much or too little light or humidity. They may also shed their leaves if they become infested with pests such as spider mites and mealybugs. One of the key signs of pest infestation in a ficus tree is the appearance of sap dripping from the plant, which is actually honeydew produced from the pest. Neem oil is helpful for preventing pests from attacking ficus trees, as is keeping the plant healthy by providing it with the proper nutrients.
A healthy ficus tree will eventually grow large enough to require repotting. To slow down its growth, repotting the plant only every second year is recommended. Pruning also helps to keep the size of ficus trees manageable while encouraging the plant to maintain its shape. Ficus trees should only be pruned during winter, when they are dormant. When pruning a ficus tree, only cut back a branch to a point in front of a node, as this encourages new growth at this spot.
Ficus plants can easily be propagated by cutting the shoots from an existing plant. To propagate a new plant, the cutting that is taken must have a node where a new stem can grow from. Ideally, the cutting should have a sturdy stem and fully grown leaves. Freshly cut shoots should be placed in a glass of water for a period of two to three weeks until they grow small roots, or alternatively immediately planted into the soil so they can grow roots in place.
