Table of Contents
Ficus plants need consistent, but moderate watering throughout the growing season, with dry spells in the winter. Make sure soil is just moist, not dry or drenched, at all times, but cut back waterings in the winter. Your plant will likely lose leaves during the winter “dry” spell.
Is ficus a good indoor plant?
The ficus genus of ornamental plants is a range of species which are very popular for growing indoors, whether in a house, conservatory, office, or hotel. They are not hard plants to grow; most people just above beginner level can grow and maintain them very well.
How often does ficus need to be watered?
Drainage and a watering schedule Water your ficus when the top two to three inches of the soil dries out—you can easily measure this by using the first two knuckles on your finger. The larger the plant, the more water it needs. A plant in a 12-inch pot needs at least 1-1.5 liters of water a week in the summer.
Are ficus indoor or outdoor plants?
Ficus (Ficus benjamina) is commonly grown indoors, but it can grow up to 60 feet tall when grown outdoors in U.S. Department of Agricultural plant hardiness zones 10b to 11.
How long do ficus trees live indoors?
“If you give [a ficus] what it needs, it’s the closest you come to having a tree indoors,” says Barbara Pleasant, author of The Complete Houseplant Survival Manual. “With the right care, a ficus tree can live for about 20 years.”Feb 11, 2021.
How do I keep my ficus tree healthy?
Ficus love bright, indirect sunlight and lots of it. Your plant will enjoy spending time outside during the summer, but protect the plant from direct sunlight unless it’s been acclimated to it. During winter, keep your plant away from drafts and don’t allow it to stay in a room that falls below 55-60 degrees F.
Can ficus grow in shade?
In U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 10 through 12, ficus trees grow in full sun to partial shade. If the afternoon sun is harsh in your climate, or if you’re growing a variegated cultivar, you may want to plant your ficus tree where it is shaded for half the day.
Why do ficus drop leaves?
Change in environment – The most common cause for dropping ficus leaves is that its environment has changed. Incorrect watering – Under watering or over watering both can cause a ficus tree to lose leaves. An improperly watered ficus tree may have yellowing leaves and the ficus tree leaves may curl.
How do I know if my ficus needs water?
Put your finger a couple of inches into the soil. If the top 1 inch or more is completely dry, your ficus needs water. When watering, pour the water over the entire soil surface and not just on one side.
How do I grow more leaves on my ficus tree?
Water your ficus tree regularly throughout the growing season. Just make sure to allow the compost to dry out a bit before re-watering. Fertilize every three weeks with a well-diluted house plant feed, but only throughout the summer months. The extra nutrients will help to promote new shoots and leaves.
How can I make my ficus grow faster?
If you grow a ficus outdoors, it grows most quickly when it’s in full sun for at least part of each day, and slows its growth rate if sited in partial or full shade. Whether a houseplant or an outdoor plant, you can help boost the growth rate of a plant in low light by moving it into brighter light.
What is the best fertilizer for ficus trees?
The best fertilizer for ficus trees is a balanced blend, such as 8-8-8, applied monthly in spring and summer and every other month in fall and winter.
What do you feed a ficus tree?
Water-soluble and liquid fertilizers are best for ficus trees, according to Bachman’s. Slow-release fertilizers feed plants with a steady stream of nitrogen, which can be good for the ficus tree’s leaves. Ficus plants, however, do not need fertilizers during dormancy and can be harmed by too much fertilizer.
How do you clean an indoor ficus tree?
In order to keep a large-leaf variety, such as Ficus elastica, thriving, keep the leaves clean of any dirt or dust. Mix 10 parts water to 1 part mild hand soap in a spray bottle, and mist the leaves. Use Plant Paws (a soft cotton mitt), or any soft, lint-free cloth, to remove dirt and dust from leaves.
How much sunlight does a ficus tree need?
Ideally, your ficus would have six hours of sunlight a day, but it will be fine even in the shade. Provide about an inch of water each week in summer the first year you plant it. Water every couple of weeks, or when the soil is dry, after that.
What is indirect sunlight?
Indirect sunlight is when your plant is in a shady area within an area that receives bright sunlight. It may be behind another plant or a piece of furniture. Partial sunlight is when the light is direct only during certain times of the day, such as in the morning or late afternoon.
Are coffee grounds good for ficus trees?
Oak, pine, spruce and fir trees also love acidic soil. (Most edible plants like acidic soil, but some plants, such as eucalyptus, ficus, chrysanthemum and clematis, prefer alkaline soil). Used coffee grounds make an effective and fast-acting fertilizer for plants and vegetables.
Are ficus hard to care for?
Ficus trees are very easy to care for once they are settled into their new environment. After they adjust to their new home, they will thrive in a spot with bright indirect light and a consistent watering schedule.
