How to Repot a Ficus Tree
The ficus tree (Ficus benjamina) is a popular houseplant tree. There are 800 species of the plant available. Many ficus trees thrive for 10 years without being re-potted. Pot size often dictates the tree's size. The larger the tree, the larger the pot. When re-potting a ficus expect the top growth to slow down as the tree focuses on its root system. Once the root system is established in the new pot, the tree will put its energy into top growth. The ficus prefers to have slightly root-bound roots. Re-potting should take place in the spring.
- The ficus tree (Ficus benjamina) is a popular houseplant tree.
- When re-potting a ficus expect the top growth to slow down as the tree focuses on its root system.
Choose a pot that is one size larger than the pot that the ficus is currently housed within. The ficus does not like to be in an extra large pot because it enjoys being slightly root bound.
Place a few inches of potting soil into the bottom of the new pot. The ficus is not picky about potting soil. Any soil that is well-draining will work.
Grasp the ficus tree at the base close to the soil level and gently lift from its current pot. If the tree refuses to budge then tap the sides of the existing pot or gently shake the tree loose.
- Choose a pot that is one size larger than the pot that the ficus is currently housed within.
- The ficus does not like to be in an extra large pot because it enjoys being slightly root bound.
Set the tree into the new pot. The ficus tree will need to have its new potting soil level with the old potting soil line. Gently add potting soil around the ficus tree. Tamp the soil down to remove any air pockets. Once the ficus is completely potted water the tree thoroughly.
Fertilize the newly potted ficus using a well-balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer. Apply fertilizer every month until October and then cease fertilizing until March.
- Set the tree into the new pot.
- Gently add potting soil around the ficus tree.
Tip
Expect the ficus tree to drop its leaves heavily after re-potting.
Place the re-potted tree back into the same location it grew before to minimize the stress the plant will be enduring.
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References
Tips
- Expect the ficus tree to drop its leaves heavily after re-potting.
- Place the re-potted tree back into the same location it grew before to minimize the stress the plant will be enduring.
Writer Bio
Based in Oregon, Kimberly Sharpe has been a writer since 2006. She writes for numerous online publications. Her writing has a strong focus on home improvement, gardening, parenting, pets and travel. She has traveled extensively to such places as India and Sri Lanka to widen and enhance her writing and knowledge base.
