Most indoor weeping fig trees will grow to a maximum height of about six feet, but they can be kept much smaller with pruning or grown as bonsai trees. There is similar variation in the spread, from less than one foot (30 cm) to more than 3 feet indoors (90cm).
How do I keep my fig tree small?
Figs can be kept small by pruning them as shrubs, allowing them to be grown in the smallest of backyard spaces—a boon for urban edible landscapers. The sap of certain figs can be a skin irritant, so be sure to wear gloves when pruning.
Can I trim my weeping fig?
Ficus Pruning Tips
Cut just before a growth node so that new growth will sprout there and cover the stump. Another tip is to remove a branch back to another branch that is one of its size. This will prevent unsightly stubs and restore the size and appearance of the ficus.
How big does a weeping fig plant get?
How to Grow and Care for Weeping Fig (Ficus)
| Common Name | Weeping fig, ficus tree, Benjamin fig |
|---|---|
| Plant Type | Evergreen tree usually grown as a houseplant |
| Mature Size | 3-6 ft. tall indoors; up to 60 ft. tall outdoors |
| Sun Exposure | Filtered, bright sun |
| Soil Type | Rich, fast-draining potting soil |
Can you bonsai a weeping fig?
A common household plant, weeping fig is easy to grow and tolerates indoor conditions so is a good plant for a new bonsai enthusiast. Many varieties exist and vary in the size of their leaves. The variety exotica and cultivar ‘Natascha’ are especially valued as bonsai and tolerate low light levels.
Can I cut the top off my fig tree?
1. Cut off the top of the newly planted fig tree about 24 inches from the soil. Act in late winter or early spring before the first buds appear. Trim all remaining branches back to 6 inches.
Can you dwarf a fig tree?
Fig trees are hardy and surprisingly easy to grow! They grow up to 30 feet tall, but large varieties can be kept small with pruning and dwarf fig trees stay small at only 5 to 10 feet tall.
Can I cut the top off my rubber plant?
Aside from removing dead or dying leaves, rubber plants don’t require much pruning. However, for shaping, keep the following in mind: Don’t cut off the top until your plant reaches the desired height. When you do cut off the top, your plant will branch out.
How do I make my weeping fig bushy?
To create a “bushy” look, take several cuttings and grow them together as “one” plant. Use a rooting hormone to increase your chances and if possible keep the compost warm by providing bottom heat, which can be achieved by using a heated propagator.
How long does a weeping fig live?
Sometimes the trunks of ficus trees are twisted or braided or trained as a bonsai. “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.”
Where should you place a weeping fig?
It’s important to find the right spot for your weeping fig. Choose a place that has bright but indirect light – a position a few feet from a window is ideal. Make sure the plant is not in a draughty spot or close to the heat of a radiator or heater in winter.
Why is my ficus bonsai dropping leaves?
The main reason for Bonsai dropping leaves is due to improper care. It may include overwatering, underwatering, overwintering, insufficient sunlight, disease, and pest infestation.
How do you care for a ficus bonsai?
The Bonsai Ficus prefers room temperature soft water and it can tolerate occasional over, or underwatering. We advise daily misting to maintain humidity, but too much misting can create fungal problems. The warmer the placement of the fig during winter the more water it needs.
Can fig tree roots damage house?
With the right conditions, the roots can sometimes cover 50ft of ground. Though it’s unlikely that fig tree roots can cause damage to structures, it has a potential for doing so. Fig tree roots have a potential for causing damage to walls, foundations, fences, pipes, sidewalks, and driveways.
What happens if you don’t prune a fig tree?
If you do not prune these branches, they will drain energy from the main, healthy tree, and your fig tree will gradually weaken and produce a smaller yield as a result. Similarly, secondary lateral branches should also be removed if they grow close to the ground.
How tall should a fig tree be?
Depending on the variety, fig trees naturally mature around 10- to 15-feet tall or larger! Many fig-tree growers find that keeping them between 6-8 feet tall is most manageable, especially in a container environment.
How invasive are fig tree roots?
Fig tree roots generally are very invasive, although much depends on the tree’s variety, its planting location, and the overall soil quality. Most fig trees, if they are planted in optimal conditions, spread their roots far and wide, which can make then troubling if they are planted in the center of a landscape design.
How far should a fence be from a fig tree?
Space fig trees at least 20 feet away from any buildings or other trees. Fig trees put down deep roots if given the chance, so bear that in mind when choosing a planting spot.
Do fig trees have deep roots?
The root system is typically shallow and spreading, sometimes covering 50 ft (15 m) of ground, but in permeable soil some of the roots may descend to 20 ft (6 m). The deciduous leaves are palmate, deeply divided into 3 to 7 main lobes, these more shallowly lobed and irregularly toothed on the margins.
How do I keep my rubber plant small?
Pruning and Trimming Rubber Trees
The most effective way to control your Rubber Tree Plant’s growth is by pruning. Rubber Trees are pretty resilient and can take anything from a light trim to a hard prune almost any time of the year (although late Spring seems to be the best time to do it).
What can I do with an overgrown rubber plant?
If you prune away too many of the rubber plant’s leaves and branches, it won’t be able to photosynthesize and may die. So, make sure that you always leave at least 2-3 leaves behind. Also keep in mind that it’s easier for the plant to regrow leaves than to regrow branches.
Justin Shelton is a professional cook. He’s been in the industry for over 10 years, and he loves nothing more than creating delicious dishes for others to enjoy. Justin has worked in some of the best kitchens in the country, and he’s always looking for new challenges and ways to improve his craft. When he’s not cooking, Justin enjoys spending time with his wife and son. He loves exploring new restaurants and trying out different cuisines.