The Ficus benjamina, or weeping fig tree, makes an excellent houseplant thanks to its ability to withstand heavy pruning to fit a desired size and shape. The fig features shiny green leaves and grows as an evergreen, so it can keep your home or office looking lively year round. The plant is also flexible and is often trained or pruned into certain shapes for better decoration. Whatever your decorative plans for your weeping fig, proper care is vital to keep the tree healthy. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Fill a planting pot that features drainage holes three-quarters of the way full with well-draining potting soil, available from garden centers and nurseries. The size of the pot will vary depending on your intended use for the fig; use a pot that will fit in your decorative area. The fig will adjust to the size of the pot.
2. Plant benjamina seeds 1 to 2 inches deep in the center of the soil. Water the soil thoroughly so that it is moist but not soaking or puddling. The amount of water you need will vary by the size of your pot.
3. Place the pot in an area of your home or office where it will receive four to six hours of indirect sunlight per day. You can place the young tree in an area of bright sun as long as it is protected by a curtain or shades. Direct sunlight will burn the leaves unless the humidity is above 80 percent. The tree will begin to sprout within three to six weeks of planting.
4. Maintain the temperature around the fig between 65 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal growth. Water the fig when the top 1 1/2 to 2 inches of soil are dried out. The plant will need fewer waterings in the winter, when it is not actively growing. Do not water so that the soil is soaked through because the fig's roots will rot in standing water.
5. Feed the young ficus with liquid fertilizer once per month during the growing season, generally from early spring to late summer. Follow specific product instructions regarding application rate. Do not feed during the winter months, when the plant is dormant and will not sprout.
6. Mist and rinse your fig's leaves once per week with room temperature water to increase the humidity and help the fig breathe.
7. Prune your fig as necessary to fit your design or space. It does not matter when you prune, so long as you don't remove more than half of the plant's foliage at once. Such excessive pruning might kill the plant.
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