Ficus trees are a family of tropical plants, vines, and shrubs that can be adapted into potted plants, both indoors and outdoors. To keep the ficus tree healthy, it is recommended that you transplant the ficus tree into a new pot or container every few years. If the ficus tree is larger than the size of the old pot, prepare a new container for the tree in a suitable climate. Make the transfer process as easy as possible so the ficus can thrive in the new environment and avoid post-transfer trauma.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Preparing the Pot and Ficus
Step 1. Move the focus in the spring, if possible
This is the strongest season for ficuses-in winter, spring, and fall, ficus trees will have a harder time adapting. If you can wait until spring to transplant the plant, leave it in the pot until spring arrives.
- Most ficus varieties thrive when transplanted about once a year.
- Indoor ficus trees are generally more adaptable when transplanted into new pots although not in the ideal season.
Step 2. Transfer the plant to a new pot as soon as the roots begin to crowd
Plants whose roots are too dense are more susceptible to disease or nutritional deficiencies. If you see any of the following signs, remove the plant as soon as possible:
- stunted leaf growth
- Roots grow out of the drainage hole
- Leaves appear weak or wilted
Step 3. Remove the ficus carefully from the pot
Do not immediately pull the ficus, but squeeze both sides of the pot and turn it over. Tap the bottom of the pot until the plant loosens and gently pull at the base of the plant.
- Pulling a ficus tree roughly can damage or lose its leaves and flowers.
- Have a friend stand by the inverted ficus to catch it as it falls out of the pot.
Step 4. Choose a pot that is the same size as or larger than the root tissue
Check the root tissue after the plant is removed from the pot and transfer it to a new container of the same depth. That way, the plant will have enough room to adapt without limiting the root tissue. If the root tissue is too large, cut about 20% of its total size.
- Trim the outermost part of the root tissue to keep the center intact, and don't cut too much. Ficus plants prefer their roots in a dense state.
- Do not choose a pot that is much larger than the root tissue because it can inhibit plant growth.
Step 5. Place a layer of gravel at the bottom of the pot
Sprinkle a layer of small gravel 2.5 cm thick into the new pot. The gravel will help drain the water in the pot and prevent the soil from becoming soggy.
You can buy rocks suitable for placing in flower pots at most plant and nursery stores
Part 2 of 3: Moving the Ficus Tree
Step 1. Fill the pot with well-drained soil halfway up
Ficus need well-drained soil especially if mixed with peat to prevent water stagnation. Add soil until the pot is about a quarter-half-full-full after the ficus is inserted.
- You can buy a well-drained soil mix at most nursery or plant stores. Check the label on the package or ask the staff there for help.
- To check soil drainage, dig a hole 30 cm deep and fill it with water. If the soil dries out completely in 5-15 minutes, it is well draining.
- Make sure the new pot also has a few holes in the bottom to help with drainage.
Step 2. Loosen the roots before moving the ficus
Use your hands to loosen the root tissue as much as possible without damaging it. This will help the ficus to absorb more water and nutrients when moved, and adapt better to the new pot.
Step 3. Put the ficus in the pot and fill it with water
Position the ficus tree vertically in the pot. Fill the pot with soil to the level of the previous soil.
Do not make the soil level higher than the previous one because it can suffocate the roots
Step 4. Place the pot in a place with moderate temperature and bright light
Ficus trees prefer temperatures around 15–25 °C or around room temperature. Ficus also like bright light, but not direct sunlight. Whether placed indoors or outdoors, choose a place with moderate temperature and lighting.
Avoid places with sudden temperature changes or cold winds. Near a closed window, for example, is better than in front of an open door
Part 3 of 3: Caring for a Newly Transferred Ficus
Step 1. Water the ficus tree when the top soil feels dry
Stick your finger in the soil-if the first few inches feel dry, water until the soil feels damp. Check the soil daily to check for dryness. The frequency of watering plants can fluctuate depending on temperature, season, and humidity levels.
- Water the ficuses as soon as they are planted or when you notice the top layer of soil is dry.
- During spring or summer, fill a spray bottle with water and spray ficus leaves daily.
Step 2. Fertilize the plant 1-2 times a month in spring and summer
During the warmer seasons, apply fertilizer around the ficus tree every 2-4 weeks. In colder seasons, reduce the frequency of fertilizing plants to once a month.
- Do not fertilize the plant more than once a month in winter, when the tree is dormant.
- Diluted liquid fertilizer is the best choice for ficus.
Step 3. Clean the ficus leaf with a soft cloth
If the leaves look dusty, dip a washcloth or sponge in lukewarm water. Gently wipe the surface of the leaf to keep it shiny and smooth.
Do not use dish soap or other cleaners to clean ficus
Step 4. Prune ficus trees in spring and early fall
Use pruning shears or cuttings to cut off excess growth or dead wood. Avoid pruning near the main stem which can damage the plant.
Prune before or after winter, which is the season when the tree is dormant
Tips
- Smaller ficus varieties do best if grown in hanging baskets. If your variety is small, consider growing it in a basket.
- Do not move ficus trees more than once or twice a year as ficuses grow best in stable conditions.
- If some of the leaves fall off after the plant is transplanted into a new pot, don't worry. Ficus will adapt quickly and grow new leaves in the following weeks.
- Enrich the existing soil with compost annually, especially if you don't plan on transplanting the ficuses into new pots. Adding new soil will provide the plant with nutrients and keep it healthy.
