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4 Steps to Growing a Ficus Tree in Your Home

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Donna Urso
Do you have a ficus tree in your home? I've had a ficus tree, also known as a weeping fig, in my home for 35 years.  It's thriving. It's not too big and it makes just the impact that I'm looking for in a room with very high ceilings.

If you have a space that you need to fill think about getting yourself a ficus tree.  It will give you many years of beauty and joy.

How to Grow and Care for a Ficus Tree in Your Home

A Ficus tree will thrive in your home for many years.



It really doesn't take a whole lot of care to keep a ficus tree living for 35 years.  To keep it green and pretty and a living and breathing part of your home and decor for all that time takes minimal time and effort.

Watch My Ficus Care Video

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Key Elements of Ficus Tree Care

Be Sure You Have the Right Light

My ficus tree is in a room that is south-facing.  West light comes in through a window on the side of the tree.

My tree loves it in its southwest position.  At first, I tried it in another place in the house and it dropped its leaves. A ficus tree will talk to you.  It will tell you when it's not happy. It will drop and drop and drop its leaves.

When I moved my tree to a southwest corner of the house it was so happy.  That was the perfect light for my tree in New England.

Don't Overwater Your Ficus Tree

The second step to keep your tree living and really thriving in your home is to make sure you don't overwater it.  Ficus trees only need water once a week to every two weeks.  Your tree will actually tell you when it needs water.

I generally look for one yellow leaf somewhere on the tree.  That's the way my ficus tree talks to me and tells me that water is required. If you have a ficus tree start paying attention. Watch the leaves. When you see one yellow one it's time to water.

Fertilize Your Tree During the Growing Season

Fertilize once a month during the growing season using a 10-10-10 water-soluble fertilizer.
That has been enough to keep my tree healthy all these years.

Prune Your Tree As Needed

Take your smaller tree outside at least once a year for a good shake and pruning.  The shake will loosen all the little bits and the pruning will help you maintain the size and structure you want for the tree.  

How to Prune A Ficus Tree Video



If your tree is larger you may want to prune it while inside your home.  I have started to do that recently.  Here is an updated video showing how I prune my tree inside my house.

Preparing Your Ficus for Fall and Winter Video



It's easy to grow a ficus tree in your home. My 34 years with my tree is the proof.

If you want to grow a ficus tree in your home just follow these few steps.

1. You need to have the right light.

2. Make sure that you don't overwater your tree.

3. Prune it occasionally and pay attention to how it's talking to you.

4. Fertilize as needed during the growing season.



That's all you have to do. It's easy to grow a ficus tree in your home.  My 35 successful years with my ficus tree is the proof.


Comments

  1. CindyMarch 10, 2021 at 9:15 AM

    Your ficus is beautiful! I have always grown mine outdoors, but would love to try one inside. You didn't mention drainage. How do you handle that so you get proper drainage without ruining floors?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Donna UrsoMarch 10, 2021 at 10:06 AM

      Hi Cindy. My ficus is planted in a 17” plastic pot. I keep it in a pot dish to protect the floor. It catches any overflow from watering. I try not to overwater. If I see the water leaking out after I water I am very careful next time to monitor the amount. You can usually find a sturdy pot dish in the outdoor pot section of you local nursery or home hardware supplier.

      Delete

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