Ficus Tree Care Guide

Ficus trees are among the most popular indoor decorative trees. With over 800 different species, there is a wide variety to choose from. With proper care they typically flourish and live for several years. Ficus trees do best in a humid environment.

Planting

Since Ficus trees have a tendency to get pot bound, regular replanting is recommended. Once every 12 to 24 months is usually adequate. It depends on the overall growth rate of the tree. Always choose a pot at least two inches in diameter larger than the one you are replacing. This gives the tree enough room to grow.

Temperature

The optimum air temperature for a Ficus is 75 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and 65 degrees Fahrenheit at night. Even though the tree is capable of surviving in freezing temperatures for short periods of time, subjecting it to cold weather is not recommended.

Sunlight

A Ficus tree does well in either relatively low or bright sunlight. However, it should not be moved from one extreme to the other too quickly. It is best to allow your Ficus to adjust to light changes gradually.

Watering

Proper watering is crucial, when it comes to the successful growth of your Ficus tree.  Keep the soil moist, never wet. Re-water only when the top one to two inches of soil feel dry to the touch. Misting it once or twice a day helps to maintain proper humidity levels and is especially beneficial for young trees. To help prevent root rot, place a saucer underneath the pot for drainage purposes.