Repot a Ficus Tree

Ficus trees grow successfully indoors, but only if you give them enough room. Repotting them every few years will keep them healthy. Here's how to make the transition as easy as possible for the tree.

Steps

  1. Know when to repot a ficus tree. Look for the following signs that your tree needs repotting:
    • roots growing out of the bottom of the pot
    • roots in top 2"/5cm of the soil[1]
    • new leaves come in smaller[1]
    • overly-rapid draining when watered (a sign of root overgrowth displacing the soil); if it dries out in 1-2 days, it's time to repot.
  2. Wait until the tree is between growth spurts. Usually the best time to repot a ficus tree is in late winter or early spring.[1]
  3. Stop watering the tree for at least two days, this allows the soil to dry and makes removal easier.
  4. Find a pot 1-2" (2.5-5cm) larger at the top than your current container. Deep is preferable to wide.[citation needed]
  5. Add a 1-2 inch layer of drainage material, such as gravel, sand, or rocks.
  6. Add soil, compost, or potting mix, as desired, leaving enough depth for the transplant plus 2 inches.
  7. Carefully tip the old pot on its side, then ease the root ball out of the pot by grasping the tree at its base. Depending on the size of your tree, you may need two people to make the transition. Pull from the base in a gentle rocking motion until the root ball is fully released.
  8. If the tree is severely root bound, you may snip the root nest vertically at 4-5 inch intervals around the ball. Alternatively, some sources recommend using a machete or knife to slice off approximately an inch of root ball all around the sides and bottom.
  9. Supporting the base of the root ball and the base of the tree, lift the transplant into the new pot.
  10. Add soil/compost/potting mix to fill.
  11. Water thoroughly, until water runs out the drain holes.
  12. Try not to move your transplanted tree for a week, this allows the root structure to take hold in the new pot and minimizes trauma.

Tips

  • Use a gentle watering system on new pots to prevent soil separation or "sinking".
  • Most indoor trees can be repotted as necessary, but outdoor (patio) trees must be repotted after the last frost in Spring to avoid trauma.[citation needed]
  • Leaves might drop after repotting, but the plant should quickly adjust and start growing new leaves again.[1]

Warnings

  • Never prune immediately before or after repotting.

Related Articles

Sources and Citations

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 http://www.ehow.com/how_2252743_repot-ficus-tree.html
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