Ficus Sansibarica Care

Ficus plants need consistent, but moderate watering throughout the growing season, with dry spells in the winter. Make sure soil is just moist, not dry or drenched, at all times, but cut back waterings in the winter. Your plant will likely lose leaves during the winter "dry" spell.

Ficus tree pruning needs to take place when the plant is no longer actively growing. Most plants are vegetatively active in spring and summer, with growth dying down in fall. By winter, the plant has gone into dormancy and is less susceptible to injury. Therefore, winter is the best time for trimming ficus trees.

Fertilize ficus trees in the spring with ½ cup 10-10-10 fertilizer per tree.

Ficus love bright, indirect sunlight and lots of it. Your plant will enjoy spending time outside during the summer, but protect the plant from direct sunlight unless it's been acclimated to it.

A ficus needs well-draining, fertile soil. Soil-based potting mixes should work well for this plant and provide the nutrients it needs. Avoid using soils for roses or azaleas, since these are more acidic potting soils.

During winter, keep your plant away from drafts and don't allow it to stay in a room that falls below 55-60 degrees F. Ficus trees also cannot tolerate low temperatures or drafts. They need to be kept in temperatures above 60 F. (16 C.) and actually prefer temperatures above 70 F.

Drainage is critical, and soil that stays too wet can damage the roots of the plant. Be sure the pot you select has drainage holes at the bottom to allow excess water to escape. Select a pot that is one size larger than the pot in which the ficus currently grows, advises Fine Gardening.

Numerous species of plants belong to the genus Ficus and contain irritating sap. Following ingestion, irritation of the mouth and gastrointestinal tract may occur. Dermal irritation is also possible if the sap gets on the pet's skin.

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