The Conditions to Grow Ficus Trees
Ficus trees (Ficus benjamina) are generally forgiving plants. They adapt well to less-than-optimal conditions and recover quickly from some stresses. Even its form looks relaxed -- gracefully arching branches that bow downward, giving it the common name of weeping fig. It’s polite enough to give you some foliar signals when it’s stressed so that you can ease it back to its optimal vigor.
Light and Temperature
In U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 10 through 12, ficus trees grow in full sun to partial shade. If the afternoon sun is harsh in your climate, or if you’re growing a variegated cultivar, you may want to plant your ficus tree where it is shaded for half the day. This evergreen tree also does well when it receives filtered light from nearby deciduous trees. After leaves drop in autumn from the deciduous trees, ficus trees receive a welcome measure of full sun in winter. These plants thrive in warm environments, with optimal day temperatures between 75 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit and mild nights between 65 and 70 degrees F.
Ficus trees are classified as drought-tolerant plants, but this doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t water them. Newly transplanted trees need more watering than older, established plants. Mature trees should retain moisture around their roots without becoming waterlogged. If your ficus tree experiences stress from too much or too little water, it gives you subtle signals through the appearance of its leaves. When its leaves turn yellow and drop from trees, it is water-deficient. When an inordinate number of green leaves fall from trees, it’s likely receiving too much water.
Soil and Fertilizer
Ficus trees like neutral pH soil conditions that are either slightly acidic or slightly alkaline. If the pH falls far out of this range, ficus trees may have difficulty absorbing nutrients from the soil. If necessary, you can adjust the soil pH according to soil test recommendations. Ficus trees that are planted in turf may be inundated with nitrogen if you use lawn fertilizers regularly. Soil test recommendations also advise you how to correct nutrient excesses or deficiencies. Regardless of pH and fertility, ficus tree roots should not be restricted by compacted soil. Loosen as large and deep an area of soil as possible before planting new trees.
Overwatering ficus trees is a primary inhibitor to their good health. Planting your tree in well-draining soil and watering according to recommendations help keep plants in optimal condition. Ficus trees are relatively free of serious pests and diseases. However, if you notice pests on your ficus tree, such as aphids, spider mites or mealybugs, monitor their presence to determine whether the condition of your trees warrants the use of an insecticide. Most insect damage is cosmetic, but in severe infestations you may need to use chemicals labeled safe for ficus trees.
- University of Nebraska-Lincoln: Weeping Fig, Ficus Benjamina
- Clemson Cooperative Extension: Weeping Fig
- University of Minnesota Extension Service: Rubber Trees, Weeping Figs and Other Friendly Ficus
- Missouri Botanical Garden: Ficus Benjamina
- California Polytechnic State University Urban Forest Ecosystems Institute: Weeping Fig -- Ficus Benjamina
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