Splitting A Ficus Tree: How To Divide A Large Ficus
Ficus trees are frequently used as houseplants and grown in containers indoors. Often two or more ficus are sold in the same pot. It’s all too easy for these potted trees to become rootbound, a condition that slows or stops the plant’s growth. When this happens it’s time to think about ficus tree division. Splitting a ficus tree isn’t as difficult as it sounds. Read on to learn how and when to split a big ficus.
Ficus Tree Division
You need to divide a large ficus if the plant has become rootbound. If you aren’t familiar with that term, it’s when the tree roots get heavily tangled and compacted. Rootbound plants cannot grow since the roots are not able to deliver water and nutrients to the canopy. When to split a big ficus? Ficus tree division becomes necessary when the roots outgrow container space and cause the vigor and health of the plants to suffer.
Splitting a Ficus Tree
Many times, several ficus trees will be combined in one pot to make the plant look fuller. The roots grow together, tangle, and fill up the pot. When you are splitting a ficus tree, you’ll need to get the tangled root ball out of the pot in a cool, shaded area to keep the roots cool. Tip the container and work the tree out of the container carefully.
Once the root ball is out, pull soil off the root ball with your hands. Then soak the root ball in a bucket to remove the remainder of the soil. Untangle the roots by hand until you can pull the trees apart. Repot each tree in a new container filled with well-draining potting soil.
Divide a Big Ficus
If you have a truly big ficus tree that is actually two trees grown in one pot, you may need to consider root pruning. Root pruning is a technique often used by gardeners when it is necessary to transplant a large tree outdoors.
Essentially, root pruning involves cutting a trench around (or in this case, through) the root ball to encourage small, feeder roots to grow. These roots will transplant with the tree making the transplant less traumatic for the plant.
To root prune a large ficus, use a sharp knife to cut a trench through the root ball between the two ficus plants. Fill the trench with potting mix, water the plant, and leave it alone for a few months. Root pruning causes each tree to grow brand new feeder roots along the trench. When you go to separate and repot the trees, each will have the roots they need to supply food and water.
Gardening tips, videos, info and more delivered right to your inbox!
Sign up for the Gardening Know How newsletter today and receive a free download of our DIY eBook "Bring Your Garden Indoors: 13 DIY Projects For Fall And Winter".
Teo Spengler has been gardening for 30 years. She is a docent at the San Francisco Botanical Garden. Her passion is trees, 250 of which she has planted on her land in France.
-
8 Best Fruit Trees To Plant As Bare Roots In Fall – For The Fastest, Sweetest Harvest
Get a head start on home harvests by planting bare-root fruit trees this fall. Find the best varieties and learn tips for planting and caring for new trees.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
-
5 Urban Garden Ideas For Any Home – Add Natural Flair To The Tiniest Living Spaces
Just because you live in a city, town or built-up area doesn’t mean you have to do without! Try these urban garden ideas to make a green haven even in limited space
By Mary Ellen Ellis
-
Tips For Repotting Fiddle Leaf Fig Plants
Fiddle leaf fig roots don’t mind tight quarters, but when it’s time to repot, learn here how to do it.
By Teo Spengler
-
Propagating A Ficus Tree: How To Propagate Weeping Fig
If you grow a weeping fig, you may want to share with friends or just keep its growth under control with propagation. Read on for more.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
-
Growing A Long-Lasting Ficus: Caring for A Large Ficus Tree Indoors
Have you ever wondered how big a potted ficus tree can grow? If so, click here to find out more!
By Mary Ellen Ellis
-
Ginseng Ficus Pruning: How To Grow A Ficus Ginseng Bonsai Tree
If growing and caring for a bonsai tree seems too difficult, consider diving into the miniature tree world with a ginseng ficus. Growing ginseng ficus as a bonsai tree is a great idea for a hobby for yourself or as a gift for a fellow gardener. Learn more in this article.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
-
Ficus Ginseng Tree Info – Information On Ficus Ginseng Care Indoors
What is a ficus ginseng tree? It is native to south and eastern Asian countries. It is in the Ficus genus but has a chubby trunk, which is similar to ginseng roots – hence this common name. Click this article for more ficus ginseng tree info.
By Bonnie L. Grant
-
What Is A Longleaf Fig – Learn About Longleaf Fig Care
While there are many smaller species of houseplants available, some growers choose larger plants, like ficus. When planted into containers, many tall plants create lush, dense foliage displays. The longleaf fig is just one example. Learn about growing it here.
By Tonya Barnett
-
Fiddle Leaf Fig Pruning: When To Trim A Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree
Wondering how to keep your fiddle leaf fig “fit as a fiddle?” Fiddle leaf fig pruning is one good way to keep the plant in top form by giving it good form. So, let’s get a sharp pair of pruning shears in hand and learn how to prune fiddle leaf fig in this article.
By Shelley Pierce
-
Fiddle-Leaf Fig Care – How To Grow A Fiddle-Leaf Fig Tree
You may have seen people growing fiddle-leaf figs in southern Florida or in containers in well-lit offices or homes. The huge green leaves give the plant a definite tropical air. If you want information on fiddle-leaf fig care, this article can help.
By Teo Spengler