This is safest for the tree. Remove the tree from the pot, and cut back approximately half the roots to a healthy ball. “Another option, since you have to root-prune and repot the plant every year or two to provide room for new roots to grow,” says Lee, “is to take the plant out of the pot, hack back the roots, and put the remaining root ball into a plastic bag, loosely tied. Since fiddle leaf fig trees can be potted at any time throughout the year, you can keep them indoors and enjoy their lush appearance for many years. The history of the fig tree is long and deeply-rooted. Prune the roots of potted fig trees every 3 to 4 years. Easy Because Figs go Dormant Fig trees are deciduous and drop their leaves after first frost. The only one to avoid turning into a standard ficus, … The mulch will keep the soil from drying out too quickly. After donning goggles and a respirator, spray the plant thoroughly. During hot summer weather, your fig tree may need more frequent watering, possibly even daily. Secondly, how do you care for a potted fig tree? After planting your fig tree in its container, water it well, then add a layer of mulch. First, choose a fig tree variety that grows well in your climate and self-pollinates. Learn which plants thrive in your Hardiness Zone with our new interactive map! If you have grown your fig tree in a pot it is important that you start pruning right after the fruit has ripened. Fig trees grown in containers may be ideal for your limited space or limited opportunity situation. Here’s what you need to know about planting figs, fig tree care and growing a fig tree indoors or outdoors in a pot. Fertilize your fig tree with a slow-release organic fertilizer. Now, the fun part! Prune  in late winter, usually March or April, before budding, or in late fall, around Halloween, or once the tree is done fruiting. The health of your fiddle leaf fig tree’s leaves are SO important. Position your fig tree outdoors in a warm, sunny spot that is sheltered from strong wind. Prune off about one-fourth of the roots that are growing at the outside of the root ball. In the fall, a few weeks before first frost. Water fig trees when the soil is dry an inch below the surface. Do not use clay pot, they break and dry out the soil quickly. Potted fig trees are becoming very popular lately, since growing the plants in pots eliminates worries over winterizing. Fig Tree Basics. Plan the perfect garden with our interactive tool →. The Ficus carica tree is popular because of leaves and special shapes, it is easy to cultivate, which is healthy, and is far from trouble. Table of Contents. She specializes in writing about home improvement, self-sufficient lifestyles and gardening. Watering the Common Fig. Try not to plant in a black or dark-colored pot because it will attract the sun’s rays and possibly overheat the roots. Winterizing a fig tree in a container starts with allowing the tree to lose its leaves. Don’t pick your figs too early. Lay the pot on its side and remove the pot. You should not bring a fig tree into your house for the winter, or into a greenhouse. It will stress the tree and the figs will fall off (nobody likes stress, even fig trees!). Make sure that the container you use has an adequate drainage hole in it. The size of the pot should be appropriate for the top growth. Misting is a must! Pruning Fig Trees In Pots. Figs grow on new growth. Fig trees grown in containers need to be watered abundantly and fertilized with a high nitrogen fertilizer every four weeks during the growing season. Fig Tree Leaf Care. Simply put fertilizer on top of the soil and work it in about a half inch or so in the spring time. As long as the potting soil is loose, well-drained and the pot has a drainage hole, it is hard to over water potted fig trees. That plant will be lighter and easier to move, especially if stems also are pruned. Pot fig trees in plastic, clay or wooden planters. A container suitable for planting fig trees in pots should be large. Now that I’ve piqued your curiosity let’s talk all things you need to know to plant and take care of a fig tree. Plastic is fine with lighter colors preferable so the roots do not become heat stressed in the summer. Fig trees root readily, and where cuttings or stems come into contact with the ground, they will begin to put out roots. You want the fig tree to go dormant, as it’s a critical part of the growing cycle. The fertilizer I recommend is Osmocote Plus slow release, which can be purchased at any big box store. An adult fig tree should be transplanted into a 15- to 20-gallon container. The temperature should be between 10 and 40 degrees. 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