Ficus trees are a popular indoor plant due to their lush green leaves and the fact that they can adapt well to different light conditions. However, keeping them in good shape requires regular pruning. Pruning is an essential process that helps maintain the health of your ficus tree, improves its structure, and encourages new growth.
In this post, we will take you through the steps on how to prune your ficus tree like a pro.
When To Prune Your Ficus Tree
Pruning should be done at certain times of the year to avoid harming your ficus tree. It’s advisable not to prune during winter as it might result in stunted growth or even death of the plant. The best time for pruning is during spring when there’s active growth on the plant.
Tools You Need For Pruning Your Ficus Tree
Before getting started with pruning your ficus tree, ensure you have all necessary tools within reach. These include:
1. Garden gloves
2. Pruners or scissors
3. A long-handled pruner for reaching high branches
4. Rubbing alcohol/disinfectant wipes
The Process Of Pruning Your Ficus Tree
Step 1: Remove Dead Or Damaged Branches
Start by identifying any dead or damaged branches on your ficus tree using garden gloves and pruners/scissors to remove them completely from the base where they join other stems or trunk of your plant.
Step 2: Cut Back Long Branches And Overgrown Stems
Long branches can become unmanageable over time creating an imbalance in shape for your Ficus tree; therefore, cutting back these excessively long stems promotes healthy branching while also making care more manageable.
Step 3: Trim Outward Growing Branches
Ficus Trees need plenty of sunlight exposure so trimming outward growing arms/branches will allow light penetration into inner sections boosting new foliage production while maintaining shape uniformity for your tree.
Step 4: Thin Out Dense Branches
Ficus trees can have dense foliage growth, which can be too much to maintain in shape; therefore, thinning out the branches will allow for more air and light penetration into the plant’s core while also promoting healthy new growth.
Step.5 Disinfect Your Tools After Pruning
It is essential to disinfect your tools after pruning to prevent any spread of disease or fungus from one plant to another. Use rubbing alcohol or disinfectant wipes on your pruners before and after pruning each area of your Ficus tree.
Conclusion
Pruning a ficus tree is a straightforward process that requires some basic knowledge and tools. It helps promote healthy growth, maintain its shape, and reduce the risk of pests or diseases. With these tips on how to prune ficus trees like a pro, you’ll be able to get started right away with maintaining your indoor garden!
