Providing your weeping fig tree with the proper soil is crucial to its growth and development. It's just as important to use appropriately sized pots that are made of suitable materials so that they can support the tree. We have researched the best soil and pots to use for weeping fig trees, and in this post, we will share our findings with you.
Weeping fig trees prefer soil that is loose, acidic, and well-draining. The soil doesn't have to be incredibly high in nutrients, and they don't require organic matter exclusively. You can use soil that contains sand, perlite, and vermiculite to help improve drainage, as this is the most important thing when it comes to its soil requirements.
Ideal planting containers for these trees are larger solid pots made of durable and stable materials. This includes metal, wood, terracotta, fiberglass, and thick plastic.
The great thing about growing weeping figs indoors is that they are fairly easy to maintain. They don't require much attention other than regular watering and daily sunlight. Continue reading to learn more about the best pot and soil options for these popular plants.
Soil Requirements for Weeping Figs
One of the best conveniences about growing weeping figs is that they don't require expensive soil to thrive. You can use typical potting soil with an equally proportioned NPK (Nitrogen-Phosphorus-Potassium) ratio of 10-10-10 or an all-purpose potting soil for this plant.
As mentioned previously, the most important thing to consider is soil drainage. The soil will need to be well-draining, moist, and loose so that the plant's roots do not become waterlogged and susceptible to root rot and other fungal and bacterial infections.
Check out this all-purpose potting soil on Amazon.
Weeping fig trees can grow to be fairly large indoor house plants. They can grow up to 6 feet in height. Their height, combined with the weight from their potting soil, means that they'll require a heavy enough pot to sustain the plant as it grows. Unstable pots can cause the plants to lean to the side and even burst due to pressure from the soil, especially after a watering session.
It's also essential to make sure that the pot has adequate drainage at the bottom. Let's take a look at some of the best materials that fit the bill.
Best Containers for Weeping Figs
Terracotta pots
Terracotta pots are clay-based pots that are typically unglazed and have a slightly porous surface. These pots are relatively inexpensive, though larger pots can get pricey. The biggest benefit of using these pots is that they are heavy and typically more stable than other materials. They are the perfect choice for plants like weeping figs that prefer moist oil. They can also provide adequate support for heavy or tall indoor trees.
Check out this terracotta pot on Amazon.
Metal pots
Metal pots are perfect for weeping figs. They are typically heavy and durable enough to adequately support the tree and add an interesting touch of character to your plant's aesthetics. These durable plant pots come in various sizes and styles and are typically less expensive than other clay-based or ceramic pots.
One thing you'll want to note with metals pot is the drainage. Since metal isn't porous, the plant's soil may stay moist longer than it usually would.
Learn more about this metal pot set on Amazon.
Ceramic pots
Ceramic pots are also a terrific choice for weeping figs as they are available in various styles, sizes, and thicknesses. These pots don't dry out as fast as terracotta pots, and they are stable and heavy enough to support the plant and prevent it from tipping over. One of the most significant advantages of ceramic pots is their durability. They don't break easily and can last for several decades.
Read more about this ceramic pot set on Amazon.
Wooden pots
Wooden pots are also an excellent choice for weeping fig trees, as they are thick enough to support the weight of the tree's height and soil. Most wooden pots are made from durable woods such as redwood or cedar, which are also known to last for several years. These pots are also pretty affordable, and they can be lined with plastic to help extend their lifespan.
Another benefit of these pots is that you can improve their drainage by creating your own drainage hole using a hole saw or reciprocating saw. You can also create your own wooden pot from scratch using old wooden baskets, crates, or scrap tree bark.
Check out this wooden pot in Amazon.
Fiberglass pots
If you're looking for a durable pot that has strong support and that's available in an unlimited number of style options, consider fiberglass pots. These versatile pots are perfect for your indoor weeping figs, especially if you struggle with dry conditions in your home. Their non-porous surface can help your tree's soil maintain moisture-and on top of that. They can last for several years.
Learn more about this fiberclay pot on Amazon.
Plastic pots
Often, plastic pots are the go-to material for indoor plants. However, all plastic pots are not created equal. With a weeping fig, you'll want to ensure that your plastic pot is made of durable, thick plastic, as most are fairly lightweight.
Some of the biggest advantages of plastic pots are that they are inexpensive, they help retain moisture in a plant's soil, and they are available in an unlimited number of sizes, colors, and styles. It's also important to note that plastic pots are not porous, so you'll want to ensure that your pot comes with adequate drainage holes on the bottom.
Find details about this plastic pot on Amazon.
Are Coffee Grounds Good For Ficus Trees?
Yes. Like many other trees that prefer acidic soil, ficus trees love coffee grounds. Coffee grounds can provide a quick low dose of nitrogen to the tree's soil if you're running out of fertilizer. Or, if you prefer to make your own fertilizer, coffee grounds can be beneficial.
Coffee grounds also contain several amino acids and vitamins, which can help a ficus tree develop rich soil and strong roots. If you find that your tree's soil pH is low, consider sprinkling a cup or two of coffee grounds on top of the tree's soil to increase its acidity. When doing this, it's best to test the pH of the soil beforehand and after to monitor the acidity levels.
Read more about this pH testing kit on Amazon.
What Does A Good Ficus Tree Fertilizer Contain?
Generally, ficus trees refer to a slow-release balanced fertilizer with a balanced NPK ratio of 10-10-10 or something similar. Other than the main minerals and nutrients needed for a typical tree's growth, ficus trees don't require any additional supplements in their fertilizer. If the tree's soil is becoming too alkaline, you may want to find a fertilizer with a high nitrogen ratio, however. Or, you can use coffee grounds.
Do Ficus Trees Like To Be Rootbound?
Yes. Ficus trees prefer to be root bound when they're planted in indoor pots. However, if the roots start to stick out from the top of the soil, this is a tell-tale sign that the plant needs to be re-potted to a bigger pot.
When Should You Repot A Ficus Tree?
There are a few signs to look for when it's time to re-pot your ficus tree. Let's take a look at the most common and obvious ones.
Leaning
As mentioned earlier, ficus trees can get up to six feet in height. However, if the plant starts to lean over to the side, this may signify that the pot can no longer support the weight of the plant's new growth. In this case, it's best to re-pot the plant to a pot that is a few in its wider. You may see this occur every two to three years.
Pest infestation
Like any indoor plant, ficus plants are susceptible to pest infestation, such as mealybugs, aphids, ficus whiteflies, and thrips. If you observe these bugs on your plant, it's best to re-pot the ficus to eliminate any pests that have infiltrated the plant's soil. In addition to this, you'll also want to spray the plant down with an insecticide, such as neem oil.
Root issues
Sometimes root issues can also cause the ficus to require a re-potting. If you notice that the plant has developed a fungal or bacterial infection, you'll need to re-pot the plant and replace the infected soil with new fresh soil. You'll also want to ensure that the new pot has adequate drainage to prevent further root issues.
Wrapping things up
We hope that this post has helped you gain insight into the best soil conditions and the best types of pots for weeping fig trees. In general, these trees are pretty easy trees to maintain, but it's best to ensure that they have the proper pot support and soil conditions to remain healthy and vibrant.
Check out our other posts before you go:
7 Best Fiddle Leaf Fig Fertilizers
How Much Light Does A Weeping Fig Need?
thank you so much U are very knowledgable
helped me a lot