How to Water Your Ficus Tree at Different Times of the Year

Ficus Tree is an ornamental deciduous houseplant. There are two types of ficus often found on windowsills: the small-leaved Ficus Benjamina and the large-leaved Ficus elastica (rubber-backed ficus), whose color depends on the species. Even beginner growers can grow both types: care is not complicated, but some important rules need to be followed, especially when it comes to watering. In this article, BubGo will explain how to properly water a ficus at home. Plants need different amounts of water at different times of the year.

How do I know when it's time to water my ficus? Determining if your ficus needs watering is easy: If the soil in the pot has dried out to a depth of 1 inch (2.5 cm) as an adult, it's time to water. You can check this by gently loosening the soil with a stick to the right depth." Young seedlings need more frequent watering, but also only after the top layer has dried out.

How to Water a Ficus Tree to Keep It Healthy and Beautiful

You can water houseplants with tap water. If it is chlorinated, then make sure to protect the water for 1-2 days so that the chlorine evaporates and impurities settle down.

Water at room temperature, or even better, slightly warm water. You can add a little boiling water and stir it up. Ficus plants originate from rainforests and in nature, they are watered by very warm rain. And at home, you should try to recreate the natural conditions of the plant.

Tip: Water from snow, rain, or freezing is perfect.

Frequency of Watering Ficus Trees at Different Times of the Year

During the active growing season (spring and summer), ficus trees need more frequent and heavy watering, and during the rest season (late fall and winter), watering should be moderate. However, watering is specific to each situation and should be based on the individual plant in the first place. Issues to consider.

1. The age of the ficus. Mature plants need more watering than cuttings or annuals.
2. The time of year.
3. The quality of the substrate. Loose substrate dries faster than the dense substrate.
4. The size and material of the pot. Plastic pots retain moisture longer than clay pots.
5. Ambient temperature and light intensity.
6. Timing of transplanting.

The frequency of treatment depends on the time of flower transplanting.

How to Water the Ficus

Ficus requires certain conditions.
1. It likes to be moist. It should be watered once every 2-3 days. The soil in the pot should always be slightly moist. There is no need to over-water as this will damage the root system. If the plant lacks moisture, its growth will stall and it will start to lose its leaves.
2. Room temperature water should be sprinkled on the leaves regularly. The water washes away dust particles from the leaves and makes it easier for the plant to "breathe".
3. A warm bath will not harm the ficus either. On the contrary, it will thank the plant for its beautiful appearance.

How many times a week you water your ficus tree depends on the season.

Ficus: How Often Should the Flowers Be Moistened?

And here's what kind of care the rubbery species is used to.

1. Water moderately, but not frequently.
2. Spraying. The ficus will appreciate this treatment because it likes it. Spraying can be done several times a week. Periodically wipe the leaves with a damp cloth or sponge.
3. Smaller plants can be showered with warm water about once or twice a month. Cover the ground with cellophane to prevent water from pooling on the bush. If showering is combined with watering, try not to pour too much water on the soil.
4. After watering, remove any excess water from the tray. This will help prevent root rot.

Now we will show you how to water your ficus in the fall, winter, spring, and summer.

Signs of Improperly Watered Indoor Ficus Plants

Beginners are often unable to tell if their ficus is due to overwatering or lack of moisture. In both cases, ficus trees look terrible, with leaves losing their luster, turning yellow, drying out, and falling off. Here are some signs that can be used to determine if there is a problem

1. The edges of the leaves wilt and the lower leaves turn yellow and fall off. The upper leaves become pale, lose their color, grow poorly, and become pale - in this case, there is not enough water.

2. If the dried leaf tips are brown, additional watering is needed.

3. The leaf tips start to dry out, they turn brown and the leaves become sluggish and pendulous. Soft spots can be felt on the leaves. Leaves begin to shed here and there - a sign that the plant has been overwatered. If the ficus is in poor condition, the only way to save it is to repot it by checking the root system, replacing the silt, and drying out the soil.

4. Pay attention to the roots when transplanting. If they are brown and soft, and the soil smells unpleasantly of sludge or swamp, this is a clear sign of overwatering. Due to the poor quality of the substrate, the soil may dry out, even if you follow the recommended watering schedule.

Tip: Sometimes, crusts can form on the surface due to poor substrate or too much salt when watering. This prevents water from penetrating deep into the pot and leaves the plant without moisture. This crust must be loosened, or better yet, the soil must be removed and replaced with new soil.

As it happens, due to complete and prolonged drying, the soil in the pot shrinks so much that it moves away from the walls of the pot. In this case, it was necessary to water the flowers by soaking them.

What rules do you follow when watering your ficus? Share your experience and tips with other gardeners in the comments.