How to Separate the Roots of a Ficus Tree

How to Separate the Roots of a Ficus Tree

Ficus trees, ornamental members of the mulberry family which have rubber tree, weeping fig and fiddle-leaf varieties, are often kept small and grown indoors in pots. If not properly cared for, personal ficus trees become rootbound, developing heavily tangled, compacted origins which choke off all brand new origins and cause gradual or stopped upper growth. New trees may also be potted in addition to make them appear slimmer, resulting in nutrient competition and an low level of root density. Root separation becomes essential when roots outgrow the container area and plant health suffers.

Water the ficus thoroughly, soaking the soil to 4 inches deep. Let the water moisten the soil and roots for a minimum of 20 minutes.

Pull the ficus pot to a cool, shaded area so the roots do not dry out after exposed. Tip the pot onto its side.

Work the tree slowly out of the pot to avoid splitting the roots. Pull the majority of the dirt off the root ball by hand.

Fill another container with water and allow the ficus roots soak for another 20 minutes to remove the rest of the dirt and soften the roots. Pull the tree out of the water and lay it carefully on its side.

Untangle the origins on the outside of the root ball by hand, slowly pulling them off from one another. Continue untangling the inner origins, cutting any using a gardening knife which won’t come apart.

Independent any secondary ficus trees by untangling the origins and slowly pulling the trunks apart by hand, cutting origins just if necessary.

Expand the tree roots apart and repot the plant in a new, bigger pot full of potting soil.

See related

Comments are closed.