What's the Right Fertilizer for Potted Ficus?
Ficus trees (Ficus spp.) Range from soaring giants to smaller, graceful trees often grown as houseplants. Also called fig trees, they are often grown in containers or pots. This is especially true of the species known as F. benjamina, or the weeping ficus. The right fertilizer for potted ficus plants is one that’s full of nitrogen and is water soluble or liquid. If you’re growing your ficus indoors, choose a fertilizer that’s designed for indoor plants.
NPK Ratio
Ficus plants need fertilizer that’s full of nitrogen. The ideal ratio is 3:1:2, as stated by the University of Florida IFAS Extension. Three numbers will be published on the outside of the package. The first number indicates the quantity of nitrogen in regard to phosphorous (the second number) and potassium (the third number). These are also called the NPK levels. Ficus leaves are notoriously sensitive to changes in ecological problems. Nitrogen promotes and nurtures foliage development. For this reason, ficus plants gain from fertilizers with high levels of nitrogen.
Form and Duration
Water-soluble and liquid fertilizers are best for ficus trees, according to Bachman’s. Slow-release fertilizers feed crops with a constant flow of hydrogen, which may be good for the ficus tree leaves. Ficus plants, but do not need fertilizers during dormancy and may be harmed by too much fertilizer. They should just be fertilized during the growing season. Start when new growth appears in the spring, and stop feeding in the end of summer or early autumn.
Frequency and Degree
The frequency and volume of fertilizer will fluctuate based on the size and age of the ficus. Follow the instructions on the package for dosage instructions. In general, ficus plants grown in containers should be fed at least one time per month during the growing season. If the fertilizer is water soluble, it should be given at watering time. Ficus plants grown in containers need watering over trees grown in the ground. For that reason, some home gardeners decide to fertilize whenever that they water, but with diluted dose.
Factors
The health of your tree may symbolize whether it requires fertilizing. Leaves that yellow along the margins or even drop off may indicate a lack of nitrogen. If your tree is getting a lot of bright but indirect sunlight and exposure to warm, humid conditions, but is still having foliage complications, you may have to increase the quantity or frequency of its feedings.