how to prune a potted fig tree

Methods on how to prune a bonsai fig tree can be found at your extension office or from bonsai experts. The plant needs little pruning except when young to help create a strong frame. Roots grow more slowly as the tree grows. … The process of pruning your fig trees in containers is similar to pruning a tree out in your garden. Bonsai is an ancient form of container gardening that relies upon root and stem pruning to create an aesthetic form and diminutive size. You should prune your fig tree at any time during the dormant phase when it has stopped growing for the season. The first time you should be doing fig bush pruning is when you first transplant your young fig tree. If you need to remove any branches, do so during the "severe" pruning stage and train the ball as well as you can to cover any scars. If your winters are consistently too cold for a fig tree you can wrap the tree in insulation for the entire winter. Try these expert-level hacks. I normally cut the stem at the top as I don’t want my indoor fig tree to grow into an 18-foot tree. Potted fruit tree pruning, like pruning field fruit trees, can also have a beneficial effect on fruit production. This video is a detailed and comprehensive overview for why, when and how to prune your fig trees. In the early spring, just before you're ready to transplant, prune the branches back up to one-third of their length, to a healthy bud. “If planting during summer make sure the soil is constantly kept moist,” YatesHorticulture Consultant Angie Thomas says. By using our site, you agree to our. Avoid over watering standard figs; too much water can turn the leaves yellow. Why Potting? Avoid pruning a standard fig tree on hot days; the leaves that are exposed by pruning might be easily burned. Start any pruning project with clean sharp tools. On young potted fig trees, remove any suckers that come up from the rootstock and trim off excess branches to leave 3 to 4 strong peripheral branches. Most fig trees make excellent standard plant subjects because they are hardy, suffer being pot bound and tolerate long periods without water.about being bound in a container and can tolerate low water levels. We know ads can be annoying, but they’re what allow us to make all of wikiHow available for free. When you do this, you will want to prune it about 50% back. Spray the fig tree trunk and branches with dormant oil. In the case of growing fig trees in a cooler climate, they grow better in a pot. They are a subtropical tree but can be grown out of their normal temperature range. Growing is a lot easier than people think. Fruit is born on the previous season’s growth, so avoid removing those terminal branches. Remove about one-fourth of the branches of the fig tree at the same time that you prune the roots. Prune the roots of potted fig trees every 3 to 4 years. Prune your magnolia fig when dormant, either the fall or winter. Prune as necessary to maintain a size and shape you can work with. If the area in which you are storing your fig gets regular daylight, put dark fabric over the burlap and secure that with twine as well. wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. Remove any suckers that come up from the roots and trim off any excess branches so that you have 3 to 4 strong peripheral branches. Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker. 3 Deal with the roots. Figs are an old world fruit that grow on trees suited to Mediterranean climates. If you have a potted fig tree, it may be because you are waiting for it to grow for a transplant, you are controlling its growth because you do not have enough place or do not want to make a bonsai. These branches will be weak because they are growing at an unsustainable angle. Lay the pot on its side and remove the pot. Prune off those growing at less than a 45 degree angle from the branches of fruiting wood. Cut several of the oldest, woodiest stems down to the base. There are many situations where you might want to prune a fig tree. The only one to avoid turning into a standard ficus, however, is the edible fruiting fig tree (Ficus carica). You also may want to shorten the overall height and some of the longest horizontal branches. Be careful not to cut into the parent wood and leave a clean cut that will seal quickly. Fig trees fruit better when slightly root bound, so don't remove too much. Choose one straight stem for a central leader. Prune back … Learn more... A standard ficus or fig tree (Ficus species) is one that has been grown in a pot and trained to create a classic "ball on a stick" look. 3.4 Pruning a fig tree in a pot . This will allow the tree to focus on developing its roots and becoming well established. Eliminate any rubbing or crossing branches to encourage an outward growing habit with an open center, so sunlight reaches all the branches. An organic fertilizer such as compost and mulch will help retain moisture as well. Half whiskey barrels are ideal, but any container large enough to accommodate the root ball plus some growing space is fine. While this does count as severe pruning, the fig tree can cope with this and it will regenerate new, vigorous growth quickly. Figs belong to the genus Ficus, a common group of houseplants. If you need to, you can place a pole into the ground next to the fig tree and tie the branches to that. Choose a fig variety that is suitable for your zone and with the degree of hardiness necessary to thrive where you live. Fig Care Congratulations – you are the owner of a potted fig tree. To create this article, 14 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. Pruning fig trees that are mature only requires removal of dead and broken stems. By: Bonnie L. Grant, Certified Urban Agriculturist. The home gardener may wonder, “When can I prune my container fig tree?” Read on for tips on pruning fig trees. Find a section along the top of your fig plant that’s especially leafy or causing the entire tree to tilt to 1 side. Allow the tree to overwinter in the same ground, until the following spring. Pruning a Brown Turkey Fig. All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/67\/Prune-a-Standard-Fig-Tree-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Prune-a-Standard-Fig-Tree-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/67\/Prune-a-Standard-Fig-Tree-Step-1.jpg\/aid790441-v4-728px-Prune-a-Standard-Fig-Tree-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"