The BEST TIPS for Repotting Fig Trees | Planting a Fig Tree in a Pot for Success
With the help of my meticulously crafted guide, you'll be well-equipped to breathe new life into your fig tree. I’m Ross the Fig Boss and I’ve planted 100s of fig trees in pots. I’m here to share the best expertise I can offer. Let me save you time, money, and heartbreak by avoiding rookie mistakes when repotting your fig tree.
First, let's talk about timing.
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When to Repot a Fig Tree
The ideal time to repot a fig tree is in early spring, just after the tree begins its active growth phase. This gives the fig tree a whole growing season to establish its roots in the new pot before the arrival of winter. The second-best time to repot would be in the fall. Both of these times of the growing season are mild creating favorable conditions for an easier transition into your tree’s new home.
If you decide to repot during the summer, it's crucial to take some steps to ensure the tree's health. Always water the tree thoroughly before and after repotting. After the move, keep the tree in a shady spot for a few days to allow it to acclimate to its new environment, and monitor it closely to ensure it isn't showing signs of shock or stress.
In the next section, we will explore a step-by-step guide to repotting a fig tree, putting all these considerations and more into practice.
Step-by-Step Guide to Repotting a Fig Tree
Moving a fig tree into a larger container can feel like a worrying task. However, with the right steps, it can be done smoothly, causing minimal distress to your fig tree. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:
Prepare Your Supplies: Gather your new, larger pot, a well-draining soil mix, a pair of gloves, and your chosen fertilizer. It is also a good idea to have a water source nearby.
Prepare the New Pot: Before removing your fig tree from its current pot, fill the new pot with enough soil so that when the tree is placed in it, the top of the root ball will sit about an inch below the rim of the pot. This extra space will be saved for amendments and a mulch layer.
Remove the Fig Tree from its Current Pot: Make sure to tip the pot sideways or upside down and let gravity do the work. Do not yank or pull too hard as this can damage the root system.
Inspect and Tease the Roots: Check the root system for any signs of root-knot nematodes. If the roots are densely tangled or circling (a condition known as being root-bound), gently tease them apart with your fingers to encourage them to grow out into the new soil. Don’t touch them otherwise.
Place the Tree in the New Pot: Gently place the tree into the new pot. The top of the root ball should be about an inch below the rim of the pot.
Backfill With Soil: Add more soil around the root ball, filling the pot until the soil level is the same as it was in the previous pot.
Firm the Soil: Firm the soil around the root ball to ensure good contact and to remove air pockets. Don’t worry, the soil should still be loose enough to allow water and air movement.
Water Thoroughly: After repotting, water the tree thoroughly, allowing the water to drain through the holes in the bottom of the pot. This will help settle the soil around the roots.
Apply Fertilizer: Once the tree has been watered, apply a slow-release fertilizer around the tree's base. Consider other micronutrients like Silica, Sulfur, Calcium, Magnesium & other trace minerals
Add Mulch: Finally, add a layer of mulch on top of the soil. This will help retain moisture, keep the roots cool, and encourage beneficial soil organisms.
Monitor the Tree: For the first few days after repotting, keep the tree in a shaded area and keep a close eye on it for signs of transplant shock, such as wilting or dropped leaves.
Repotting a fig tree does require some effort, but it is certainly worth it when you see your tree thriving in its new home. The larger space will give the roots room to grow, resulting in a healthier, more productive tree.
In the next section, we will delve into the specifics of what size container is best for your fig tree.
Fig Tree Pot Size - Choosing the Right Container
When it comes to successful fig tree growth, pot size is absolutely essential. In order to see good results with your fig trees, the choice of pot size can't be overlooked. While small containers, such as one-gallon pots, might seem adequate, they can impede your tree's growth. For optimum growth and productivity, fig trees should ideally be grown in pots of at least three, five, or seven gallons. The larger the pot, the more room your fig tree has to grow and expand its roots, leading to improved access to water, nutrients, and consequently, better fruit production.
Sadly, many growers leave their fig trees in smaller pots for too long. As a result, the trees become root-bound, limiting their growth potential and overall health. The ideal practice is to transfer the fig trees from smaller pots to larger containers or plant them in the ground once they have fully rooted and are somewhat established.
Let's compare the pros and cons of different pot sizes and different materials available.
Pros & Cons of Larger Pots
Room for growth: Larger pots provide more space for the plant to spread its roots, which can lead to more vigorous growth and a larger, healthier plant overall.
Heavy and difficult to move: One of the most apparent downsides of larger pots is that they can be quite heavy, especially when filled with soil and a large plant. This can make them difficult to move, which could be a problem if you need to bring plants indoors during winter or want to rearrange your plants frequently.
More soil needed: Larger pots require more soil, which can be more expensive. Also, if you don't have a good-quality soil source, filling a large pot can become challenging.
Risk of overwatering: Larger pots hold more water, which can increase the risk of overwatering if not managed properly. This is especially a concern for plants that prefer well-draining soil and do not like to sit in water.
Pros & Cons of Smaller Pots
Easier to move: Smaller pots are generally lighter and easier to move around. This is a plus if you like to rearrange your plants frequently or if you need to bring them indoors during colder months.
Less soil required: Smaller pots require less soil, which can be a money saver, especially if you have a large number of plants.
Quick warming: Smaller pots warm up quicker, which can be beneficial for certain plants that prefer warmer soil temperatures, like some seedlings.
Limited growth: Smaller pots provide less room for plants to grow and spread their roots. This can limit the size of the plant and possibly its health and productivity.
Frequent watering: Smaller pots dry out faster, which means plants in smaller pots will need to be watered more frequently.
The Pros and Cons of Different Types of Pot Materials
Plastic Pots: These are lightweight, inexpensive, and retain moisture well, but they can degrade over time and are not as environmentally friendly.
Terracotta Pots: These are more breathable than plastic, offering good drainage and a classic aesthetic, but they can be heavier, more fragile, and can dry out quickly.
Ceramic or Glazed Pots: These are often beautifully designed and retain moisture well, but they can be quite heavy and are prone to cracking in freezing temperatures.
Fabric Pots: These provide excellent aeration and prevent plants from becoming root-bound, but they may not be as durable as other materials and can dry out quickly.
In the next section, we will delve into the specifics of what type of soil is best for your repotted fig tree.
Fig Tree Soil Requirements
When it comes to the optimal health and productivity of your fig tree, the importance of the right soil cannot be overstated. The soil acts as the primary influence on the health of your tree as it contains its nutrients, water, and microscopic life. A fig tree's success is largely contingent on a well-draining soil mix that supports root health and facilitates adequate nutrient and water uptake.
Fig trees, in particular, have an extensive and fibrous root system, which means they require a soil structure that supports the roots while allowing for a good amount of air and water movement. This can be achieved with a well-draining mix with slightly larger particles than those typically found in regular potting soil.
A few popular soil choices for fig trees include compost, worm castings, peat moss, and coco coir. While these materials provide an excellent base, they are also quite dense and can sometimes retain too much moisture, leading to waterlogged conditions that can result in root rot. To counteract this and improve aeration, mix in other materials such as vermiculite, perlite, small pieces of bark, shredded bark, or rice hulls.
So, you may ask, how can we strike a balance? The goal is to create a soil mix that, when watered, retains just the right amount of moisture while still allowing the excess water to drain away and air to reach the roots. This balance helps prevent waterlogging and ensures the roots remain healthy and free from rot.
Pro-Mix is a well-liked commercial option that provides an excellent, well-draining environment for fig trees. However, feel free to experiment with creating your own mix using some of the materials mentioned above until you find what works best for you and your tree.
To summarize, the ideal soil for a fig tree in a pot is a well-draining mix that balances moisture retention with aeration. Ensuring you have the correct soil type will set your fig tree up for success and contribute to a bountiful harvest.
Up next, we'll discuss the best fertilizers for your newly repotted fig tree, so keep reading!
Best Fertilizer for Fig Trees in Pots
After successfully repotting your fig tree, it's essential to provide it with the necessary nutrients for optimum growth and fruit production. A balanced fertilizer can significantly aid in this regard.
Fig trees thrive when given a well-balanced NPK fertilizer. The acronym NPK stands for Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K), which are the primary nutrients required by plants. A 10-10-10 or a 10-20-10 fertilizer would be ideal as it covers all the necessary nutrients in balanced quantities.
To make things simple, I recommend slow-release fertilizers because they gradually provide nutrients to the plant over an extended period, rather than delivering them all at once. This ensures your fig tree will receive a steady supply of nutrients throughout the growing season.
In addition to a well-balanced NPK fertilizer, fig trees also benefit from specific micronutrients. Silica, found in vermiculite or diatomaceous earth, can be an excellent addition. Consider using green sand or rock dust, which provides a broad range of micronutrients in higher quantities.
Fig trees have a particular liking for magnesium, sulfur, and calcium. These nutrients can be added using gypsum, oyster shell, or lime. If you conduct an analysis of a fig tree's leaf or the fruits, you will find that these nutrients are typically found in higher quantities in the leaves and fruits.
To read more about fertilizing fig trees, read this detailed article, here:
In the next section, we will look at the correct watering technique and frequency for your fig tree in a pot.
How Much Water Does a Fig Tree Need?
Watering is an essential aspect of caring for your fig tree, particularly when it's grown in a pot. Getting the balance right can be a bit tricky – too little water and the tree may dry out and wilt, too much water and the tree might suffer from root rot. Let's delve into the specifics of how much water your fig tree needs.
Fig trees prefer evenly moist soil, but it's important not to overwater them. Overwatering can cause root rot and lead to the leaves turning yellow and dropping off. At the same time, allowing the soil to dry out completely between watering can stress the tree and stunt its growth. After all, water is the on or off switch of a fig tree’s growth.
During the warmer months of the growing season, I water my container fig trees twice a day for a total of about half of a gallon to a gallon of water every day per 5-gallon-sized pot. If rain is in the forecast, that may decrease my watering quantities and frequency significantly. During September temperatures cool down in the Philadelphia area and rain is more frequent. At this time, I may not water at all. Keeping an eye on the temperature and rainfall is critical for achieving consistently moist soil moisture.
When you do water your fig tree, make sure you water it thoroughly. This means watering until you see water draining out of the bottom of the pot. Thorough watering encourages deep root growth, which in turn will help the tree be more drought-tolerant.
It's also essential to have a pot with good drainage to ensure excess water can escape. This helps to prevent the soil from becoming waterlogged and reduces the chances of root rot.
For more on watering fig trees, read this in-depth article, here:
The next section will explore transplant shock and how to prevent it. Being aware of this potential pitfall can save you from potential plant heartache down the line.
Transplant Shock - A Common Mistake to Avoid
Transplant shock can be one of the most significant risks your fig tree faces during the repotting process. It's a term that refers to a variety of stress-related symptoms, such as wilting, yellowing, or dropped leaves, that your plant might exhibit after it's been moved to a new environment. The good news is that transplant shock can be minimized, or even prevented, with careful repotting practices. Here's how:
Be gentle with the roots: Fig trees have a fibrous, delicate root system. During the repotting process, try to maintain as much of the original soil around the roots as possible to prevent root damage. If the tree is root-bound, gently loosen the outer roots before planting it in the new pot.
Ensure proper root-to-soil contact: After placing the tree in its new pot, pack the soil firmly around the root ball to eliminate air pockets. This helps the roots make good contact with the soil, enhancing their ability to absorb water and nutrients and reducing the risk of transplant shock.
Water correctly: After repotting, water the tree thoroughly to settle the soil and hydrate the roots. However, be careful not to overwater, as fig trees are susceptible to root rot.
Use mulch: A layer of mulch on top of the soil can help regulate soil temperature, retain moisture, and improve the soil's overall environment, reducing the chances of transplant shock.
Limit initial sun exposure: After repotting, place the fig tree in a location with filtered light or partial shade for the first week or so. Gradually acclimate the tree to more sunlight to avoid sun stress on top of transplant shock.
