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Ficus Trees

Q.Ficus tree gift question

Zone Dallas, Texas | altarset added on March 5, 2017 | Answered

I received a ficus that someone was giving away. It was not pruned at all during its rapid growth solely inside of an office building by a window. The problem is the trunk is only about an inch to an inch and three quarter round but it has grown to over seven feet tall so it’s appearance is awkward and leggy. It dropped a lot of leaves after the move to my home but I’m sure that it will become acclimated in it’s new home. I would like to cut it in half and attempt to grow each half after getting some fresh roots in water, like I would an ivy. One of the large limbs cracked in the move and I did a fresh cut and at the break and put it in a large glass of water, it has already sprouted roots, (about two weeks) and is ready to be potted. Couldn’t I do the same with the trunk cut in half? It is just too tall to support itself except against a wall, I need to do something.

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Downtoearthdigs
Answered on March 6, 2017

I Ficus can be propagated by taking 4 to 5 inch cuttings from the new spring growth on the tree.
It would no be advisable to cut the top off the tree and try to root that.

You could stake the plant to give it some support.

Optimizing the care and growing conditions may help.

It is very common for Ficus to protest a move by dropping it's leaves. Find it's home and keep it there. Turn the plant every few weeks to keep the plant growing evenly.

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/ficus/ficus-tree-care.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/ficus/ficus-losing-leaves.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/ficus/trimming-ficus-trees.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/projects/rooting-plant-cuttings.htm

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