How to Divide a Rootbound Ficus Tree: A Step-by-Step Guide

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Dividing a Rootbound Ficus Tree: A Comprehensive Guide

Ficus trees are popular houseplants, but they can become rootbound if they’re not repotted regularly. Rootbound plants have tangled roots that can’t absorb water and nutrients properly, which stunts their growth. If your ficus tree is rootbound, you may need to divide it.

How to Tell if Your Ficus Tree is Rootbound

Here are some signs that your ficus tree may be rootbound:

• The roots are visible above the soil line.
• The roots are circling the inside of the pot.
• The plant is not growing as quickly as it used to.
• The leaves are turning yellow or brown.
• The plant is wilting, even when the soil is moist.

When to Divide a Ficus Tree

The best time to divide a ficus tree is during the spring or summer when the plant is actively growing. Avoid dividing your ficus tree in the fall or winter, as it will be more likely to go into shock.

How to Divide a Ficus Tree

Materials you’ll need:

• Sharp knife
• Bucket
• Potting soil
• New pots

Instructions:

1. Carefully remove the ficus tree from its pot.
2. Use your hands to gently loosen the soil around the roots.
3. Soak the root ball in a bucket of water for 30 minutes to soften the soil and make it easier to remove.
4. Use your fingers to gently untangle the roots.
5. If the roots are too tangled to untangle by hand, you can use a sharp knife to cut them apart.
6. Repot each individual ficus tree in a new pot filled with fresh potting soil.
7. Water the plants deeply and place them in a warm, shady spot.

Root Pruning a Large Ficus Tree

If your ficus tree is too large to divide by hand, you may need to root prune it. Root pruning is a technique that involves cutting a trench around the root ball to encourage new feeder roots to grow.

Materials you’ll need:

• Sharp knife
• Potting soil
• Water

Instructions:

1. Use a sharp knife to cut a trench around the root ball, about 6 inches deep.
2. Fill the trench with potting soil and water the plant deeply.
3. Leave the plant alone for a few months to allow the new feeder roots to grow.
4. Once the new feeder roots have grown, you can divide the ficus tree by cutting through the trench.
5. Repot each individual ficus tree in a new pot filled with fresh potting soil.
6. Water the plants deeply and place them in a warm, shady spot.

Tips for Dividing a Ficus Tree

• Use a sharp knife to avoid damaging the roots.
• Be patient and take your time.
• Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it.
• Water the plants deeply after dividing them.
• Place the plants in a warm, shady spot to recover.

With a little care and attention, you can successfully divide your rootbound ficus tree and give it a new lease on life.