Ficus trees are often used as houseplants, so they are grown in pots or containers. Most times, two or more ficus trees are grown in one pot. If they are not adequately cared for, their roots might get tangled, stopping them from growing further.
At this point, your plant’s health might suffer, which calls for the need for root separation. However, separating a ficus tree isn’t as difficult as it might sound. This article will discuss how to divide a large ficus tree.
Keep reading to learn more!
How to Divide a Large Ficus
Step 1: Water the Ficus Tree
The first step to dividing your large ficus tree is to water it thoroughly so you can soak the soil four inches deep. Allow the water to moisten the soil and roots. Allow them to moisten for at least 20 minutes.
Step 2: Place the Ficus Pot in a Cool Place
Put your ficus tree pot or container in a shaded spot or away from sunlight to protect the roots from drying up.
Step 3: Remove Your Plant from the Pot
Slowly and gently pull your ficus tree out of the pot or container to avoid breaking the roots. Use your hands to pull the bulk of the soil from the root’s ball.
Step 4: Soak the Ficus Roots Again
Soak the ficus roots for another twenty minutes in a container or pot full of water to soften the hearts and remove the remaining soil. After 20 minutes, pull your ficus tree out of the water and lay it somewhere.
Step 5: Untangle the Roots
Start to untangle the root balls using your hands and slowly pull them away from each other. Also, untangle the inner roots and cut off those that won’t pull apart using a gardening knife.
Step 6: Separate Secondary Ficus Trees
If there are secondary ficus trees, separate them by untangling their roots and slowly pulling their trunks from each other using your hands. Only cut off the roots that won’t untangle.
Step 7: Repot Your Plant
Spread the roots of your plants apart, repot them in a larger container or pot, and fill it with potting soil. The potting soil should have good drainage.
Do Ficus Trees Have Deep Roots?
Yes. Ficus trees have very invasive roots. Planting this tree outdoors needs a bit of guidance as the roots can grow and extend to the pavements or driveways, which can damage underground utilities. Luckily, there is a way to control the roots from being invasive.
Can You Grow a Ficus Tree from a Cutting?
Yes, you can grow a ficus tree from a cutting. This is called propagating. You can propagate your ficus plant using stem cuttings, and small plants will start to grow from the cuttings but each plant with its new root system.
However, you need to place the cutting where it will receive indirect sunlight.
Ficus trees love a lot of brightness that comes from indirect sunlight. However, you can place your ficus tree outside during the summer but ensure it’s in a spot where it will not get hit by direct sunlight.
During the winter, when the light is insufficient, ensure to keep your tree in a room over 60 degrees F.
Does Ficus Need Lots of Water?
Ficus trees do not necessarily need a lot of water as that might lead to overwatering, which can result in root rot. However, the plant needs sufficient water. You can water the ficus tree every 5 to 7 days. Although the plant needs some drying out, do not allow the topsoil to dry completely.
What is the Best Fertilizer for Ficus Trees?
The best fertilizer for ficus trees is one that is balanced and all-purpose, like the 8-8-8 fertilizer.
This fertilizer has 8% potassium, 8% nitrogen, and 8% phosphorus by weight. However, in summer and spring, you should apply the fertilizer once per month, and in winter and fall, once in two or three months.
Is It Better to Propagate Ficus in Water or Soil?
The ficus tree plant propagation is best if you grow the stem cuttings in water or soil. However, another alternative for soil and water is propagating the ficus tree by air layering though water and soil have a higher success rate.
Can I Plant Cuttings Straight into the Soil?
Yes, you can plant your cuttings directly into the soil, but you must ensure you balance soil moisture, humidity, and airflow.
Do Ficus Trees Like Sun or Shade?
The Bottomline
When the roots of your ficus tree plants are tangled, they cannot take nutrients and water to the rest of the plant, so they need to be untangled, or otherwise, your plant will die. About the above article, splitting a ficus tree is simple as that.
