Braided Benjamina Ficus Tree

1. Planting: Select a location with bright or filtered sun exposure, but try to avoid direct sun or cooler areas. When you're ready to plant, remove the tree from its pot and dunk the entire root system in a bucket of water. Submerge the tree’s roots and make sure there are no air pockets that may have gotten into the root ball. Shake the tree a little, twist it back and forth in a clockwise/counterclockwise motion while it is submerged to ensure ALL air bubbles have come out of the root area. Now proceed with the planting/potting, making sure to tamp down the soil as you back fill to ensure no other air pockets form.

Also, ensure you've selected a pot sized one to two times larger than the pot the tree came in, and be sure it has adequate drainage holes on the bottom. Again, place the tree in an area that will receive 4 to 5 hours of sun each day and will not drop below 60 degrees.

2. Watering: Water your tree once a week and twice during the hot summer months. Let the soil dry in between waterings during the winter while the tree is not actively growing. Potted trees will only need to be watered 1 to 2 times weekly, with some additional humidity. For extra humidity, spray the leaves.

If you're not sure when to water, check the top of the soil for moisture - if there is any, leave the tree be.

3. Pruning: Shape and growth are the primary reasons for pruning your Benjamina. Cutters that are designed for close/fine trimming of narrow stems are best. Sterilize your tool(s) with rubbing alcohol to ensure nice, clean cuts.

Find a node where the leaf (or twig) joins the branch and cut at a downward angle just before a node. Make your cut close to the node but without actually cutting into it. Leave one node for newer growth to come out on the branch. When removing an entire branch, cut it back to the trunk and be sure not to leave any nodes.

4. Fertilizing: Ficus Trees are rapid growers and need lots of nutrients. Be sure to feed your potted tree once a month in the spring and summer. Drop down to feeding them once every two months in the fall and winter seasons. A water soluble 10-10-10 formula works well and can be used for either potted or outside trees.