How to grow a weeping fig? 7 care tips you must know
In many parks and along roadsides, it is not hard to spot the weeping fig. As a common landscaping plant, the weeping fig can both provide shelter from wind and rain and beautify the environment, winning many people's affection with its good growth habits. So how do you grow a weeping fig? Next, the editor will summarize for you the 7 things you must know about growing a weeping fig.
1. Pot selection/repotting
The size of the flower pot is generally determined by the size of the weeping fig seedling. To obtain a good plant shape, it is best to plant 3 seedlings in one pot. To replenish nutrients, the weeping fig needs repotting once every 1 to 3 years. Small potted plants can be repotted once every April, while large ones can be repotted once every 2 to 3 years. When repotting in spring, add a 1/4 layer of decomposed compost (such as dried pig manure) at the bottom of the pot, then add fresh potting soil. At the same time as repotting, it is best to prune a little to encourage branching.
2. Soil
The weeping fig is best grown in acidic mixed soil rich in humus. It can be a mix of compost and peat soil in equal proportions with a little base fertilizer added, or it can be made by mixing 1/2 garden soil, 1/2 leaf mold and a little coarse sand.
3. Temperature
The weeping fig likes a high-temperature environment. The optimal growing temperature is 22 to 30°C. It is not cold-tolerant. To prevent frost damage, the temperature during the overwintering period should not be below 5°C.
4. Light
The weeping fig likes light and is generally placed in a sunny spot, but it must not receive direct strong light, and variegated varieties are even less able to tolerate it. A weeping fig that receives enough sunlight has thick, fleshy, glossy leaves; a plant lacking light grows poorly, with elongated internodes and soft, drooping leaves.
5. Water
The weeping fig likes a high-humidity environment and avoids dryness. During the peak growing period in midsummer, it needs frequent watering to keep moisture, and frequent spraying of the leaves and the air so that the weeping fig grows better and the leaves become more glossy. In winter, to prevent root rot, water only when the soil looks dry.
6. Fertilizing
During the growing period, the weeping fig should be fertilized with liquid fertilizer once every 2 weeks, mainly nitrogen fertilizer, and a small amount of potassium fertilizer can be applied together as appropriate.
7. Pests and diseases
The weeping fig is prone to leaf spot disease and black mold disease, and can be sprayed with a 600 to 1000 times dilution of 50% carbendazim wettable powder or a 400 to 600 times dilution of 70% mancozeb wettable powder. As for insect pests, the weeping fig is susceptible to scale insects and red spider mites, which can be controlled by spraying a 1000 to 1500 times dilution of 40% dicofol emulsion or a 1000 times dilution of 40% omethoate emulsion.
The weeping fig tree likes a warm and humid growing environment, and should avoid being planted in low-temperature, dry places; it is not strict about light requirements; the most suitable temperature for growth and development is 23°C-32°C, and this tree has relatively strong cold tolerance and can withstand a brief low temperature of 0°C. The weeping fig tree likes light and likes a hot and humid climate, and is highly adaptable. At the same time, it is not strict about soil quality, and grows best in fertile, well-drained environments.
When the weeping fig tree enters its vigorous growth period, it should be watered frequently to keep the soil moist, and water should also be sprayed around the leaf surface, which can effectively promote the plant's growth and development and improve the glossiness of the leaves. In winter, watering should avoid excessive moisture, which can cause root rot in the plant.
The above is the editor's introduction to the 7 major things to note when growing a weeping fig. Although there are quite a few things to pay attention to, you can actually see that, overall, the weeping fig is still relatively easy to grow. For more knowledge related to growing weeping figs, please continue to follow No.1 Home Network.