A fig tree can be maintained in the same planter for a relatively long time. If the growth of the figs slows down and it only produces a few fruits, you should move the wood to a larger bucket.
Repot only when the substrate is completely rooted
Since the roots of the fig can reach enormous dimensions, but grow rather slowly, it is sufficient to repot the plant about every two to three years. Make absolutely sure that the roots of the tree are not damaged when removing them from the old planter.
Now take a close look at the pot ball: If it is not yet completely rooted, it is sufficient to replace the old substrate with fresh one. Before doing this, carefully remove the soil that is not penetrated by roots.
The right time
If possible, repot fig trees at the beginning of the growing season in early spring. Refrain from transplanting poorly growing plants, as repotting causes great stress for the plant. Instead, try first to eliminate the cause of the unsatisfactory growth and to combat pests or diseases with suitable means.
Stuffing the fig
If the root ball is stuck in the planter, there are various methods to loosen it:
- Hit the container several times with a wooden spoon.
- Carefully break clay pots with a hammer.
- Cut open plastic pots with sharp scissors
If none of this succeeds, you can carefully run a long knife between the flower pot and the root ball. Then have a helper gently pull the pot away from the root ball while you hold the fig directly above the ground.
The right substrate
Figs need permeable and nutrient-rich soil with a high proportion of mineral components. The following are suitable as an addition to conventional balcony plant or potting soil:
- sand
- fine-grained gravel
- tuff
- lava granules
- expanded clay
Important: A drainage layer
Figs are very sensitive to waterlogging and this should be avoided at all costs. Therefore, cover the large holes in the planter with broken clay and then fill the container with a layer of expanded clay balls a few centimeters thick. This ensures that excess irrigation water runs off well. At the same time, the clay stores a small amount of water and ensures that the root ball is aerated from below.
tips and tricks
If roots appear in the drainage hole of the pot, this is not a sign that the fig needs to be repotted. Take the fig out of the pot - if the roots have not yet completely filled the substrate, you can wait a while before repotting. In this case, simply replace the old soil with fresh substrate.
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