The climbing fig, or Ficus pumila, needs fresh soil on a regular basis. Here we explain step by step how to proceed with repotting.
The climbing fig is quite undemanding and will also be able to convince less experienced hobby gardeners with its lush growth. However, some care instructions should be observed so that the tropical plant can also find ideal growth conditions in our latitudes. Indoor plants should be repotted regularly. We have summarized everything that needs to be considered here in the following article.
When should the climbing fig be repotted?
If the plant was newly purchased, repotting is not necessary in the first year. Commercially available plants are cultivated in fertilized substrate and the plant receives enough nutrients. The plant should be repotted every two to three years. The climbing fig is placed in a slightly larger planter and the soil is completely replaced.
In any case, repotting should be carried out if the climbing fig shows the following symptoms:
- Rootball protrudes from the planter
- instead of potting soil only roots are visible
- Liquid is accumulating in the planter
- Plant is affected by diseases or pests
What size should the planter be?
Less is clearly more here. Choosing an extra large planter so that you won't have to repot for years to come would not be a wise decision. If the root ball gets this oversupply of space, the plant will do everything to fill the plant pot with roots as soon as possible. This happens at the expense of the lush growth of the plant, as the climbing fig invests all its energy in root growth.
→ Tip: A rather small planter is advisable for the climbing fig. In this way, the plant grows luxuriantly and the roots only expand slightly.
Which planters are suitable?
In theory, plant pots made of plastic or planters made of clay can be used. In any case, the plant pot should have sufficient drainage holes for the irrigation water. Clay pots are placed in a bucket of water before transplanting to allow them toCan soak up moisture and not deprive the plant of moisture.
Transplant climbing figs - step by step
- best time - spring or early summer
- Select planter
- Provide substrate
- Drainage on the bottom protects against waterlogging
- Detach the climbing fig from the old planter
- Check root ball
- Put the climbing fig in fresh soil
- Press substrate
- Water the plant well
Climbing fig cannot be removed from pot
- what to do?
If the plant has rooted through the entire pot and is pushing against the edges of the pot, it may happen that the climbing fig cannot be removed from the planter immediately. It can often help to water the climbing fig again. If the root ball still does not come loose, you can try to slide a knife between the plant and the edge of the pot, similar to removing a cake from the mold. If these methods are unsuccessful, it is better to cut the pot from the plant. In this way the roots remain intact and the plant is not damaged.
Show me your root…
If the root ball is exposed, it is easy to see whether the plant appears he althy and intact. If, on the other hand, the root shows signs of rot or if some strands have already died, the root ball needs to be trimmed accordingly and placed in the new planter in a he althy and intact condition.
→ Tip: Pay attention to the sensitive roots, especially when there is waterlogging. These can start to rot very quickly.
Repot climbing fig - all facts at a glance
| Measure | Explanation |
| Select planter | » The new planter should only be a few centimeters larger than its predecessor. » The growth habit of the climbing fig is more convincing if the roots are not given too much space. » Clay pots should be watered for a few minutes before planting, otherwise the climbing figs would be deprived of moisture. |
| Provide substrate | » The plant is less picky about the substrate. » Normal potting soil for indoor plants, vegetables or herbs can be used. » A layer of potsherds should be used to prevent waterlogging applied to the bottom of the planter. |
| Repot plant | » The sensitive roots of the climbing fig should be protected when repotting. » Can theIf you do not remove the root ball from the planter, the old planter must be destroyed if necessary. |
Repotting and pruning?
Climbing figs do not necessarily have to be pruned. But if you are dissatisfied with the growth habit, for example, or if you simply want to remove old branches, you can use repotting for these measures. The climbing fig tolerates pruning very well. Long and overly branched shoots can be removed. If the shoot tips are shortened, this requires dense and bushy growth.
Warning: Climbing figs are slightly poisonous. When repotting or cutting, the milky sap typical of ficus plants can escape. This irritates the skin and mucous membranes. Children and pets should not come into contact with it.
Detect diseases on the climbing fig when repotting
Repotting is a good opportunity to take a closer look at the climbing fig. When checking the leaves, it is noticeable whether the climbing fig feels comfortable in its location and receives sufficient nutrients. If the leaves turn brown and dry up, the plant is probably too sunny and too dry. Leaf spots, which appear light and translucent, can be traced back to a substrate that is too wet and a location that is too cool.
With the transplanting, the climbing fig gets new soil and thus new strength. If the aforementioned care error is recognized, the repotted climbing figs have a good chance of recovering quickly in the right location and with species-appropriate care.