The climbing fig, or Ficus pumila, requires fertilizer regularly and also wants to be treated with care when watering. More tips here.
The term ficus usually refers to plants in the form of trees or shrubs. But some Ficus species also want to aim high. The climbing fig belongs to the mulberry family and is native to East Asia.
The climbing ficus can be used to green house walls and walls and is popular as a houseplant. Anyone who observes the following instructions when caring for the climbing plants will enjoy the robust and vigorous plant.
Water the climbing fig correctly
The watering of the climbing fig should not be done haphazardly, but requires a certain amount of sensitivity. It is important to find a he althy middle ground, because the plants do not tolerate either dry bulbs or waterlogging. The substrate should not dry out, but should not feel too damp either. The upper layer of soil is welcome to dry out until the next watering is due.
➔ Tip: With your finger you can easily check whether the soil has only dried on the surface or whether the dryness is deeper and should be watered quickly.
The plant will also indicate whether it is satisfied with its water balance. The climbing fig loses its leaves when it is dry. Wet soil will gradually rot the roots.
Water straight from the tap doesn't get the climbing figs. The tropical plant does not tolerate lime. Our tap water is usually particularly calcareous. A good alternative is rainwater. If you don't have access to this, you can mix stale tap water with distilled water or start decalcifying the tap water.
➔ Tip: If a sack filled with peat is placed in tap water for several days, it can then be used for watering without hesitation.
Climbing figs are used to a warm, humid climate. Ideal conditions can be created if the plant is sprayed with water more frequently. Tap water should also be avoided here. This often leaves unsightly limescale deposits on the leaves.
The watering amount isnot least depending on the location. In a light and sunny location, the plant needs more water. More water is also poured during the growth phase in the summer months. Watering can be reduced in a cooler location.
Watering climbing figs correctly in keywords
- Water regularly but moderately
- Ball dryness and waterlogging are not tolerated
- spray more often
- Soil is allowed to dry between waterings
Fertilize the climbing fig correctly
The nutrient requirement of the climbing figs is moderate. If plants are purchased, they usually do not need any fertilizer in the first year, because the potting soil is treated accordingly and provides the climbing figs with the necessary nutrients.
During the growth phase, the plants can be given liquid fertilizer at 14-day intervals. Alternatively, granules or sticks can also be used. If slow-release fertilizer is applied, this should be done in spring.
Transplanting is a good opportunity to change the substrate and enrich it with organic slow-release fertilizer such as compost or horn shavings. In September, the fertilization is gradually stopped and in winter the climbing fig does not receive any fertilizer.
Fertilize climbing figs correctly in keywords:
- every two weeks during the growth phase
- Use liquid fertilizer, sticks or pellets
- Do not fertilize purchased plants in the first year
- Fertilize self-grown young plants for the first time after six weeks
- do not fertilize in winter
Tips for correct watering and fertilizing
- at a glance -
| Measure | Explanation |
| Casting | » The climbing fig has to be watered carefully. » The plants don't tolerate either dry bulbs or waterlogging. » Frequent spraying welcomes the tropical plant. » Climbing figs need lime-free water . » Tap water should therefore be descaled or mixed with distilled water. » Rainwater is a welcome alternative. |
| Fertilize | » Fertilizer is applied during the growth phase, between April and December. » Liquid fertiliser, pellets or sticks can be used. » After purchase, climbing figs do not have to for the first year be fertilized. » Fertilization is also not necessary in winter. |
What is important when caring for the climbing fig?
Watering and fertilizing are important components of theplant care. The location is also important. A bright location should be found for the climbing fig. The blazing sun does not get the plant, the leaves would literally burn. If you switch to a west or east window, the climbing fig usually copes well with the light conditions and the sunlight.
If the plant is rather dark, it will need less watering. A dark location has a negative effect on the appearance of the plants. Small leaves and large distances between the foliage clearly indicate this care error.
For watering, it is also important to ensure that the air humidity is sufficiently high. As a tropical plant, a warm, humid climate is an important prerequisite for the he althy growth of the climbing fig. In addition to the watering can, the plant sprayer should not be neglected. If you fill it with rainwater or leave tap water to stand for a few days, the lime content will be noticeably reduced and there is usually no need to worry about ugly lime stains on the leaves.
A look at the leaves
The indoor gardener can tell from the leaves whether the climbing fig is he althy and whether it is sufficiently watered and fertilized. Rich leaf green and he althy, bushy growth speak for a green thumb when dealing with the plant.
If, on the other hand, the leaves begin to discolor, turn brown and dry up, then the watering was clearly neglected or the location was too sunny. With too intensive watering, light spots appear on the leaves. The same happens if the plant is too cool.