Question
Hi Will,
 I bought a Ficus lyrata which has done very well growing strait up.  I would like to have it branch such that it would be 'tree form' - any suggestions as getting this to happen? Do some cutting branch and others just want to grow vertically?
Thanks in advance.

Cheers,
Kate

Answer
Hi Kate,

Ficus lyratas do not branch readily and only sporadically and unpredictably when they do. Sometimes they branch spontaneously, but you have no control over that. Pruning a stem back occasionally will cause the stem to put out two new stems, but more commonly it simply puts out a single new growth stem that continues to grow upward.

The best way to get a branched Lyrata is to buy one that has been grown that way at the nursery. Unbranched Lyratas are usually grown with multiple stems in the pot so that you have a fuller plant.

I have written detailed articles on pruning and on Ficus lyrata care that I will email for free to you (or anyone else) who emails a request to me at [email protected]. I have also written an indoor plant care book in a PDF format that I can sell you if you contact me at my email address.

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.

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Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

Visit my website at: A link to HorticulturalHelp.com