Question
I just bought a big ficus lyrata tee that stands about 6 feet high and is 4-5 feet wide. It's kind of wild looking compared to well-groomed pictures I've seen online. I can deal with the randomness of the tree but it is lopsided and I have to put a weight in th plastic bucket to keep it from falling over. Is there a way to even it out over time? I've heard plants grow toward the sun. If I put the sparse side facing the shaded window, will that help?

Also, do I need to move it out of the greenhouse's big plastic container or can I just put that container directly into  prettier one?

I'm a newbie with plants so any help would be greatly appreciated! If you need a picture, I could obtain one.

Best,
Stacy

Answer
Stacy,

Yes, it would be better not to repot it until next year between April 1st and June 30th. Be very careful not to repot into much larger pot or the plant will quickly outgrow being able to keep it indoors. Planted in the ground this is a tree that can get 80 feet tall. You can start now by pruning back the overgrown side so the plant looks more symmetrical. Stand back and look at it then cut 2 to 4 leaves off the long side then stand back and see what else needs done till it looks more balanced and you don't need the rock. Then in the future turn it every 2 weeks so it doesn't grow lopsided.

When it is time to repot it only move it to a pot with a diameter 2 inches larger than the pot you are removing it from. when it is as large as you want it you can start root pruning it every 3 years use a sharp knife and old pruners and cut 2-3 inches off the outside of the rootball all the way around the rootball and off the bottom then put it back in the same pot with fresh soil and cut 4 to 6 inches off all the way around the top of the plant. That will keep it balanced and keep it from outgrowing your room. You are basically keeping it as a large bonsai tree. Fertilize it once a month and give it as much sun as possible to keep it healthy. Do not keep it constantly wet or the roots will rot. It must be dry for 2-3 days between thorough waterings. Good luck with your beautiful tree.

Darlene