Question
Hi, I asked you a question about a rubber plant a few days ago and you said not to put it in a bigger pot, but to prune the roots to encourage bushier growth. Thank you for that - I will try it. I am now wondering if you would suggest the same for a fig tree. I have one about 4 ft tall and was just thinking of repotting it into a bigger pot. It's not doing too badly - I just thought it would want a bigger pot by now. It's actually about as tall as I want it.

- Diane

Answer
Diane,

Yes! Any plant that you do not want to get larger you should not repot into a larger pot. That only encourages it to grow larger. Every 2-3 years you should do the rootpruning like I described earlier. That removes any circling roots and makes room for the roots to grow. It will keep the tree healthier indefinitely. Always prune the top back at the same time or awhile before you do the root pruning.

Eventually the tree will develop a larger trunk and will look like a small version of the trees outdoors. Similar to bonsai trees. Pruning the top or roots always keeps potted plants healthier.Good luck!

Darlene