Question
Fig Tree
I received a fig tree that had recently been repotted in May as a graduation gift. It's a terrific gift, but I think maybe it was repotted too soon, and I'm having a lot of trouble keeping it happy, especially after my recent move to Philadelphia. It is about 2.5 feet tall and currently in a 2 gallon pot. I keep it in a south facing window, as I have no outdoor space in my new apartment. The tag on it says "Big Al's Fig, Black Fruit." It gets droopy unless it is watered every other day. I've been using tap water, with monthly additions of miracle grow root booster.
Recently, after not watering it on the third day instead of the second, it has dropped all but one of its leaves. And it only had 5 to start with! I'm attaching a picture for you, so that you can see how sad it looks. How can I nurse this baby back to health?
Thanks,
Naomi
AnswerNaomi,
Yes, It was repotted too soon and you have probably overwatered it. However it is also the type of fig that should reaally be outside. It is not a tropical ficus tree, it is a tree that will grow edible figs and it goes dormant loosing it's leaves during the winter. That is wht it is in the process of doing right now because it is not getting enough light. For the winter this tree needs to be kept in a cool garage or basement. While it has no leaves it does not need light. It also needs to be kept pretty dry. Give it 1/2 cup of water every 2 weeks and no more than that. It is okay for it to go dormant but it must be kept cool, dryish and in low light. If you can't supply those conditions maybe you can keep it at a friends house or your parents for the winter. It cannot stay outside all winter. In the spring after a 4-5 month dormant period it will start sending out new shoots and grow all new leaves. Next summer it will be much healthier if you can keep it outside for the summer in full sun. It might even grow some figs. In the spring fertilize it with Miracle Grow and only water it when it has been dry for 24-48 Don't leave it sitting with a lot of water in the drain tray or the roots will rot. Good luck.
Darlen
