Question
Ficus benjamina, ten inch pot, just under four feet tall, significant leaf drop yet some new leaf growth, moderately root bound, recently purchased from Big Box store for $1 (!), about 2 hours of direct morning sun.  My question, Dear Expert, is how hard should I prune it back to make a lush and lovely plant?  Answer wisely, har har, as this plant is going places!  And no, I promise I won't repot it, Boy Scout's Honor.
Thanks, dude!  

Answer
Dear Scout Amy,

In this case Street-Word is accurate. No one knows Ficus trees better than I. In fact, I have written the definitive article on Ficus tree care that is available on request to [email protected].

You seem to have a good basic understanding that Ficus trees need lots of light, prefer to be moderately potbound and pruning is a positive option, not something to be avoided.

Just how much you should prune your Ficus depends on 1) How leggy it looks right now; 2) What look/shape you are trying to achieve; and 3) How willing you are to tolerate short term ugliness for long-term lushness.

A Ficus tree with a healthy root system and a good home (lots of light, loving care) can tolerate any degree of pruning including the removal of every leaf. You should prune it back to the shape that you want it to be, remembering that virtually all of the new growth will be at the ENDS of the cut stems. Thus, if you want more leaf growth in toward the center of the tree, then you will have to prune at least some of the branches back to the center of the tree.

On the other hand, if the overall interior of the tree is OK and you are simply seeking to remove some leggy branches that are disrupting the symmetry by poking through the outer canopy, then some light trimming may be all that is required.

As always, a photo of you (for perspective) and your new acquisition would provide me with the specifics that I need to give you more detailed instructions. Photos can be emailed to me at [email protected]. Dialog is available at 917-887-8601.

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.
   
Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

You can E-mail me directly at: [email protected]

Visit my web site at www.HorticulturalHelp.com

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