Question
Hello Will,

I think my tree is a Ficus. It's growing very nicely, I've had it for 4 months. I live in Germany. I have it next to a full glass door with Southern light exposure.

The thing is, when I bought it, it had obviously been trimmed and shaped. Now it's beginning to look different with some long pieces sticking out in different directions, but I like it. Will the long pieces eventually drop over or will some always be reaching for the ceiling? There is one particular branch that is really tall and sticking up from the rest of the tree.

Also, a friend told me they like to be rootbound, but I'm wondering if it should be repotted now. It is comprised of actually 4 trees because the trunks are "woven"--am I supposed to continue weaving the trunks as it grows?

Thanks for all your help!

Sincerely,
Carolanne

Answer
Hi Carolanne,

You are obviously doing a good job with your braided Ficus!

Yes, you can prune it as much as you like without risk of damage. Pruning it is as much art as it is science. Like cutting hair, it is more about appearances and shaping than it is about health.

I general, Ficus trees will generate new growth just below the point on the stem where you make the pruning cut. If you cut a stem way back toward the center of the tree, then you will get more growth in the interior portion of the tree.

Gravity will start to bend most stems down as they get ever longer. However, it is general practice to cut off stems that are growing straight up, especially if they are approaching the ceiling.

I have written an article in Ficus trees that include some information on pruning. Contact me at the address below and I will email you a copy.

If you would like to send me some photos, I may be able to provie some specific guidelines for your tree.

Yes, it is best to keep it quite potbound. If it reaches the point where it needs a thorough watering every three days, then it might be time to move it up one pot size.

The braiding of the trunks has been completed, so there is no need to continue doing that.

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]

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