Quck answer
Ficus trees are popular indoor and outdoor plants in Arizona due to their ability to thrive in the desert climate. To care for ficus trees in Arizona, follow these tips:
1. Sunlight: Ficus trees need bright, indirect light. Place them near a window where they can receive filtered sunlight.
2. Watering: Water the tree deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry. Avoid overwatering, as ficus trees are prone to root rot.
3. Humidity: Ficus trees prefer humid environments. Mist the leaves regularly or place a humidifier nearby.
4. Fertilizing: Use a balanced liquid fertilizer during the growing season to promote healthy growth.
5. Pruning: Trim back any dead or overgrown branches to maintain a compact shape.
By following these care tips, your ficus tree will thrive in the Arizona climate and add beauty to your home or garden.
Ficus trees are originally from Asia and are extensively grown in the Mediterranean region. They thrive in semi-arid and warm climates and many varieties produce figs. While some can reach a height of 50 feet, most are kept around 30 feet, and they grow well in pots and can tolerate various soils. There are over 800 species of Ficus, with smaller trees like Ficus benjamina being suitable for indoor growing. For outdoor Ficus, temperatures above 30 degrees are required. Arizona falls under the USDA hardiness zones 5 to 9, which means some areas are suitable for Ficus, while others require protection from the cold.
Step 1
Choose a location that receives bright morning light but has some shade during the heat of the day. Direct Arizona summer sun is too strong at midday and can burn the delicate leaves. Spread 2 inches of compost and 1 inch of sand over the soil surface and dig it in 6 to 8 inches deep. This will ensure excellent drainage through the sand and extra nutrition from the compost.
Step 2
Remove the Ficus from the nursery pot and gently pull out the roots. Dig a hole twice the size of the root ball and spread the roots of the Ficus. Refill with the soil you removed, packing it around the roots. Press the soil down and water the plant until puddles form on the soil surface. This heavy watering will eliminate any air pockets around the roots.
Step 3
Water the tree every three or four days for two months while it establishes its roots. After that, water it when the leaves appear wilted. In the hottest season in Arizona, this will be at least once each week. Water the equivalent of 1 inch of rain each time. You can set a dish or cup next to the tree to measure the amount of water you give.
Step 4
Fertilize the tree once a year in the spring with a balanced fertilizer applied at the recommended manufacturer rate. In Arizona, fertilize in March. After four to five years, fertilize it with a high phosphorus fertilizer to encourage fruit growth. The 5-10-5 high phosphorus fertilizer boosts phosphorus and reduces nitrogen, which stimulates green leafy growth.
Step 5
Cover the tree during freezing temperatures. Arizona occasionally experiences cold snaps in winter, and prolonged cold weather can damage the plant, even though Ficus carica is the hardiest fig tree. It can withstand subzero temperatures, but the plant may die to the ground and need to start over in the spring. Place a blanket or burlap over the tree during freezing nights and remove it during the day to allow sunlight to reach the tree.