How to make your ficus bushy and symmetrical: tips for healthy growth.

Many ficus enthusiasts encounter a common issue: their plants grow unevenly, often appearing bare or unbalanced. Dailynews outlines how to make your ficus symmetrical and lush.

The primary challenge faced by gardeners is excessively elongated stems or a lack of side shoots. To address this, it is necessary to influence the growth of the ficus and stimulate the development of lateral branches. There is a fairly simple yet effective pruning method that can help create a dense and even canopy.

The first step is to trim the top of the plant. This will encourage the growth of side shoots, as the plant starts to feel the need to branch out to compensate for the loss of the top. After trimming the top, it’s important to slightly split the cut into two parts. Insert a matchstick, toothpick, or even a small piece of plastic into the split. This prevents the parts of the stem from fusing together, which promotes the development of shoots on both sides.

This method can be used to achieve symmetry and density. It’s crucial to remember that after pruning, the ficus requires special care. Provide optimal growth conditions – diffuse light and regular watering, without excessive moisture.

This technique is effective not just for ficuses, but also for other woody plants that tend to grow vertically. Furthermore, if you wish to enhance the effect, you can perform another pruning once the plant has grown new shoots. Gradual pruning and branching will help create not only a symmetrical but also a healthy canopy that will delight you for many years.

Don’t forget that maintaining a balance between pruning and providing essential nutrients is vital for every plant. Therefore, if you are unsure of your abilities, it is advisable to consult experienced gardeners or seek professional advice to avoid mistakes that could negatively impact the health of the plant.