Overwintering a Potted Fig Tree in a NYC Apartment

Natural Dormancy

As temperatures drop, the fig will go dormant and shed leaves. Below 15 °F the roots freeze – prevent this.

Protection Steps

• Insulate the pot: Wrap with burlap, or sink the whole container into a larger pot filled with mulch/leaves.
• When temps approach 15 °F, wrap the crown (branches) with frost fabric.
• Watering: Reduce gradually as leaves yellow; stop completely once bare.

Spring

Remove winter wraps when temps rise. The tree will leaf out again. No indoor sun needed – the apartment’s dry heat and lack of light would stress it more than cold.