Ficus Benjamina Care for New Grocery Store Purchase

Fig Tree New 1.5-ft fig tree from grocery store: small teardrop leaves. Florist advised: well-lit window, slow growth, well-draining soil, dry 1 inch before watering, wait 1 year before repotting. Asks for ID confirmation and care validation.

Identification

Ficus benjamina. Florist gave excellent advice.

Optimized Care

• Sunniest uncovered window—more light = faster/larger growth
• Plastic saucer 1-2" wider than pot base
• Water when top half-inch dries; enough to trickle into saucer
• Repot only when top half-inch dries every 2-3 days after watering (could be < or > 1 year)
• Expect interior leaf shed during light adaptation—new tip growth will be adapted
• Choose permanent location
• Prune freely anytime for size/shape—never harms Ficus
• Decorative cachepot OK (slip nursery pot inside)

Additional Resources

Free repotting, pruning, Ficus care articles by emailing wcreed@HorticulturalHelp.com. Comprehensive indoor plant care book also available for purchase.