Training a Young Ficus into a Single-Trunk Tree Form

Step-by-Step

Select the strongest, straightest stem to be the trunk.
Remove all side branches from the lower 4–6″ of that stem.
If multiple trunks in one pot, separate them: wash soil off, pot each in its own container no larger than original.
Fertilize monthly (Miracle-Gro) for fast trunk thickening.
Repot annually in spring (Apr 15–Jun 15) only increasing pot diameter by 2″.
Stop repotting when desired size reached—ficus tolerates root-binding.

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