Pruning a $1 Ficus benjamina for Lushness: How Hard to Cut?

Score! A 4-foot Ficus benjamina in a 10-inch pot for $1. It's dropping leaves but showing new growth, moderately rootbound, getting 2 hours morning sun. You want to prune for density. Here's the strategy:

Pruning Principles

• New growth emerges ONLY at cut ends. Cut where you want branches.
• Healthy, rootbound, well-lit Ficus tolerates ANY pruning severity—even total defoliation.
• Shape first, density second.

Decide Your Goal

If leggy overall: Cut main stems back to 12–18 inches. New growth will bush from there.

If only a few wild branches: Trim those back to the canopy edge.

If you want interior fullness: Cut some branches back to the trunk/main stems.

Timing & Aftercare

• Prune now (spring) for fastest regrowth.
• Keep in bright light (morning sun is good).
• Water when top inch dry.
• Fertilize monthly at half-strength once new leaves appear.

Send a Photo for Precision

Email a picture (with you for scale) to wcreed@HorticulturalHelp.com. I'll mark exact cut lines. You've got a bargain tree—make it magnificent.