Image – Wikimedia/Channer
Are the ficuses outdoors? The question seems to have a simple answer, but it really doesn’t, since there are more than 800 different species, and of course they live in different habitats: some are found in tropical forests, and others others rather in temperate forests. And on the other hand, we should mention the climate they support, because if most prefer a warm climate where there are no frosts, there are others who tolerate them well.
For this reason, and given the fact that it is increasingly easy to find different varieties of ficus in Spanish nurseries, we want you to know exactly where they should be placedwhether outside or inside the house.
Where should they be placed?
Well, it depends on the species. But it is important to take into account that these are trees that need a lot of light, so they must be exposed to direct sunlight. Indeed, when grown indoors, it often happens that the leaves fall quickly because of the little light they have.
Likewise, it must be said that, although there are some that are resistant to frost, In general, they all prefer to live in a place with a warm climate., without extreme temperatures. Only him ficus caricawhich unlike the others is deciduous, needs the temperature to drop below 0 degrees in winter to rest.
Can they be outdoors all year round?
Again, It depends. In this case, it will be the climate of our region and the hardiness of the species that we want to grow that will make us decide to have it outdoors all year round, or only during the months when the weather is good. To help you make the best decision, I will tell you what is the cold hardiness of the most popular Ficus species:
- Ficus »Ali»: It is an evergreen ficus that has lanceolate leaves and a thinner trunk than others of its kind. It is very sensitive to cold, so much so that if it drops below 0 degrees it will die. See file.
- ficus benghalensis: The strangler fig is an evergreen tree that can become very, very large, occupying several hectares, but fortunately in temperate climates its growth is quite slow, and it also tolerates pruning. It does not tolerate frost, but from experience I can say that the cold (temperatures of 10 degrees or a little less) does not harm it. See file.
- ficus benjamina: It is another evergreen tree. You get plenty of it indoors, but you can also get it outdoors if it’s hot. It is not frost resistant. See file.
- ficus carica: It is a deciduous leaf species that can withstand frosts down to -7ºC without problem. It produces edible figs during the summer, which is certainly interesting. See file.
- ficus elastic: It is an evergreen variety of ficus which, although it likes the tropical climate, also thrives in climates like the Mediterranean. In my city, for example, in the south of the island of Mallorca, there are several fairly large specimens that do not suffer at all during the winter. Of course, the lowest temperature that has been recorded here is -1.5 ºC, and for a very short time. See file.
- ficus lyrata: It is a perennial leaf species that adapts well to pot life, which is appreciated because it does not tolerate the cold at all. See file.
- Ficus microcarp: This variety of ficus also has evergreen leaves, and being native to the tropics, it should not be placed outside if the temperature drops below 5°C. See file.
- Ficus pumila: the climbing ficus is an evergreen plant that can withstand temperatures up to 10ºC. See file.
- religious ficus: It is a very pretty tree, evergreen, which unfortunately does not support frost.
How to maintain a ficus outdoors?
Now we will tell you what care a ficus needs if it is kept outdoors. This way, you will know what to do to spruce up your tree:
Pot or soil?
If it is a ficus that cannot stand frost and there are frosts in your area, it is best to have it in a pot so you can put it inside the house when temperatures start to drop below ten degrees Celsius. This pot should have holes in its base and be the right size for your plant to grow well for a while. So, if for example the one you currently have measures about 10 centimeters in diameter, the next one will have to measure more or less the double. As a substrate, you can put a universal one like this.
If you want and can plant it in the garden, be sure to place it in a sunny spot and as far as possible from the area where there are pipes or paved floors, otherwise it will eventually destroy them.
Irrigation and subscriber
Irrigation will only be done if the ficus is indoors, or if it is outdoors but it rains very little and the soil dries out. A) Yes, it should be watered about three times a week in summer, and the rest of the year we will do it less frequently because the earth stays moist longer.
Regarding the subscriber, this will be done as long as the good weather lasts and the temperatures are high.and we will use liquid fertilizers or fertilizers if it is in pot, or in the form of powder if on the contrary we plant it in the ground of the garden.
Cut
Pruning is work that needs to be done if the ficus is indoors and/or in a pot, although it should also be done if it is in the garden or orchard. It will consist of eliminating dry branches and those that grow in the lower part of the trunk; as well as to reduce the length of those that grow too much, being early spring the best time to do so.
Therefore, yes, it is possible to have the ficus outside, and in fact it is the most advisable. But if the temperatures drop below 0 degrees in your area, you will need to protect it in your home if it is susceptible to frost.