The fig tree with its beautifully shaped leaves gives the balcony a Mediterranean ambience. It feels extremely comfortable outdoors during the warm summer months and rewards good care with numerous, tasty fruits.
How to properly care for a fig tree on the balcony?
In order to successfully cultivate a fig tree on the balcony, it needs a sunny, wind-protected location, sufficient watering without waterlogging, regular repotting and a cool winter in a protected area or winter garden.
Figs love sunny places
Southern locations protected from the wind and exposed to the sun all day are ideal. The fig also tolerates partial shade. In airy and cool locations, however, figs thrive poorly and do not produce any fruit.
When can the fig go on the balcony?
As soon as ground frost is no longer expected, the fig tree in the pot can be moved to the balcony. Gradually acclimate the plant to the changed conditions and do not immediately expose the fig to full sunlight. If placed directly in the blazing sun from a sheltered room, the plant could be permanently damaged.
Water enough but avoid waterlogging
Since figs are very sensitive to too much water, a balance between moisture and dryness should be maintained:
- The pot ball should always be kept moist.
- Avoid waterlogging and pour away any standing water in the saucer.
- The ideal irrigation water is low in lime. In areas with very hard water, use soft rainwater or filtered tap water.
Transplant balcony figs regularly
Figs grown in pots should be repotted into a larger planter about every two years. If the root ball is not yet visibly rooted at this point, it is sufficient to shake off the old soil and place the fig with new substrate in the previous container.
Overwintering the fig tree
In very sheltered locations you can overwinter the fig on the balcony. Be sure to place the tree in a protected corner and ensure adequate protection from the cold.
It is better to keep the fig in a cool room during the winter months. Since the fig loses its leaves in the winter months, a darkened cellar or garage is also suitable as winter quarters.
The fig also feels comfortable in the winter garden during the cold season. However, keep in mind that the deciduous plant is not a green plant decoration for the winter garden during this time.
Tips & Tricks
Use pond water for watering, as it not only provides the plant with moisture, but also with a balanced ratio of nutrients.
