A fig tree can be easily cultivated in a pot and maintained on the balcony or terrace in the summer months. With its beautifully shaped leaves, the fig gives the patio a Mediterranean atmosphere. In a suitable place, the fig feels at home in the house or winter garden all year round.
How do I care for a fig tree in a container?
A fig tree in a pot requires a sunny location, commercially available, water-permeable potting soil, regular watering with low-lime water, regular fertilization with food-safe fertilizer and, if necessary, pruning for he althy growth.
The right location
Give the sun-hungry trees a sunny and warm location. Partial shade is also tolerated. However, drafty, cool balconies or rooms that are in the shade all day are unsuitable for cultivation.
Even if figs can tolerate full sunlight outdoors after a short period of acclimatization, you should provide shade in the winter garden when the sun is strong. The glass surfaces increase the intensity of UV radiation and could burn the leaves of the plant.
The suitable substrate
Repotting the fig is usually necessary every two years. Bucket figs are relatively undemanding and can be cultivated well in standard potting or balcony plant soil. However, when it comes to fine figs, avoid cheap products as they are often not sufficiently permeable to water.
Water regularly
Fig trees like moisture, but not wetness - so watering the fig in the pot requires a bit of sensitivity:
- Keep the soil moist at all times
- Always pour off excess water in the coaster
- A small supply of water should only be left on very hot days and for a few hours
- Water whenever the root of the pot feels dry
- The potted plant must never dry out completely; The result would be leaf shedding
- Figs are sensitive to hard water. Therefore, only use collected rainwater or, alternatively, filtered tap water.
Fertilize regularly
During the growth phase from spring to late summer, the fig tree in the pot needs a lot of nutrients. Both liquid complete fertilizer (€18.00 on Amazon) as well as citrus fertilizer or berry fertilizer are suitable for fertilization. If you want to eat the figs, you should definitely use food-safe fertilizers.
Cutting bucket figs
Figs tolerate pruning well and then sprout again vigorously. However, keep in mind that the fruits of figs form on annual wood. After pruning, you sometimes have to forego the harvest you were hoping for.
Tips & Tricks
Introduce a drainage layer of a few centimeters of expanded clay or pebbles into the planter. This prevents waterlogging and ensures good ventilation in the lower area of the bucket. The substrate dries from above and below and root rot is prevented.
