A fig tree can be maintained in the same planter for a relatively long time. If the fig's growth slows down and only produces a few fruits, you should move the tree into a larger container.
When and how should you repot a fig?
A fig tree should be repotted every two to three years, ideally in spring. Make sure that the roots remain undamaged, use permeable and nutrient-rich substrate, and create a drainage layer in the planter to avoid waterlogging.
Only repot when the substrate is completely rooted
Since the roots of the fig can reach enormous size, but grow rather slowly, it is sufficient to repot the plant about every two to three years. Be very careful not to damage the roots of the tree when removing it from the old planter.
Now take a close look at the pot ball: If it is not yet completely rooted, it is sufficient to replace the old substrate with fresh one. Beforehand, carefully remove the soil that is not penetrated by roots.
The right time
If possible, repot fig trees at the beginning of the growing season in early spring. Avoid repotting plants that are not doing well, as repotting them causes great stress for the plant. Instead, try to first eliminate the cause of the unsatisfactory growth and combat pests or diseases with appropriate means.
Unpotting the fig
If the root ball is stuck in the planter, there are various methods to loosen it:
- Hit the vessel several times with a wooden spoon.
- Carefully break clay pots with a hammer.
- Cutting plastic pots with sharp scissors
If none of this works, you can carefully run a long knife between the flower pot and the root ball. A helper then gently pulls the pot away from the root ball while you hold the fig directly above the soil.
The right substrate
Figs require permeable and nutrient-rich soil with a high proportion of mineral components. The following are suitable as an addition to conventional balcony plant or potting soil (€10.00 on Amazon):
- Sand
- fine-grain gravel
- Tuff
- lava granules
- expanded clay
Important: A drainage layer
Figs are very sensitive to waterlogging and this should be avoided at all costs. Therefore, cover the large holes in the planter with shards of clay and then fill the container with a few centimeters thick layer of expanded clay balls. This ensures that excess irrigation water drains away well. At the same time, the clay stores a small supply of water and ensures ventilation of the root ball from below.
Tips & Tricks
If roots appear in the drain hole of the pot, this is not a sign that the fig needs to be repotted. Take the fig out of the pot - if the roots have not yet completely filled the substrate, you can wait a while before repotting. In this case, just replace the old soil with fresh substrate.