Ficus species like the birkenfeige (Ficus benjamina) and rubber tree (Ficus elastica) are among the most popular indoor plants. Known for their lush greenery and ease of care, these plants do not need frequent pruning, but they can certainly tolerate it well when necessary. Pruning is especially helpful if the plant becomes too large, grows unevenly, or develops dry or damaged branches. Here’s everything you need to know about cutting back your Ficus to keep it healthy and attractive.
When Should You Prune a Ficus?
While you can technically prune a Ficus at any time of year, the best period is late winter to early spring. During this dormant phase, the plant is not actively growing and can better handle a prune. Cutting the Ficus in spring encourages it to rejuvenate and grow more vigorously once the warmer months arrive.
Why Prune a Ficus?
Birkenfeige (Ficus benjamina) can become leggy and sparse in the winter due to limited light penetration, especially with its dense foliage. Cutting back the plant during this time encourages it to grow more compact and bushy. The rubber tree (Ficus elastica), typically sold with a single trunk, can also be pruned to stimulate branching and create a fuller appearance.
How to Prune a Ficus
Ficus trees are highly resilient to pruning. Even heavy cuts back to the old wood are well tolerated. To promote branching in a rubber tree, trim just above a leaf node, removing the tip of the stem. For a fuller, bushier growth, aim to prune the stem just above the fourth or fifth leaf. If you have a Birkenfeige, trim the plant just above a side branch to encourage more growth from that point.
Rejuvenating a Ficus
If your Ficus benjamina has become tall, sparse, or is not branching as it should, it might be time for a rejuvenation cut. This is best done in late winter or early spring. You can cut the plant back significantly, even by two-thirds. Remove any dead or dying branches by cutting them back to the base. If you are unsure whether a branch is dead, test its vitality by scraping the bark. If the inner tissue is dry and brown, the branch is dead, but if it’s green and moist, it’s still alive.
A significant cut may leave your Ficus looking bare initially, but with proper care, it will bounce back with lush, new growth. After pruning, consider repotting your plant with fresh soil and using a general-purpose plant fertilizer to support its recovery.
Dealing with Leaf Drop
If your Ficus begins shedding leaves, it’s not necessarily a sign that it needs pruning. Common causes of leaf drop include stress from drafts, cold roots, underwatering, or changes in location. It’s important to address these issues rather than resorting to cutting.
Protecting Yourself from Milk Sap
Ficus plants release a milky, latex-like sap when cut, which can be irritating to the skin and cause stains on furniture or clothing. Always wear gloves when pruning and protect your workspace by laying down old newspaper or plastic sheets. If any sap gets on your skin, wash it off immediately. In case of large cuts, you can stop the sap flow by gently heating the cut edges with a lighter or applying a small amount of charcoal or ash.
Final Thoughts
Pruning your Ficus, whether it’s a rubber tree or a birkenfeige, can help maintain its shape and vitality. With the right timing and technique, you’ll encourage healthy growth and a more aesthetically pleasing plant. Always remember to handle with care, as the sap can be a hazard, and your Ficus will reward you with abundant, fresh foliage.