Ficus retusa, a giant turned dwarf

Ficus retusa needs a regular supply of water. But, like many plants, the plant cannot tolerate excess. Check that the potting soil has dried on the surface (two to three centimetres) before watering. If this is the case, use non-calcareous water at room temperature. You only need to moisten the root ball, not the soil.

Don't forget to drain off any stagnant water in the saucer or planter. It could rot the roots.

Your Ficus retusa loves humidity. But the air in our homes is often too dry! To remedy this, spray the foliage with non-calcareous water.

In addition to increasing humidity, misting dusts the leaves and limits pest attacks.

Every spring, repot your Ficus retusa to give it more space.

In a large, perforated pot, place a bed of clay balls, gravel or small pebbles about 20% of the way up. This layer promotes drainage and prevents root rot.

Fill your pot with a draining substrate, such as potting soil for green plants. Plant your Ficus retusa in the center and cover.

To improve humidity, place your plant in a saucer filled with moist clay balls.

To promote the growth of your Ficus retusa, apply fertilizer in spring and summer.

Apply a liquid fertilizer for green plants to stimulate growth.

To improve photosynthesis, clean the foliage with a damp sponge.

Trim your Ficus retusa, whatever its size, to make it denser. Use a clean, sharp tool. Shorten each branch by at least five centimetres, cutting above a healthy leaf. Remove dead branches too.

Caution! Sap is toxic. Wear gloves for protection.

When the risk of frost has passed, it's time to plant.

Find a sheltered, sunny spot . It will be ideal for planting your Ficus retusa.

Soak the rootball to rehydrate it. Meanwhile, dig a hole two or three times as big. Remove any stones, weeds or other roots that might hinder the growth of your shrub.

To enrich the soil, you can place a layer of compost at the bottom of the hole. Then place your specimen in the center. The collar should be level with the ground. Fill in with a mixture of garden soil, potting soil and sand.

Water to eliminate air bubbles and encourage rooting.

Finish by mulching the base. This will limit weed growth and water evaporation.

Cutting is carried out during the strong growth phase, generally in spring and early summer.

Cut off the end of a branch about fifteen centimeters long. Remove all leaves except the top pair.

Immerse your stem in a glass of water at room temperature. Place the cutting in a sunny, draught-free spot. Remember to change the water to keep it clear.

When the roots are at least three centimetres long, you can repot your young shoot.