Ficus pumila 'Variegata'

Spring-Summer · Indoors

Feed with high nitrogen feed

Give the plant a feed monthly from May until August using a houseplant fertiliser that is high in nitrogen.

Where food elements are listed as three numeric values on the label representing in order Nitrogen(N)-Phosphorus(P)-Potassium(K), choose one where nitrogen has a high value.

Spring-Autumn · Indoors

Water regularly during growth

Water regularly while in growth.

Adopt a regime that means the plants are thoroughly watered every week so that they do not become dessicated. In hot weather watering may need to be more frequent, but less often in cool or moist conditions.

Spring-Summer · Outdoors

Feed with high nitrogen feed

Give the plant a feed monthly from May until August using a houseplant fertiliser that is high in nitrogen.

Where food elements are listed as three numeric values on the label representing in order Nitrogen(N)-Phosphorus(P)-Potassium(K), choose one where nitrogen has a high value.

Spring-Autumn · Outdoors

Water to keep the soil moist

For best results, this plant needs soil that is always moist. Water deeply and regularly as soon as soil appears dry. Even for established plants in the ground, a dry week can cause problems with some soils. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather. Or install an automatic irrigation system which will do the hard work for you, even when you are away on holiday.

Without regular watering some plants never fully regain their beauty.

Spring · Planting

Repot every other year

Repot every other year if grown in a container. Move it to a slightly larger pot with drainage holes in the bottom. Some of the old compost can be shaken away, but don't disturb the roots too much.

Make sure the roots are spread out and that the plant is sitting on compost and not an air pocket. Firm the soil gently, and ensure that the plant sits at the same level above the soil as it did previously.

Spring-Autumn · Planting

Prune to discourage climbing

If plant is required for ground cover rather than as a climber, regular pruning will encourage it to maintain a creeping rather than a climbing growth habit.

Winter · Indoors

Water moderately in winter

Water moderately.

Give a small amount of water so that the plant doesn't become flaccid (leaves lose their firmness and may droop or look lifeless), or dessicated, but do not saturate the compost or leave it standing in water.

Winter - late · Planting

Prune to maintain the plant

Remove and dead or damaged branches or any growth that looks very untidy. Trim the plant back if necessary to keep it within bounds.

Outdoor planting · Planting

Add root growth stimulant to the planting hole

Mycorrhizal fungi helps roots establish quickly, so they absorb water and nutrients more efficiently. It comes as a powder, granule or gel. Add to the planting hole or container, and to the plant's rootball before planting in the hole. For "bareroot" plants use a gel.

Compost · Planting

Loam based compost for repotting

Repot using any good quality standard compost.

Alternatively prepare a special compost that is best suited to the plant's needs: mix equal amounts of loam (John Innes no. 2 or 3), leaf mould, and fine bark.

Indoor temperature · Planting

13C minimum temperature

This plant requires a minimum temperature of 13 Centigrade.

Indoor plant · Planting

Position in moderate light / some shade

This plant is happiest in a position with part or light shade, near a sunless window or some distance away from a sunny or bright window. It should not be exposed to full sunlight.