Ficus

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-Autumn · Outdoors

Water in dry periods

Established plants in the ground can cope with 7-10 days of dryness, and shrubs often manage 2 to 3 weeks. Water one section of the garden thoroughly each day rather than a little everywhere. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather.

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.

Outdoors

Feed & mulch some rose varieties differently

To keep roses healthy and produce more flowers, feed during the growing season before and after flowering. Roses in containers should be fed more often than those planted in the ground, every two weeks from mid spring to late summer. Adding a mulch around the base of a rose will trap moisture and enrich the soil as it biodegrades.

Outdoors

Water some varieties differently

Some plants within this genus have additional requirements for water. It is best to look up your specific plant, or the species it belongs to for watering guidance.

Planting

Prune some varieties

Some plants within this genus have additional requirements for pruning. It is best to look up your specific plant, or the species it belongs to for pruning guidance.

Planting

Support some varieties

Some plants within this genus may require support for young plants and/or long stems. It is best to look up your specific plant for guidance, and/or check the label.

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

Minimum temperatures vary

Plant varieties within this genus have differing requirements for minimum temperature. It is best to look up your specific plant for guidance, and/or check the label.

Indoor plant · Planting

Position in a sunny spot, close to window

Give this plant a position where there is as much light and sunlight as possible, within 2-3 metres of a sunny or bright window (one that is south, east, or west facing).