Strangler Fig (Potted, Vertical) (Ficus aurea) Dimensions & Drawings

How do you prune shrubs to maintain their shape?

To prune shrubs and maintain their shape, use clean, sharp shears to trim back overgrown or uneven branches, ideally just above a leaf node or branch junction. Focus on removing dead, damaged, or crossing stems first. Shape the plant gradually, keeping the top slightly narrower than the base to let sunlight reach lower leaves. Prune during the dormant season or right after flowering, depending on the shrub species.

Can shrubs grow in shade or full sun?

Yes, shrubs can grow in both shade and full sun, but their success depends on the specific species. Some shrubs, like azaleas and hydrangeas, thrive in partial to full shade, while others, such as lavender or juniper, prefer full sun for best growth and flowering. Choosing a shrub suited to your light conditions is key to ensuring healthy growth, vibrant foliage, and consistent blooms.

Do shrub-like plants lose their leaves in winter?

Some shrub-like plants lose their leaves in winter, while others stay green year-round, depending on whether they are deciduous or evergreen. Deciduous shrubs drop their leaves in response to colder temperatures and shorter days, conserving energy for spring regrowth. Evergreen shrubs retain their foliage throughout the year, offering winter color and structure. The plant’s species and your climate zone determine how it behaves during the winter season.

How do you prune shrubs to maintain their shape?

To prune shrubs and maintain their shape, use clean, sharp shears to trim back overgrown or uneven branches, ideally just above a leaf node or branch junction. Focus on removing dead, damaged, or crossing stems first. Shape the plant gradually, keeping the top slightly narrower than the base to let sunlight reach lower leaves. Prune during the dormant season or right after flowering, depending on the shrub species.

Can shrubs grow in shade or full sun?

Yes, shrubs can grow in both shade and full sun, but their success depends on the specific species. Some shrubs, like azaleas and hydrangeas, thrive in partial to full shade, while others, such as lavender or juniper, prefer full sun for best growth and flowering. Choosing a shrub suited to your light conditions is key to ensuring healthy growth, vibrant foliage, and consistent blooms.

Do shrub-like plants lose their leaves in winter?

Some shrub-like plants lose their leaves in winter, while others stay green year-round, depending on whether they are deciduous or evergreen. Deciduous shrubs drop their leaves in response to colder temperatures and shorter days, conserving energy for spring regrowth. Evergreen shrubs retain their foliage throughout the year, offering winter color and structure. The plant’s species and your climate zone determine how it behaves during the winter season.

What are signs that a container plant needs repotting?

Signs that a container plant needs repotting include roots growing out of the drainage holes, water running straight through the pot without soaking in, and the plant becoming top-heavy or tipping over. You may also notice stunted growth, yellowing leaves, or soil that dries out too quickly. If the plant looks crowded or the potting mix appears compacted, it’s time to give your plant a larger home.

How often should potted plants be watered?

Potted plants should be watered when the top inch of soil feels dry, which typically means every few days, though frequency varies by plant type, pot size, and environment. Warm, sunny conditions dry soil faster, while cooler, shaded areas slow moisture loss. Overwatering can harm roots, so it's best to check soil moisture before watering. Consistent, balanced care helps potted plants stay healthy and thrive in their containers.

Do potted plants need drainage holes?

Yes, potted plants need drainage holes to prevent water from collecting at the bottom of the container, which can lead to root rot and other issues. Drainage allows excess water to escape, keeping the soil properly aerated and the roots healthy. Without proper drainage, even well-cared-for plants can suffer. Using a saucer underneath the pot can catch runoff without compromising the plant’s well-being.

What are signs that a container plant needs repotting?

Signs that a container plant needs repotting include roots growing out of the drainage holes, water running straight through the pot without soaking in, and the plant becoming top-heavy or tipping over. You may also notice stunted growth, yellowing leaves, or soil that dries out too quickly. If the plant looks crowded or the potting mix appears compacted, it’s time to give your plant a larger home.

How often should potted plants be watered?

Potted plants should be watered when the top inch of soil feels dry, which typically means every few days, though frequency varies by plant type, pot size, and environment. Warm, sunny conditions dry soil faster, while cooler, shaded areas slow moisture loss. Overwatering can harm roots, so it's best to check soil moisture before watering. Consistent, balanced care helps potted plants stay healthy and thrive in their containers.

Do potted plants need drainage holes?

Yes, potted plants need drainage holes to prevent water from collecting at the bottom of the container, which can lead to root rot and other issues. Drainage allows excess water to escape, keeping the soil properly aerated and the roots healthy. Without proper drainage, even well-cared-for plants can suffer. Using a saucer underneath the pot can catch runoff without compromising the plant’s well-being.

What are some common examples of woody perennials?

Common examples of woody perennials include shrubs like boxwood, hydrangea, and azalea, as well as trees such as maple, oak, and magnolia. These plants develop permanent woody stems that survive year to year, even as their leaves or flowers may come and go with the seasons. Many ornamental, fruit-bearing, and evergreen species also fall under this category, offering structure and longevity in gardens and landscapes.

When is the best time to prune woody perennials?

The best time to prune woody perennials depends on their flowering habits and growth cycles. For spring-flowering species, pruning is typically done right after blooming to avoid cutting off next year’s buds. For those that flower in summer or fall, late winter or early spring pruning encourages new growth. Avoid pruning in late fall, as it may stimulate tender shoots vulnerable to winter damage.

How do you propagate woody perennials?

Propagation of woody perennials is often done through cuttings, layering, or division, depending on the plant. Semi-hardwood or hardwood cuttings taken during the growing season are commonly rooted in moist, well-drained mediums. Some species respond well to layering, where branches are pinned to the soil to encourage root formation. Division is useful for clump-forming types. Each method requires patience and the right conditions to succeed.

What are some common examples of woody perennials?

Common examples of woody perennials include shrubs like boxwood, hydrangea, and azalea, as well as trees such as maple, oak, and magnolia. These plants develop permanent woody stems that survive year to year, even as their leaves or flowers may come and go with the seasons. Many ornamental, fruit-bearing, and evergreen species also fall under this category, offering structure and longevity in gardens and landscapes.

When is the best time to prune woody perennials?

The best time to prune woody perennials depends on their flowering habits and growth cycles. For spring-flowering species, pruning is typically done right after blooming to avoid cutting off next year’s buds. For those that flower in summer or fall, late winter or early spring pruning encourages new growth. Avoid pruning in late fall, as it may stimulate tender shoots vulnerable to winter damage.

How do you propagate woody perennials?

Propagation of woody perennials is often done through cuttings, layering, or division, depending on the plant. Semi-hardwood or hardwood cuttings taken during the growing season are commonly rooted in moist, well-drained mediums. Some species respond well to layering, where branches are pinned to the soil to encourage root formation. Division is useful for clump-forming types. Each method requires patience and the right conditions to succeed.

What is the difference between a miniature tree and a bonsai?

A miniature tree refers broadly to any small tree grown in a container that maintains a compact form. Bonsai, on the other hand, is a specific art form with roots in Japanese tradition, involving precise pruning, shaping, and styling techniques to create a naturalistic, aged appearance. While all bonsai are miniature trees, not all miniature trees follow the strict aesthetic and cultural principles of bonsai practice.

What are the best tree species for miniature tree cultivation?

Several tree species are well-suited for miniature cultivation due to their small leaves, slow growth, and adaptability to pruning. Ficus is popular for beginners, while juniper, pine, and maple are favorites in traditional bonsai. Chinese elm and boxwood offer durability and structure. Some flowering or fruiting species, like azalea and pomegranate, also perform well in miniature form when given the right conditions and regular care.

How do I start a miniature tree from seed or cutting?

Starting a miniature tree from seed requires patience—plant seeds in well-draining soil, keep them moist, and wait weeks or months for germination. Cuttings offer a faster option: take a healthy branch tip, remove lower leaves, and place it in moist soil or water until roots form. Once established, gradually train the young plant through pruning and root trimming to develop a compact, tree-like shape over time.

What is the difference between a miniature tree and a bonsai?

A miniature tree refers broadly to any small tree grown in a container that maintains a compact form. Bonsai, on the other hand, is a specific art form with roots in Japanese tradition, involving precise pruning, shaping, and styling techniques to create a naturalistic, aged appearance. While all bonsai are miniature trees, not all miniature trees follow the strict aesthetic and cultural principles of bonsai practice.

What are the best tree species for miniature tree cultivation?

Several tree species are well-suited for miniature cultivation due to their small leaves, slow growth, and adaptability to pruning. Ficus is popular for beginners, while juniper, pine, and maple are favorites in traditional bonsai. Chinese elm and boxwood offer durability and structure. Some flowering or fruiting species, like azalea and pomegranate, also perform well in miniature form when given the right conditions and regular care.

How do I start a miniature tree from seed or cutting?

Starting a miniature tree from seed requires patience—plant seeds in well-draining soil, keep them moist, and wait weeks or months for germination. Cuttings offer a faster option: take a healthy branch tip, remove lower leaves, and place it in moist soil or water until roots form. Once established, gradually train the young plant through pruning and root trimming to develop a compact, tree-like shape over time.

How do rainforest plants survive?

Rainforest plants typically survive by implementing multiple systems. Plants in the rainforests have lianas or woody vines with roots in the ground, but climb up the trees. The leaves of rainforest plants have pointy tips to allow for efficient water runoff and buttress roots that are made up of large roots with ridges.

Why do rainforest plants have big leaves?

Rainforest plants usually have big leaves since they are an adaptation that helps them cope with the hot, wet, and tropical climate of the rainforest. Large leaves help plants counteract any heat-trapping through the process of transpiration. This is in contrast to desert plants that cannot afford to lose water.

What is the biggest problem facing rainforest plants?

The biggest problem that is facing rainforest plants is logging. The logging process is when rainforests are cut down for their timber. The timber is then manufactured into flooring, furniture, and other items for human consumption. Timber is also often burned to create electricity or sometimes converted into paper.

How do rainforest plants survive?

Rainforest plants typically survive by implementing multiple systems. Plants in the rainforests have lianas or woody vines with roots in the ground, but climb up the trees. The leaves of rainforest plants have pointy tips to allow for efficient water runoff and buttress roots that are made up of large roots with ridges.

Why do rainforest plants have big leaves?

Rainforest plants usually have big leaves since they are an adaptation that helps them cope with the hot, wet, and tropical climate of the rainforest. Large leaves help plants counteract any heat-trapping through the process of transpiration. This is in contrast to desert plants that cannot afford to lose water.

What is the biggest problem facing rainforest plants?

The biggest problem that is facing rainforest plants is logging. The logging process is when rainforests are cut down for their timber. The timber is then manufactured into flooring, furniture, and other items for human consumption. Timber is also often burned to create electricity or sometimes converted into paper.

How can I tell if my house plant is getting too much or too little light?

Determining if a houseplant is receiving too much or too little light involves observing its symptoms. Too little light often results in leggy growth, with the plant stretching towards the light source, and pale or yellowing leaves. Conversely, too much light can cause leaves to become scorched, crisp, or develop brown spots, particularly on the edges and tips.

How can I prevent and treat common pests on house plants?

To prevent and treat common pests on houseplants, regularly inspect leaves and stems for signs of infestation. Keep plants healthy, as stressed plants attract pests. For prevention, use neem oil or insecticidal soap sprays. If pests are present, isolate the affected plant, remove visible pests by hand or with a water spray, and treat with appropriate insecticides or natural remedies like diluted soap water. Regularly clean plant leaves to remove dust and debris, which can harbor pests.