I just bought a tree at an HEB (a grocery store chain) for $7.99. The only problem is, I've just realized I have no idea to take care of it. The tag provides me no help, as it lists the item as a "10" Tropical Plant", when it's definitely taller than 10 inches.
The tree is about 4 and a half feet tall. I want to say it's a ficus, but when I looked that up, it turned out that's a fairly broad category. It does not have a solid trunk--it looks like the trunk is made up of several smaller twiggy vines. The leaves are broad and almond shaped.
So far, it's healthy, and I can surmise from the tag "tropical" that it would probably prefer warmer climate and/or more moisture.
Any help identifying this species? Or else, ideas for raising it?
Thank you.
2007-01-04 18:32:24 · 3 answers · asked by Anonymous in Home & Garden ➔ Garden & Landscape
Hi Echo, the 10" that is printed on the tag refers to the size of the pot, not the plant. So you need to take you 4' tall plant out of it's 10 inch pot and bump it up to about a 12" pot. When you go pot shopping, remember the size of the pot is stamped on the bottom of the pot. If you think your plant needs a bigger pot, mabe 14", buy that size, you'll be the better judge of that. Try to find one that is a "water saver". It stores water in the saucer and does'nt leak like a regular pot and saucer and you do'nt have to water the plant as often. You will have to add more soil and while your at it pick up some time released fertilizer, mabe 10-5-10 or something simular to these numbers. It sounds like your plant has stretched, as in trying to grow toward the light, so put it near the sun so it want have to stretch anymore. Good luck to ya, have fun and thank you for rescuing a needy plant from the dumpster!!!!!!!
2007-01-05 01:52:26 · answer #1 · answered by watergoddess53 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like a pleached Benjamin Ficus. They like filtered indirect light. Allow to almost dry out between watering, do not overwater, fertilize monthly. Pleaching is manipulating the trunks by twisting or braiding causing the bark to grow together.
2007-01-04 22:48:59 · answer #2 · answered by reynwater 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
your plant needs warmer climate and keep the leaves moist
2007-01-04 20:49:22 · answer #3 · answered by Stan the man 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋