Question From:
Renae L in Freshwater Point, Freshwater Point QLD
Nature of problem:
N/a
Type of Plant (if known):
Midnight Beauty Ficus
Symptoms of Plant Illness (please try NOT to diagnose your problems yourself):
N/a
Soil Type (e.g. sandy, clay or loam) OR Potting Mix Type:
Loamy Clay
How often do you water the plant:
N/a
How many hours of sunlight does the plant get each day:
Full Sun all day
What type of plant is it:
Midnight Beauty Ficus
How long since you planted it:
N/a
Have you fertilised? If so, with what and when:
N/a
Is the plant indoors or outdoors:
Outdoors
What other treatments have you given the plant:
N/a
Upload photo if available:
Other Comments:
I would like to plant a Midnight Beauty Ficus on our property. It is a very large property (276 acres) therefore we are not limited by space. I understand that the roots of this species are extremely aggressive and will cause damage to water pipes, concrete and structures therefore it is best not to plant them in close proximity to these. I would like to plant some Midnight Beauty Ficus’ as close to our house as possible (in order to take advantage of the shade), but far enough away from the house so as not to pose a threat of damage. My question is : how far will the roots of a Ficus tree actually travel in seek of water and also (out of curiosity) what can be done to control the roots of a Ficus if they pose a threat of damage to water pipes, concrete or structures?
Answer: Hi Renae, You won’t believe me but I have measured Ficus benjamina roots travelling over 70m (that’s about 250 feet) and doing serious damage at the end of that growth. I have filmed fig roots that had lifted up gigantic (3m X 2m X 1m) sandstone blocks stacked 3 courses high. These blocks weighed over 10 tonnes and the roots lifted them over 100mm in the air! There are root barriers that might stop root spread, but I doubt that they would be all that effective against fig roots. Sorry. Don
