Question From:
Sarah-Jane Robson in Geebung, Brisbane Queensland
Nature of problem:
Climbing fig is dying in parts
Type of Plant (if known):
Climbing fig
Symptoms of Plant Illness (please try NOT to diagnose your problems yourself):
Growing rapidly and looking healthy at the top but seems to be dying off from the root and spreading
Soil Type (e.g. sandy, clay or loam) OR Potting Mix Type:
Clay
How often do you water the plant:
Daily
How many hours of sunlight does the plant get each day:
6-8 afternoon sun
How long since you planted it:
2 years
Have you fertilised? If so, with what and when:
Yes seaweed twice per year
Is the plant indoors or outdoors:
Outdoors
Is the plant in a pot or in the ground:
Ground
What other treatments have you given the plant:
Nothing
Upload photo if available:
Other Comments:
Would like some advice about why it’s dying at the roots and how can we stop it from happening
Answer:
Looks like this section of the Burkes Backyard website is playing up. Sorry for the mess. Ficus pumila, the creeping fig, is a very hardy plant and yours seems fine to me. The bare bits may be due to not enough water (dig some 12cm holes nearby to verify this). The plant may also be about to produce its adult foliage which features much bigger leaves and a shrubby growth habit. They need at least 5 hours of direct sunlight to retain their lower leaves too. More TLC will help. Don