How to Bring a Fig Tree Out of Dormancy: DIY Ideas and Tips

Fig trees grown for their edible fruit are best grown outdoors in full sunlight. Cover it with insulating material or bring it indoors, where it can become dormant but not fall below freezing in the winter. Trees that do not go into dormancy will exhaust themselves and become weaker over time. If the ground is no longer frozen in the spring, the tree can be planted outdoors in a sunny but protected position.

How to Bring a Fig Tree Out of Dormancy

What Does a Dormant Fig Tree Look Like?

A fig tree that has gone dormant has lost all of its leaves. Nothing grows on the branches, and there is no sign of life. In a dormant state, the tree ceases to grow. In all appearances, the tree appears dead, but underneath the surface, it is very much alive. Although at a slower rate, the roots continue to draw nutrients as well as moisture from the soil. The branches are healthy and alive under the bark just in time for spring.

How Long Should a Fig Tree Be Dormant?

Fig trees remain dormant throughout the winter. Only in the early spring does it come back to life. A few months after warm weather arrives and the days lengthen, leaves and buds appear on the tree’s branches, preparing it for another growing season.

How to Check if Your Fig Tree is Dormant or Dying?

The difference between a dormant and dying fig plant can be difficult to detect. Sometimes, a plant may appear dead, but it’s just in a deep sleep and will come back to life with the right care. You can find out by performing the following tests:

Snap Test

Choose a branch or stem that is about the size of a pencil.
After holding the branch, sharply bend it back on itself.
If the stem is dead, the contents will appear dry, and the stem will crack easily.
When the stem cracks open, you can see moist wood inside. If it is alive, it will bend easily.

Scratch Test

The bark of a young stem can also be scratched with a fingernail or knife.
You can tell if something is alive if you can see green.
The plant may give signs of life as you approach the roots closer if you approach the soil with a brown stem.
If that is the case, you will need to break off the dead stems just above the new growth at approximately one or two inches above ground level.

Inspection of the Roots

Another test you can perform to determine the health of a fig tree is to examine its roots. Once the plant is pulled out from the pot, check the roots to see if they appear healthy, shriveled, or rotten. If neither of these tests yields any results, inspect the roots after removing the plant from the pot. The base of the root system can be gently uncovered using a spade. The tree is dead if the roots are rotting, damaged, or dead. Despite appearing dead above the soil line, dormant plants have healthy roots.

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Wait for Signs of Life in Spring

Fig trees that show signs of life but are still difficult to tell if they are alive or dead should be left until spring. Early spring is the right time to expect signs of growth on a live fig tree. The tree is alive if it has leaves and buds growing on its branches.

How to Get Your Fig Tree Out of Dormancy

Depending on where they live, plants might take weeks to emerge out of hibernation in your area in the spring. Dormant plants can be revived inside with indirect light. You can encourage new growth by watering and applying fertilizer (diluted half-strength). Potted plants should not be moved back outside until there is no frost threat or freezing temperatures. To promote new growth, most outdoor plants should only be pruned occasionally. Feeding a plant with fertilizer in the spring can encourage the regrowth of leaves, though it usually occurs on its own when the time is right.

Uncover the Plant in Stages

As the plant gradually emerges from hibernation, it can breathe and emerge from hibernation without being exposed to unpredictable spring conditions. Predicting a nighttime frost requires monitoring the weather forecast once the plants are fully exposed. The leaves and fruit of small plants should be protected temporarily from frost by applying a little protective shield.

Avoid Overwatering

Dormant plants should not be overwatered because this could cause them to rot. When it’s time to start waking up, please give it an adequate amount of water, but ensure all the excess water should drain from the pot. The plant should be watered as soon as new growth appears.

Apply Mild Fertilizer

It’s also a great time to apply mild fertilizer, such as compost tea or all-purpose organic fertilizer. As soon as you notice new growth on the plant, start watering it as you normally would. It would also benefit from a light dose of fertilizer, such as compost tea or a general-purpose organic fertilizer.

Avoid Placing Fig Plants in Direct Sunlight

A dormant plant should not be placed in direct sunlight since it may burn its stem and leaf buds. If you take the plant outside for the first time, ensure it is protected from direct sunlight, wind, and rain. Over the next few weeks, move it slowly to its full sun location, giving it plenty of time to use the intense light.

Provide Proper Temperature

Once you have transferred the plant outside, keep it warm by bringing it back inside if the temperature drops below 8°C. In the summer, the plant may burn off its winter growth once you place it back in full sun. There is nothing abnormal about this. Clipping a weak plant’s growth is unnecessary, but you can do so if you wish.

Try Repotting the Plants

If your plant requires repotting, now is the time to do so; repotting also helps break dormancy. Most plants will thrive in general-purpose potting soil, but you can research the soil that will work better for your particular plant.

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Conclusion

It is important not to force a plant out of hibernation too soon after entering its dormant state. Even though plants can be transferred outside during those few months, seeing some sunlight is their first cue to begin waking up. After forcing plants to go dormant during the winter, it’s better to wake them up slowly in the spring. Your plant will be happy and healthy then.

How to Bring a Fig Tree Out of Dormancy: DIY Ideas and Tips