The fig tree, part of the large Ficus genus, includes nearly 900 species of trees, shrubs, and vines. Many people grow the common fig, Ficus carica, for its sweet, edible fruit. When grown in temperate climates, this particular tree is deciduous and loses its leaves yearly. This natural shedding of foliage prepares the tree for the cold season, allowing it to survive winter conditions it would not otherwise tolerate.
The Deciduous Nature of Common Figs
The common fig, Ficus carica, is a deciduous species that sheds all its leaves annually. This survival strategy is triggered by environmental cues like shorter daylight hours and dropping temperatures in the autumn, initiating dormancy. The tree prepares by reabsorbing nutrients from its leaves and forming an abscission layer at the base of the leaf stem.
This mechanism conserves water and energy by stopping photosynthesis and reducing the tree’s surface area. Mature fig trees can withstand temperatures as low as 10°F, but only when fully dormant and defoliated. Retaining leaves would cause excessive water loss through transpiration, which cannot be sustained when the ground is frozen.
The period of dormancy is crucial for future fruit production, as it fulfills the plant’s chilling requirement. This cold period is necessary to ensure proper bud break and vigorous growth in the following spring. Complete leaf abscission also helps reduce water stress during seasonal drought conditions in Mediterranean and similar climates.
Evergreen Fig Varieties and Exceptions
The Ficus genus is vast, and not all members follow the deciduous pattern of the edible fig. Many popular houseplants, such as the Fiddle-Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata) and the Rubber Tree (Ficus elastica), are broadleaf evergreens native to tropical and subtropical regions. These species do not experience true dormancy and retain their leaves year-round if kept warm. Temperatures below 50°F can severely damage or kill these sensitive tropical varieties.
Sometimes a fig tree drops its leaves out of season, which signals environmental stress rather than true dormancy. Potted figs may suddenly shed leaves if moved indoors where light is insufficient, or if exposed to cold drafts. Improper watering, either too much or too little, is another common cause for this stress-induced defoliation. This leaf drop is a warning sign of a problem, unlike the systematic shedding that occurs before winter dormancy.
Winter Care for Dormant Fig Trees
Once the leaves have fallen and the tree is dormant, its winter care needs change drastically. For fig trees grown in the ground, preparation involves protecting the roots and lower trunk from the harshest cold. Applying a thick layer of mulch around the base insulates the roots. Wrapping the lower trunk with burlap or foam pipe insulation can prevent cold-weather damage.
In extremely cold regions, some growers allow the tree to die back to the ground, relying on the roots to regrow the plant the following spring.
Caring for containerized fig trees requires a different approach, as their roots are more exposed to freezing temperatures. These potted trees should be moved to a cool, dark location, such as an unheated garage, basement, or shed, once dormancy begins. An ideal storage temperature range is just above freezing, between 35°F and 45°F, to keep the tree dormant without freezing solid.
Watering must be drastically reduced during dormancy to prevent root rot, a common killer of stored container figs. The goal is to keep the potting medium dry, but not completely bone dry, which would desiccate the roots. Minimal watering may only be needed once a month or less, depending on the storage temperature. Winter rest is also the best time for heavy pruning, as it avoids impacting the tree’s energy reserves or causing sap bleeding.