I just made a deer and doe moss filled topiaries. The frame is filled with moss and I used creeping fig. I have been keeping them moist to wet. They are 10 days old. I am just starting to see some yellow leaves. I have used liquid fertilizer twice. Too much water?? Please help. I have spent hours on these. Thanks!!

Answer #2 · Gardenality.com's Answer · Creeping fig is typically a good choice for moss-filled topiary figures. Sometimes plants will go through a little transplant shock and lose a few leaves after planting in a different type of media than they were growing in. There are a couple things to consider when growing creeping fig in moss. John mentioned moisture, which is very important. Also, creeping fig tends to grow better outdoors, however can be grown indoors near an east-facing window. Outdoors, creeping fig should be sheltered from direct afternoon sun. When plants have been growing outdoors and then moved indoors they could go through a little shock and leaves could turn lighter in color or start yellowing. How often a topiary will need watering depends on weather and location. If growing outdoors during dry, windy weather you may have to water it twice a day. Otherwise, if soil dries out leaves could turn yellow and fall from the plant. In rainy weather plants may need no water at all. Sometimes only parts of the topiary figure will need water. In any event, do not allow the bottom of the topiary figure to stay constantly soggy wet. This can cause moss and the roots of plants to rot, which usually causes the leaves and stems to turn brown or black.

Keep us updated as to how the plants are doing and let us know if you need more details or have any other questions.

Brent)

Answer #1 · Maple Tree's Answer · Hi Margueritte-The Creeping fig (Ficus Pumila) only needs to be kept moist not wet. Once the plants have rooted well this plant will need very little water. Too much water can cause root rot over a period of time. Too much water will cause yellowing of leavea and if kept wet for a period of time the leaves may start dropping. I'm assuming your topiary is planted in a pot. It is important the planting soil is very well draining. The pot needs to have drainage holes in the bottom so that the soil never gets saturated. If the pot is sitting in a dish be sure to drain this dish after watering so that the plant is never sitting in water. Hot afternoon direct sunlight can also yellow leaves. Moist, not wet, well draining soil, with afternoon shade is perfect for this plant. If the leaves are just yellowing and there are no signs of spotting or damage on the leaves it is most likely just a watering problem.

Hope this has helped. Let me know if you have any other questions.
Hopefully as your topiary develops you will upload some pictures of it in your gardens.

John)