Around 7 years ago, I gave my Pastor a fig tree.  It has grown from a cutting to its present height.  Although it looks spindly, it is still living and has grown buds already,,, before spring.

Pastor is concerned and wants to make sure it doesn't die.  How can he make sure it grows branches and leaves and continue to produce figs??

Should it be pruned?? If so, how much??  The first thing I plan to do is straighten the stick that's holding it up.  Any more help is more than appreciated.

Also, the tree lives in his church office in a south west window.  It has never been moved from that spot ... except to go from on the table to the floor.

More pics  

Yes it needs pruned IMO. All fruit producing bushes and trees need pruning. I suggest you take those long whips and count 3 nodes from where they start and then cut the rest off. It will then start branching and probably will produce fruit this year.

I'm not a pro at how to prune correctly, but if it were my tree, I would do something like this.  The yellow lines are where I would cut.  Then, look at the root ball and determine if it needs pruning or moved up to a larger pot.

 

Very good descriptive pic Frank!

He needs to get it outside into the sun if he ever wants it to be healthy and bear fruit.  If it's been in that pot for a long time it needs to come out, have its roots trimmed so they're not tangled and choking each other then get fresh soil in a larger pot.  Knowing your general location would help in giving you the rest of the plan.  Keeping it cool now will be beneficial.  You don't want a lot of leaves yet.  Knowing how long it's been in that pot and a photo of the roots will also help.  You may need to prune the top but show us the roots first before you make that decision.

I should have added that we're in Columbus, Ohio... zone 6 and it is 31* outside right now.

I appreciate all the information and welcome more.

The tree looks good, Newfignut!  It's nice!

Soil question,,,, what type of soil is best ??

I am new to fig tree, Fig tree need lots of sun light and bear sweet fig, Does this fig tree bear figs? there are one kind of fig tree that do not need lots of sun light, It is called "Fiddel leaf fig tree", Once awhile , I saw people selling it for $5 on Craigslist

  Probably was not ripe yet (hard). rcantor is right on. The tree should not go outside until you don't get frost anymore. Ct 6b around early May. If you put it out earlier and it gets cold, bring it in till it passes.

[QUOTE=rcantor]He needs to get it outside into the sun if he ever wants it to be healthy and bear fruit.  If it's been in that pot for a long time it needs to come out, have its roots trimmed so they're not tangled and choking each other then get fresh soil in a larger pot.  Knowing your general location would help in giving you the rest of the plan.  Keeping it cool now will be beneficial.  You don't want a lot of leaves yet.  Knowing how long it's been in that pot and a photo of the roots will also help.  You may need to prune the top but show us the roots first before you make that decision.[/QUOTE]~i was going to add root prunning ever 4 years it's overdue~

I would also cut off those little suckers (careful to keep roots on them) and plant them separately.

[QUOTE=newfignut]More pics  [/QUOTE]  

[QUOTE=chucklikestofish][QUOTE=newfignut]More pics  [/QUOTE]  [/QUOTE]~i turned picture right side up, i was getting a sore neck,hope you don't mind the adjusting~

Hello fignut.
The first thing I would do is cut the lower branch off (and make cuttings)
Then root prun it and up potted,cut off a third of the branches.
When you up potted,put the stake on the other side of the trunk and straighten the trunk.
Good luck.

Vito

First of all, that picture of that fig with the large leaves is beautiful !!! @^@

And, yes, he's had figs on it before.  I cannot say that I know the shape of the tree before now, as I've not been in his office.  But, since it's never been trimmed, it looked nothing like this one pictured.  I do plan to try my best to bet it in order, though.

[QUOTE=SarinaP]I would also cut off those little suckers (careful to keep roots on them) and plant them separately.[/QUOTE]

Those suckers are attached to the trunk,,,, deep down under the dirt. I'm not sure if I can get them off...  digging deep!! 

[QUOTE=Dave] [/QUOTE]  How often are you making these cuttings?? Does each stage represent years 1, 2, 3 & 4 ??

The deed is done!!  This tree has been named "Timothy Lazarus" 

I didn't get the plant centered, but, it is straight.  Next transplant, I'll make sure of it.I did get the suckers off and planted.  I'm not sure why the pictures came sideways.  I did hold the tablet correctly.      

Looks great.  Did you check the roots of the main plant?  It might be worth it to submerge it in a plastic tub of warm water and rinse all the soil off to be sure some of the roots aren't choking others.  Spraying the roots with a hose will also help get the soil off.

No, I did not.  It certainly would've made things a bit easier.  I transplanted the tree at church in the upstairs lobby, so, water was the last thing on my mind.  I will remember that for the next time.  Thanks for the tip.

Great job!  I hope it does great for you all this year.

So do I, but, at least I will have cuttings to grow and use for practice. My goal is to produce a lovely tree like the one pictured above.

and, chucklikestofish, how do you turn pictures around??

Here are   some updated pics ... I'm such amateur, I don't know if I should be proud.  This is my version of the Aqua Globe. my grandfather did this when I was a kid.  A large bottle with a small neck ,,, yep, this one was from a local establishment.

  It's getting figs already, Pastor's excited

Getting leaves 

[QUOTE=newfignut]Getting leaves [/QUOTE]~looking good~

Looks great!

Ps: I like that you named it Timothy Lazarus! Its a fitting name since it is caming back to life.

Lol.... Timothy is Pastor's middle name,  the church secretary suggested Lazarus. Pastor calls it Lazarus.

It looks great! So glad you got the suckers too!

The suckers are planted in other pots and are doing well

  and, here's Lazarus !!  He's doing well and Pastor is pleased.

Looks fantastic! Yay!

I like that you're raised onto that pedestal.  It should get more direct sunlight there.

Yes, it is raised up on a VERY nice pedestal,, a lucky thrift store find.  Iron legs and all.  I told the custodian when the tree is tall enough to stand on its own, the stand belongs in my home!!

Here's another pic.  I'm still learning, cannot get more than one pic in a post.
 

looks great. My only suggestion would be to rotate it every week so that it's doesn't grow leaning towards the window.

Hey, it's looking really nice!!!  And, so many figs now!  Nice job!

I do turn it,, I think others are touching it to, though