Ficus midnight lady home care

Many people's favorite indoor plant is Ficus. In the variety of species, which is about 800-900, everyone can choose their own specimen. All of them are distinguished by their unpretentiousness and easy adaptation to external conditions.

What kind of plant is this?

A genus of dicotyledonous plants of the Mulberry family, most species of which are evergreen. This genus includes vines, shrubs, perennials, industrial and ornamental. All are united by lignified shoots containing milky sap. Most of them are single-trunked and erect, which makes them easy to use for interior landscaping. The name comes from the Latin Ficus, which means fig tree or fig. Ficus trees grow mainly in hot climates of tropical countries, less often in temperate climates.

Classification

According to their structure, all types of ficus are divided into tree-like, ampelous and shrubby.

ampelous
shrubby
tree-like

Let's look at these ficuses with a photo with a name.

Ampelous

The name ampelous comes from the Latin term ampula - “small bottle”. Ampelous varieties are creeping low-growing vines. Due to the absence of a central stem and the presence of long shoots, the plant hangs down as it grows. They get along well in the shade, so they often decorate stairs and shady walls. The following plants belong to the group of hanging plants: Creeping - has strong roots with which it clings to any surface; Dwarf - in the presence of thin shoots, has numerous roots;

Tree-like

At home, they grow to resemble a small tree in shape. Tree-like ficuses, in addition to their size, differ from ordinary trees in their adventitious and aerial roots. These roots extend from the central trunk. The shape of the shoots is heart-shaped, ovoid, oval, and also xiphoid. They have a waxy or glossy coating, delicate “fluff” or hard “hair”.

One of the few varieties belonging to the group of tree-like plants:

Binnendijka - very similar in appearance to a palm tree; Microcarpa - has a short trunk with a dense crown and many aerial roots.

Shrubs

Unlike hanging trees, the shrub species has one or more dense lignified trunks. This species includes low-growing and tall perennials with straight or branching shoots. The leaves are most often oval in shape, pointed at the ends. The color is varied - from bright green to variegated with white splashes.

Shrub species include:

Melanie is a thick-leaved variety with white edges;
Parcella - has variegated colors of wide-oval jagged leaves.
Caudes ficus

A large number of these perennials live in humid tropical latitudes (forests of Nepal, India, Sri Lanka). But there are those that have adapted to the dry conditions of areas of California, Mexico and Africa - these are Caudesky varieties.

During drought, they store nutrients and liquid in a thick stem. This group of plants can weave around rocky ledges and stay on steep cliffs.

The most common types include:

Petiolaris is a Mexican species with large heart-shaped leaves (16 cm long and wide) with pink veins in color;

Palmera - the main feature is that, like a parasite, it begins its growth on a cactus or other shrub. Gradually, entwining its roots around the host, it grows into a separate tree, the height of which reaches 4 meters. The bark is light yellow with a cracking structure.

When choosing a place for caudes species, you should take into account that they love the sun and warm air. The suitable temperature during the growth period should be 20-24 degrees. During the rest period it should not fall below 14 degrees. You should choose a shallow, wide pot with loose and breathable soil and provide watering without allowing the soil to dry out. Reproduction occurs by cuttings and seeds. These decorative indoor plants do not take up much space and are a great addition to any flower collection.

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Rare types of ficus. Description and subtleties of cultivation

Of the wide variety of perennials, there are those whose cultivation requires special skills and effort. Therefore, some perennials are considered quite rare. These include Reed, Boxwood and Krishna.

Krishna

It received its name in honor of Krishna, the eighth incarnation of Vishnu in Judaism. There is a legend that Krishna drank from the leaf of this plant, rolling it into a funnel. The tree reaches a height of 10 meters, forming aerial roots. The bark is gray-brown with a smooth structure. The color of the shoots is green with white veins. Reproduction occurs using air layering and cuttings. Everyone knows about the sacred ficus in its homeland - India - where it decorates temples and is considered a symbol of eternity.

Boxwood

This plant with a dark green crown grows in Africa. Its smooth semicircular leaves resemble boxwood leaves, hence its name. Dark brown bark covers the trunk and branches of the plant. In the axils there are many inflorescences that form reddish fruit. Bonsai are often formed from this variety. To provide care at home, a bright, warm room and moderate watering are required. Reproduction is carried out using cuttings. In the summer, you can take it out to the balcony or into the garden, gradually accustoming it to fresh air.

Reed

The name of this variety also comes from the shape of the shoots in the form of tongues. They have a soft, leathery texture and a shiny green color. The root system is closed. The tree has paired fruits of yellow and reddish-yellow colors. The pot can be placed on the shady side, avoiding direct sunlight. The tree loves high air humidity, which can be achieved by daily spraying with warm water. This variety needs replanting, which is done every two years. Reproduction occurs by cuttings and layering. Also suitable for creating bonsai.

Description

Ficus Benjamina grows both in the wild and at home. In the first case, it reaches a height of 8-10 m, when grown indoors 1.5-2 m. The plant has a dark-colored trunk with streaks. Its branches go down. The leaves are round, with elongated edges, 4-8 cm long, 1.5-4 cm wide, compacted, glossy. Their tone ranges from white and light green to dark. Ficus benjamina has inflorescences in the shape of a ball or a pear, with a diameter of 2 cm. They are pollinated by Bastophages, without which the former simply do not ripen. Planting material is obtained from inflorescences.

Ficus benjamina indoors - description

Ficus benjamina belongs to the genus Ficus of the Mulberry family. This evergreen plant is an elegant tree or shrub with small leaves and thin slender stems. In the wild it grows in Asia and northern Australia, preferring to settle in damp forests and foothills.

The height of Ficus Benjamin can reach 30 m, but at home it rarely grows more than 2 m. There are also more compact varieties up to 50 cm in height. At the same time, the growth rate of this species is not rapid, but a home tree can easily add about 20 cm in a year New branches appear from any dormant bud on the trunk and branches, creating a lush and beautiful crown.

The trunk of Ficus Benjamin is slender and graceful. The stem and branches of the plant are covered with thin light brown textured bark. Typically the plant forms only one trunk with many thin and flexible branches. This feature gives Ficus benjamina a resemblance to a birch tree, which is why people have given it the affectionate name “Ficus birch”. The branches of the plant actively branch and are densely covered with beautiful leaves.

Benjamin leaves are small, thin, oval-shaped with a pointed end. The color of the leaves can be very diverse. In nature, the color range of leaf blades of this species is represented by dark shades of green, but varieties of Ficus benjamina can boast a wider palette of shades. Various varieties with leaves of light green and light green, decorated with spots and veins of yellow, cream and white colors are very popular among gardeners.

At home, Ficus Benjamina does not form aerial roots, but in the wild, their roots are so numerous and bizarre that they form entire thickets in which an adult can easily walk. Such trees are called banyan trees and they look really impressive.

Does it bloom?

Few gardeners have ever seen Ficus Benjamin bloom. This plant is valued for the beauty of its crown, but in nature or special greenhouses it may well please with its flowering. The flowers of this tree resemble round peas in appearance and are called syconia. They form at the ends of branches and are a great test for a weakened tree, so in greenhouses and winter gardens they prefer to simply remove the inflorescences that appear.

How many years does he live?

The homemade Ficus Benjamina can live more than 15 years, but in nature the age of some of its specimens is many decades. With proper care, this spectacular tree can live for a very long time and even be passed on to future generations.

Varieties for home cultivation

Ficus benjamina has a variety of varieties. The differences between them are in the color of the leaves and care rules.

Variety	Foliage	Features of care
Daniel	6 cm dark green tone.	Unpretentious.
Exotic	6 cm green.	Able to tolerate lack of lighting.
Curley	3-5 cm curved. Part or all of the sheet is white.	Grows slowly, loves brighter places. Needs protection from the sun.
Fantasy	6 cm green or dark green.	Unpretentious, able to tolerate lack of lighting.
Monica	6 cm green, corrugated at the edges.	Not picky.
Golden Monica	6 cm, corrugated at the edges. Light green-golden in color with dark green streaks in the center.	Resistant variety.
Naomi	5-6 cm, round with pointed ends, slightly corrugated at the edges.	Unpretentious variety, fast growing.
Naomi Gold	Light green in color, with dark strokes.	Needs protection from sunlight.
Midnight Lady	6 cm dark green in color, with corrugated leaves along the edges.	Unpretentious.
Natasha	Small-leaved type.	Average growth development.

Main varieties

Today, many varieties have been bred, each of which differs in size, shape and color:

Ficus Golden Monique has monochromatic foliage up to 6 cm in length. The edge is wavy, the leaf is narrow with a pointed tip. The branches are thin, flexible, hanging. In mature plants, the foliage takes on a dark green hue.
Golden King is a large-leaved variety, the size of one reaches 7 cm, with a bright yellow border along the edges. This variegated form needs bright light and is sensitive to excess moisture.
Regidan. It grows quickly, the distinctive feature of the leaves is their smooth edge and rich green color.
Ficus Twilight (Twilight) - has rich green foliage with cream or white edges. The border is narrow, the central green part is wide. The length of one leaf is on average 5 cm, bent like a boat, central vein, wavy edges. Characterized by rapid growth.
Safari is a small-leaved variety, the maximum length of one leaf blade is 4 cm, it is bent like a boat along the central vein, the tip is bent inward. It has a marble color with tints from cream to dark green. It is distinguished by slow growth, variegation is lost when there is a lack of lighting.
Samantha. It grows in the form of a bush, the stems are straight, woody, the bark is gray in color. The leaves are narrow, variegated - dark green in the center, beige or cream edging. The length of one leaf is maximum 3-4 cm.
Pandora - the leaves are small, the shape is compact, the crown is dense. It grows slowly, is fastidious to grow, and needs high air temperatures.
Boucle - this variety is distinguished by large leaves that curl inward and has a uniform dark green color. The length of one plate is up to 6 cm, there is a central vein. It bushes heavily and requires regular formative pruning.
Midnight Lady. It is distinguished by dark foliage, the plate is corrugated, wavy along the edges. The branches are thin, the stem is straight, the plant is grown in the form of a bush or bonsai.
Nina is a small-leaved variety, the leaves are round, dark green in the center, light green at the edges, almost completely curved inward and in the center along the vein. The branches are flexible and thin. The edging of the leaves of adult bushes becomes almost white.
Viandi. It is interesting in that the shoots do not grow straight, but bend at each leaf axil. Used for growing bonsai, the leaves are up to 3 cm long, dark green in color, with smooth edges. Growth is slow.
Natasha is a small-leaved variety, the maximum length reaches 3 cm, the width is only 1 cm. This variety is also called willow-like for its flexible thin branches and unexpressed lignification. It grows in the form of a bush with a dense crown, grown mainly as a bonsai.
Exotic - this type of ficus is closest to the wild variety. The leaf reaches 8 cm, the color is dark green, the skin is hard and glossy. The shoot can grow up to 20 cm in 1 year.

Home care

Ficus Benjamin is whimsical, but if you follow the rules of care it will grow very well.

Lighting, temperature, watering, fertilizing

Care options	Winter autumn	Spring Summer
Location	Bright, warm places. When the temperature drops, the roots are insulated.	Well-lit, insulated places protected from sunlight.
Temperature	Not less than +15°C. When the roots are insulated, it can tolerate less than +10°C.	+20…+25°C.
Lighting	The light is bright, additional lighting (if there is no sunlight).	Bright light, but diffused.
Humidity	Spraying the leaves, sometimes rinsing in the shower.	Regular spraying with boiled warm water.
Watering	Contraction (as temperature decreases).	Moderate, after the soil dries out.
Top dressing	In September (last days) it stops. Prohibited in winter.	Once a month.

Soil, transplantation, container

The soil should be slightly acidic, intermediate, drained. You can do it yourself, for this you will need:

deciduous turf;
sand;
peat.

Transplantation is carried out once in early spring (for young seedlings). Each time you need to take the pot a few centimeters larger than the previous one. It is better to choose plastic or ceramic.

An adult Ficus Benjamin needs to be replanted once every 3 years, when the roots occupy an entire container.

Reproduction

Ficus benjamina is propagated by seeds, cuttings, and air layering.

Sowing of seeds occurs in the spring, when the inflorescences have completely changed shape, size, and color. The soil with seeds is covered with cellophane and put away in a lighted, insulated place for 1 month. Afterwards the sprouts are planted in different pots.
Not all types of ficus reproduce by air layering, but Benjamina is one of them. To do this, select a woody branch or trunk and make a ring-shaped cut of the bark without affecting the wood. The exposed part is wrapped in damp sphagnum (peat moss). This structure is wrapped with film, the edges are secured with wire or tape. When the roots become visible through the film, it is removed and the resulting seedling is cut off (necessarily below the roots). Such a plant is planted as usual, and the cut site on the mother tree is treated with garden pitch or ground coal.
Cuttings are cut from an adult plant, and the base of the future seedling should be semi-woody (not green, but flexible). There should be 4 to 6 leaves on the stem. Cut cuttings 15-20 cm long, immerse in warm water for 2 hours (so that white juice comes out), then rinse and immerse in purified boiled water. Add charcoal (to prevent rotting). As soon as the roots appear, the cuttings are transplanted under cellophane. In order for the flower to get used to room temperature, the latter is gradually removed.

Formation of Ficus Benjamin

The tree grows quickly and needs shaping. If the ficus grows on a windowsill, then it needs to be rotated 90 degrees every 2 weeks.

Side shoots are pruned while the bud is inactive. The cut is moistened and covered with charcoal. A small bush is pinched (that is, the apical buds and those located at the ends of the shoots are removed).

Planting and propagation

Depending on the color of the leaves, a place for the ficus is selected. If the leaves of Ficus Benjamin , then they need a bright place, while the dark color of the plant can grow in partial shade.

The main condition for its cultivation is a permanent location. You shouldn't move it around the entire apartment. The bush does not like drafts and close proximity to radiators. Propagation of ficus benjamina by cuttings:

a woody cutting 15 cm long is cut from the top of the head;
It is optimal to do the procedure in the spring, the plant will actively form roots;
prepare a container with dark walls;
dissolve activated carbon in water;
remove the lower leaves, the branch with 2-3 internodes and 3 leaves is ready for rooting;
After cutting, blot the juice with a napkin and sprinkle with charcoal;
Use filtered or settled water;
during rooting, add liquid, but do not change;
Place no more than 3 cuttings in a container;
as soon as the roots appear and stretch up to 2 cm, plant the cuttings in the ground;
a plant with light leaves takes longer to take root than one with a dark color – 1.5 months;
for quick rooting, you can make longitudinal cuts along the stem at the bottom;
rooting can be carried out in wet sand. Then, it is better to cover the branches with a plastic bag and ventilate them periodically. When new leaves appear, the cuttings have taken root. Do not immediately remove the cover. Gradually accustom to other environmental conditions.

By seeds:

the breeding method is complex;
leave the planting material in the fungicide solution for several hours;
before planting, treat with a growth stimulator;
prepare a light substrate, moisten it;
sow seeds, cover lightly with soil;
Place a glass or plastic container with a hole for ventilation on the container;
ambient temperature 25-30 degrees C, humidity 80%;
When seedlings appear, place the containers in a bright space so that the seedlings do not stretch too much;
You can pick seedlings when 2-3 leaves appear;
the diameter of the pot should be 7 cm in diameter;
annually transplant the seedling into a larger pot. As soon as the container reaches 30 cm in volume, the Benjamin ficus transplant by removing the top layer of soil and renewing it with soil mixed with humus.

For commercial purposes, they resort to cloning the bush. The plant turns out to be more compact than the mother specimen, but at the same time retains all the characteristics.

Errors in care and their correction

Manifestation	Cause	Correction
Pale foliage.	Little light.	Place in a well-lit place.
Pale and lethargic leaves.	Excessive watering.	Do not water or transplant into another pot.
Reset of leaves.	This is the norm in autumn. If the leaves fall strongly, then the flower is most likely in a draft or the temperature is too high for it.	Remove to another place and adjust the temperature.

Signs about Ficus Benjamin, its benefits

The Slavs believed that ficus had a bad effect on humans. In the families where he grew up, chaos constantly reigned, people quarreled, sorted things out for no reason. Girls could not get married. But there is also an opposite opinion, for example, in Thailand, this is a sacred tree that brings goodness, strengthens family relationships, brings good luck and happiness.

In fact, Ficus Benjamin can only harm those who are allergic to this tree. It secretes a milky sap called latex, which can cause asthma if it comes into contact with sensitive skin. But the benefits of the plant cannot be ignored; it perfectly purifies the air, kills viruses and bacteria.

A significant part of people know how difficult it is to care for this plant on their own. Ficus Benjamina is considered a capricious plant. But no one is afraid of the presence of difficulties, since Ficus Benjamina can be seen in the homes of a large number of people. With proper care throughout the year, all family members admire the ficus.

Varieties and their photos

Ficus Benjamina var. nuda grows in the Philippines and is distinguished by narrow, elongated leaves with an elongated teardrop-shaped point. The leaves of a naked ficus are no wider than three centimeters. The above type of ficus was nicknamed “naked” because it lacks peeling young bark.
Ficus Benjamina f. Exotica is found in Bali and Java, this species has dark glossy leaves, and the edges themselves have a wavy edge. Exotic landscaping is used in warm cities where the temperature remains quite high even in winter. This species is not afraid of drought.
The variety called Danielle has dark green leaves that are six centimeters long. Daniel does not stand out for being whimsical and can exist in more severe conditions.
And the Curly will require care and careful care; the health of the plant greatly depends on the correct lighting.
The Fantasy variety combines the advantages of varieties such as Danielle and Curly. Even the leaves are very similar to the leaves of the two varieties described.
The ficus Monique species is unpretentious , the edges of its six-centimeter leaves have a corrugated structure and a green color.
Golden Monique differs from Monique in that the leaves are light golden at the edges and dark green in the middle. If we consider the variegated varieties of Ficus Benjamin, then this species is considered the most stable.
Naomi variety is somewhat similar to Monique , it is also very stable, it grows instantly, the leaves are six centimeters long, the structure of the dark green leaves is corrugated at the edges.
But Naomi Gold, with its green leaves with a golden border, resembles Golden Moique. A very beautiful plant breed.
Midnight Lady has leaves six centimeters long, their edges are corrugated, and the shade is very dark.
Esther has five-centimeter leaves of a light green color.
Starlight stands out for its white foliage, which impresses advanced botanists, since casual hobbyists have little chance of coping with the whimsicality. But beauty requires sacrifice; knowledgeable people understand this very well and do not skimp on the best fertilizers and time spent in order to properly care for the plant.
Golden King's six-centimeter leaves are famous for their yellow stripes on the edges;
Anastasia variety produces green foliage with light edges. The leaves are six centimeters long.
Samantha will appeal to those who want grey-green foliage with white edges. Their dimensions are standard (six centimeters).
Bushy King , having Samantha's appearance, grows more slowly and reaches a more compact size.
Kinky is known for its four-centimeter green leaves with cream-colored edges.
Buklee is growing at an average rate. It is distinguished by curled six-centimeter foliage, a resistant variety.
Iren is very similar to Buklee, but its crown is attractive with its variegated variation;
Natasja grows at a medium speed, is a small-leaved species with a standard color.
Wiandi is a small-leaved variety, five-centimeter long leaves, light green color.
Nina with small five-centimeter green leaves.
Nicole is another small-leaved breed.
Safari is a variety with small leaves.
Barok also has small leaves.

They are all similar to each other, differing only in the degree of unpretentiousness.

Description of the species

Ficus benjamina is a short tree with beautiful variegated leaves and grayish bark.
This variety has been grown as a houseplant for a very long time. Depending on the variety, it can reach 2 m in height. This tropical plant is undemanding in terms of care and growing conditions, but loves high humidity and warmth. The ficus benjamina is considered to be native to Southeast Asia, where it can grow up to 20-30 m in height. Under natural conditions, it blooms annually, but the flowers of the plant are small and inexpressive. In countries with a warm but dry climate, the tree grows with a single trunk up to 5 m high.

Important! Ficus Benjamin will not bloom in an apartment (with rare exceptions). To produce fruits and seeds, the plant needs pollination, which is only possible in the wild.

An evergreen plant of the Mulberry family has almost no aerial roots. Its shoots quickly become woody, and drooping branches form a lush crown. The decorative nature of the ficus lies in its unusual narrow leaves. Narrow leathery, glossy leaves have different colors.

Depending on the variety they can be:

light green;
light green;
dark green;
with white and golden spots and edging.

Young shoots of Ficus Benjamin tend to grow together into any shape; they are very flexible, which can be used to create decorative compositions. In addition, the plant is widely used in Eastern and European alternative medicine as a medicinal plant.

Varieties and varieties

Ficus benjamina has two natural forms (varieties):

Nuda (naked) with leaves narrower, denser than the original species, and a characteristic elongated sharp tip, native to the Philippines;
f. Exotica came into cultivation from the islands of Bali and Java; it is distinguished by the dark color of the plates and slightly wavy edges.

Many original varieties were given rise to this ficus Benjamin; photos of the most popular one with the consonant name Exotic are often published in glossy magazines. Their descriptions are also very similar.

Benjamin's dwarf varieties, Natasha and Kinky, are not actually dwarf varieties and can grow quite tall. Their size is due to short internodes, which is why the development of the above-ground part proceeds 2-3 times slower than other cultivars with the same care.

Among the popular varieties, Benjamin ficuses with smoothly colored leaves should be highlighted:

Baroque;
Boucle;
Daniel;
Bushy Prince;
Viandi;
Midnight Lady;
Monique;
Naomi;
Esther.

The variegated forms of Benjamin ficus are extremely popular; the differences in care and maintenance from smooth-colored ones are minimal:

Gold Princess;
De Gantelle;
Curley;
Golden King;
Profit;
Anastasia.

The price of ficus directly depends on the size of the tree - purchasing tub specimens is much more expensive than potted plants.

Indoor varieties

Ficus benjamina has a huge number of varieties, differing in the size of the leaves and their variegation.

Ficus benjamina variety Daniel

Variety "Daniel" - distinguished by very dark, monochromatic leaves.

Ficus benjamina variety Monique

Variety "Monique" - has more delicate, thin branches and a light leaf slightly wavy along the edge.

Ficus benjamina variety Nicole

Variety "Nicole" - has a more elongated leaf with a light edge.

Ficus benjamina variety Safari

The “Safari” variety is distinguished by its obvious spotting and tricolor color.

Ficus benjamina variety Baroque

The Baroque variety is the most unusual and difficult to grow. Each leaf of this miniature plant is twisted into a spiral.

Correct care for ficus trees at home

About lighting

For the correct formation of the crown of Ficus Benjamin, you should be careful about the lighting, the light should fall on each side of the plant, it is recommended to rotate the ficus with a certain cyclicity. If you fail to follow this recommendation, you will have to settle for an irregularly shaped crown; the shoots will grow unevenly.

Ficus benjamina is a light-loving plant, but it must be protected from direct sunlight, which will cause the entire crown to burn out. Some varieties are best shaded a little. It is strictly forbidden to place the plant in the dark, in cold or draft. In winter, in order to avoid leaf fall, it is necessary to install artificial lighting. If a variegated variety is planted, this ficus loves light and warmth even more.

Temperature and humidity

When the ficus was brought home, you need to allocate personal space for the crown of this plant. The temperature in the room should not be allowed to drop, the minimum temperature should be at least fifteen degrees Celsius, the place for the ficus Benjamin should be ventilated, but avoiding drafts.

Humidity 70% is considered normal, humidity less than 50% is considered critically unacceptable. In summer and winter, the crown of ficus Benjamina should be sprayed; this plant will like a monthly warm shower (water temperature from 30 to 50 degrees Celsius).

When carrying out spraying procedures, it is recommended to cover the ground with polyethylene, after which you should refrain from ventilating the room during drying.

How to water ficus benjamina

You should not follow a strictly defined schedule when watering; different seasons and different conditions constantly shift the watering cycles. Ficus is watered based on the condition of the soil; the soil should not dry out or become saturated with water. Over time, it will become easier to understand when it is time to water.

The soil should be dry one fifth from the top. For the sake of uniform impregnation of the soil, the soil is saturated with water in several stages, while it is desirable that there is no water in the pan; if excess moisture appears, the water is drained from the pan.

What soil to plant in and what fertilizers to buy

The choice of soil for ficus Benjamina should be a fertile, breathable and moisture-absorbing option. It is welcome to add turf soil, leaf humus and sand to the base of purchased peat soil.

Turf soil (one part), leaf humus (one part), sand (one second part), peat soil (one part) are mixed with charcoal (one tenth). It is necessary to use drainage; knowledgeable people place expanded clay on the bottom of the pot, and lay sand as a second layer.

Fertilizer concentrates are added to the water and the plant is watered. During the winter season, you should not replenish the soil, because in winter the ficus is at rest.

It is better to follow the above recommendations for care, since in the absence of comfortable conditions, ficus Benjamina will lose its crown, and in some circumstances everything will end up much worse and the beautiful plant will die.

Top dressing

In spring, summer and autumn, the plant is fed with universal flower fertilizers. The ficus is fed based on its growth rate, and the rate itself depends on the quality of the light received. With rapid growth, ficus more often needs feeding.

When keeping a variegated variety, it is recommended to feed it with fertilizers with a low nitrogen content; this is done to preserve the exclusive shade of the crown. You can alternate mineral and organic fertilizers. In winter and during leaf shedding, fertilizing is prohibited.

The plant does not need feeding if growth slows down and if the rules of caring for it are violated.

Diseases and pests

When the soil is oversaturated with moisture, ficus Benjamina can be susceptible to fungus, bacteria and infections. If this problem does not bypass the ficus, you will need to remove each infected part and treat it with a solution containing a copper-containing fungicide. It is necessary to carry out regular hygiene procedures to prevent possible diseases. To do this, the foliage is wiped every week.

As soon as plant care becomes incorrect, spider mites, mealy worms, aphids, etc. appear in it. Treatment with water and laundry soap, insecticidal oil or a special varnish will save you from pests. All varieties of ficus can resist diseases and pests.

Why do the leaves turn yellow and fall off?

the foliage turned yellow and began to turn pale (the quality of lighting needs to be improved);
brown spots have appeared (the ficus should be protected from direct sunlight);
the foliage has curled and withered (it’s time to put it in a warmer place, otherwise the leaves will drop);
the branches began to reach towards the ground (excess moisture has accumulated inside the plant, postpone spraying the foliage);
the ends of the leaves dry out, then acquire a brown tint (the ficus needs water, it urgently needs to be watered);
the shedding of leaves has begun (ficus Benjamina is in a stressful state, if there was a change in the situation before, then you need to wait a little, otherwise the draft is to blame).

Pruning rules

Ficus Benjamina is not afraid of pruning, which can be used to give the crown a suitable shape. Most often, ficus is grown as a standard tree. The trunk is flexible, easily intertwined, can grow together with the trunks at points of contact, and forms a beautiful braid, trunk or lattice.

Pruning of young shoots begins in February and ends in July; the crown is formed in stages. Pruning is done using sharp scissors, a knife, pliers or pruning shears treated with an alcohol-containing liquid.

The limit for pruning the main bushes is twenty centimeters; more than six leaves must be left on it. You can cut off a side branch to the extent that is more acceptable to you. After trimming, you will need sharpened charcoal, which will be used to process each cut. In case of increased growth of the inner part of the foliage, excess leaves should be removed, thinning so that light reaches each leaf. Ficus Benjamina heals well after cutting.

You can grow a column of ficus Benjamin; to do this, you need to plant several plants in one container, then gradually intertwine them using an artificial method. Such bushes serve as support for each other and look good.

Features of replanting ficus

When spring or summer comes, it becomes possible to replant the ficus. Before this procedure, the bush is thoroughly watered. Drainage and new soil are poured into the new pot in advance. Carefully remove the bush from the old pot with a small amount of soil, shake off the soil a little from the roots, remove the top layer of soil in the new pot and place the plant there. Then cover with a fresh layer of earth.

When the plant reaches a large size, the difficulty of replanting increases; in this case, you will simply have to change the top layers of the soil

A young plant is replanted every year, and plants older than four years - once every 1-3 years, as the root system develops. If the walls of the pot are completely entwined around the edges with roots, then it’s time to replant.

Clarifications on some questions

For those who want to know what function this plant has, other than decorating the room. According to the misconception of many, Ficus Benjamin is of decorative value, but in fact, this plant improves the quality of life of its owners. Ficus Benjamina varieties have been scientifically proven to effectively purify the air. This ficus saturates the room with oxygen, can destroy microorganisms and neutralize toxins thanks to the benzoin resin it contains.

When forming a trunk, you should remove every side shoot except the five branches on top. To create a floor standard, leave a meter in height, and for a tabletop - forty centimeters above the table. Using an identical method, multi-level trunks are formed, leaving five thirty-centimeter shoots. At the very beginning, a support mount in the form of a trellis will be useful; when the ficus becomes stronger, the trellis can be removed.

To give the trunks a braided shape, ficuses are secured with clamps, which are then relaxed.

When pruning bushes, you should only cut off the shoots; the leaves themselves should not be damaged.

Ficus Benjamina is an extraordinary plant that requires compliance with a large number of rules when maintaining it, but do not worry about this, because this article has revealed all the nuances of caring for a ficus. You just have to make up your mind and after some time each family member will be rewarded for all their efforts by increasing the oxygen content in the room and the absence of toxins in the air. Just remember that you need the best possible lighting without direct sunlight.

To grow a healthy plant in an apartment, you need to know how to care for ficus.

The ficus is native to the tropical forests of East Asia, where there are more than 750 varieties of this flower. It is impossible to grow all of them at home, however, there are dozens of varieties of indoor ficuses. They can differ dramatically from each other in appearance - the type of trunk, the shape and structure of the leaves.

How to care for ficus at home

Ficus is not only a houseplant, it is beneficial because it purifies the indoor air from benzenes and phenols, and also gives off its positive energy. The peculiarity of this flower is that it prefers a permanent place and does not react well to frequent movements. Therefore, before purchasing a ficus, you need to choose a place for it, taking into account its preferences in lighting and temperature.

Ficus (lat. Ficus)

This plant prefers light and fresh air; if possible, in the warm season it is preferable to place it on the veranda or balcony.

Attention!
When placing a ficus, it is necessary to take into account that it does not tolerate drafts. The plant reacts very violently to inconvenience - it drops its leaves.

Lighting

Ficus is a light-loving plant, but it must be placed in a place protected from direct sunlight. Those flower varieties that have dense, dark-colored leaves can be placed in less lit places. Species with light foliage need more intense lighting; in winter they are recommended to include additional daylight lamps.

Ficus: care at home

If there is not enough light, the ficus may shed its leaves and plant growth slows down. Reacts poorly to changing lighting conditions. During the period of active growth and flowering, ficus needs more light than during the dormant period. Species with variegated foliage may lose their decorative color due to lack of light.

ficus benjamina sheds leaves in winter photo

Temperature

Ficus is thermophilic, the ideal temperature regime for it is in the range of +22+28 °C in summer and +15+21°C in winter. Ficus varieties with variegated leaves do not tolerate cold temperatures and drafts.

Important!
Too high a temperature will cause the leaves to wilt; if the flower is cold, it will begin to actively shed its leaves.

If the plant is in a place that does not correspond to its temperature regime (a ventilated window sill or floor), it should be moved to a warm place for the winter or placed on a stand.

On hot summer days, in order to provide the flower with an acceptable temperature, it is recommended to spray it with a spray bottle.

Air humidity

If the ficus variety has large, dense leaves, air humidity does not matter much; this plant will feel good in normal indoor conditions. To create ideal conditions, flowers with small leaves are recommended to be sprayed in the summer. For these purposes, water must be left standing for 2-3 days or rain water must be used.

Ficus benjamina prefers high air humidity; it must be sprayed frequently, and in the summer placed in a tray with wet pebbles. Due to lack of air humidity, the plant will begin to shed its leaves.

Watering ficus

Ficus prefers regular moderate watering with light drying of the earthen ball in the pot. For proper watering, you must follow some rules:

water the ficus at the same time in the morning or evening;
Do not use tap water; the water must stand for three days;
you can water it with boiled water passed through a filter;
the water should be warm;
The frequency of watering is selected in accordance with the time of year; in winter it is enough to water the ficus once a week, and in summer - at least twice. On hot days, you should monitor the condition of the soil in the pot and water the plant as the top layer dries;
For additional moisture, spraying is used for small-leaved species and wiping the leaves for rubber-bearing ficus. The procedures are carried out at least once a week with settled water.

Watering ficus

You can water a houseplant from the top (at the root) and into a tray. Water is poured into the pan for 30-40 minutes, then the remainder is drained.

If watering is carried out from the top, you should pour water under the root until it begins to flow from the drainage hole. Place the pot in a tray and drain off any excess water after 20 minutes.

In winter, watering is reduced; waterlogging of the soil in the pot can threaten the death of the flower. If the ficus is in close proximity to a heating radiator, it needs to be watered more often. On hot days, you can use showering to water the plant. Periodically, the soil must be loosened for air circulation and better moisture.

Top dressing

Knowing how to care for ficus at home, you can grow some species up to two to three meters. But for active plant growth, periodic feeding is required.

They begin to feed the ficus after a period of dormancy in early spring, and do this throughout the summer, including September. Nitrogen-containing fertilizers can be purchased in specialized stores; they are necessary for the plant to grow its crown. They are used in spring and early summer; do not do this in autumn, otherwise the shoots will be thin and pale.

At home, you can prepare soil fertilizer yourself. To do this, wood ash is mixed with nettle tincture. Mullein can be used several times. It is not recommended to use various food fertilizers; they will cause acidification of the soil.

Land for ficus photo

To properly feed ficus, mineral and organic fertilizers are used. Compared to other plants, ficus does not require frequent feeding, but it should be plentiful. To understand that a houseplant needs feeding, you need to focus on the following factors:

the flower has stopped growing or slowed down significantly;
the shoots became thin and elongated;
the leaves began to lose turgor and became pale;
the ficus is dropping its leaves or they have begun to turn yellow;
spots began to appear on the leaves;
the plant begins to hurt;
pests attack a weakened flower.

Advice!
Fertilizing should be done after treating the plant or treating it with a pest control composition, otherwise the flower will not absorb the nutrients. And after transplanting, the soil is not fertilized for at least three weeks.

Planting ficus benjamina in a pot

The operation is very responsible. An incorrect substrate or container volume, lack of drainage, or deepening of the root collar will certainly cause the leaves to turn yellow and fall off. If the situation is not corrected quickly, the plant will suffer for a long time and may die.

Planned transplantation is carried out only in the spring, emergency transplantation - regardless of the season.

Requirements for substrate and containers

Most ficuses, including Benjamin, need a pot of regular shape. It can be made from unglazed clay or plastic. Airtight materials are not suitable.

Buying a beautiful branded pot that matches the interior of your apartment can result in the death of the tree. It can be used as a flowerpot, and a regular plastic container can be placed inside. Clay pots are decorated with jute, braided cords, or other methods.

Ficus benjamina loves soil:

loose, permeable to water and air;
with a neutral or slightly acidic reaction;
moderately fertile, only for bonsais can we recommend planting in soilless mixtures.

Even experienced gardeners do not refuse ready-made substrates. For beginners, it is better to use only them; choose not a universal one, but a specialized one designed for ficus plants. The components are ideally selected, there are starting fertilizers with the correct proportions of macro- and microelements, sufficient to nourish the tree in the first 1-2 months after planting.

How often to replant ficus benjamina

It is recommended to move the flower into a pot with a diameter 2-3 cm larger than before:

the first 3 years of life - every spring;
in the future - once every 2-3 seasons;
For tub specimens, change only the top layer of the substrate.

But this is a rule that requires adjustment depending on the condition and speed of development of Ficus Benjamin, and not an axiom. You can replant the crop only when the old pot becomes too small, otherwise it is not only meaningless, but also harmful to the plant. The signal is:

roots growing through the drainage hole;
slower growth, small leaves, the trunk stops thickening with regular feeding;
the substrate began to dry out too quickly;
If ficus benjamina is taken out of the pot, the lump almost entirely consists of tangled roots, behind which the soil is not visible.

Reasons for emergency transfer:

the substrate has become sour due to waterlogging and smells bad;
the surface of the earthen clod and the walls of the pot are covered with a whitish coating - salts released due to watering the ficus with hard water, excess, incorrect combination or low quality fertilizers;
the root began to rot;
During the previous transplant, a substrate that was too acidic, alkaline, contaminated, and impervious to water and air was used.

Transshipment

Benjamin's species is a tree-like ficus. Even with a planned transplant of a healthy plant, any damage to the root may cause leaves to fall off and require long-term treatment. Therefore, they try to transfer the crop without destroying the earthen lump:

Ficus benjamina is carefully removed from the pot.
Remove the old drainage, shake off the top layer of soil, and free some of the lateral and lower roots.
Fill the new container 1/5 with drainage, add a little fresh substrate.
An earthen ball is placed in the center so that the root collar of the Benjamin ficus is at the same level as in the old pot.
Fill the free space with soil, compact it, and water it.

Transfer

The operation involves partial or complete removal of old soil. For Benjamin varieties, this is stress, from which the tree takes a long time to recover. Careful care will be required for a month or longer.

It is recommended to refuse transshipment in favor of replanting an adult ficus only if the root has rotted, soured or the substrate has become infected.

Subsequence:

The plant is taken out of the pot, the earthen ball is inspected, assessing the damage.
Use a sharp stick to remove the old soil.
If it is removed completely, the root system is washed.
The processes are stripped back to healthy tissue.
Disinfect, if necessary, soak in a fungicide solution.
Allow the wound surfaces to dry until callus forms.
Plant in fresh soil as described in the previous chapter.

Care after transplant

Ficus benjamina is placed in the shade, not watered, and sprayed with warm water several times a day. They monitor its condition and transfer it to a permanent place when the rudiments of new leaves appear. They begin to feed no earlier than a month later.

Replacing the top layer

It is difficult to replant or replant tubular specimens or tall varieties of Benjamin with trunks intertwined into a hedge or trellis. Especially if the total weight of the pot with the plant requires the collaboration of several people. It is customary for them to change the top layer of soil by 2-3, maximum 5 cm.

Types of home ficus

The most common indoor varieties of ficus are:

All these ficuses are very different from each other, there are fundamental differences between domestic species and those that grow in nature.

Ficus benjamina has thin flexible stems with small leaves of a dense structure. Their color ranges from rich green to light, almost white. Moreover, they are not monochromatic, but variegated. This species needs intense lighting, frequent watering and feeding. With insufficient care, Ficus Benjamin can lose its variegated color and become pale and monochromatic. The most popular varieties are Natasha, Daniel and Midnight Lady.

Ficus Benjamin The rubber-bearing ficus is considered the largest among indoor varieties. The rubber-bearing ficus at home can grow more than 2 m. The plant is quite unpretentious and looks like a tree with an erect trunk. The leaves are large, oval with a pointed end, have a dense structure and a glossy surface. The flower tolerates partial shade well, is not picky about temperature and air humidity, and can survive for a long time without feeding. The most common types are Robusta, Melanie, Belize, Black Prince, Tineke.

rubber-bearing ficus photo The dwarf ficus is a creeping shrub that can creep along the ground or curl along a nearby support. The stems are very thin and can grow up to 3-5 m. The leaves are heart-shaped and monochromatic or variegated in color. Dwarf ficus grows slowly, mainly in the warm season.

Dwarf ficus photo Lyre-shaped ficus has leaves similar in shape to a musical instrument. They are usually dark green in color, dense in structure, and leathery. Lyre-shaped ficus

The trunk of this type of ficus is rough and gray-brown in color. It is quite demanding on humidity, does not tolerate too bright sunlight and sudden changes in temperature. The Bengal ficus is an evergreen tree and takes root through aerial roots. The leaves are oval-shaped, bright green with lighter veins. At home it grows quickly and reaches 3 m. It loves light, is heat-loving and needs regular watering, especially during the period of active growth.

Bengal ficus photo

Features of ficus varieties

These plants were classified into subspecies, families and genera already in the 19th century. Although now many botanists are re-conducting research and dividing them into classes. The variety of species includes shrubs, trees, vines, decorative indoor flowers and dwarf subspecies. Let's look at a number of them with photos and names.

Ali

This variety is quite popular among indoor plant lovers. It is great for indoor landscaping. Broad-leaved ali has a variegated crown color, the palette of which begins with dark green and ends with light light green shades. In the wild it grows up to 20 meters, while its indoor “brother” does not exceed two.

Anastasia (Ficus anastasia)

This variety is often confused with Regidan, but the light green variegated color of its shoots does not decrease over the years, and their shape has an uneven edge. It can take the form of a bush or tree. It is well positioned for trunk formation, but it must be taken into account that its growth is quite intense.

Barok (Ficus barok)

The Baroque or Baroque variety is distinguished by a non-standard leaf shape, the tip of which resembles a groove - making the whole flower seem curly. Its structure is glossy, radiating shine in the sun.

When planting several seedlings, you can create a beautiful composition with a woven crown. When planting, you should choose a place that is safe from mechanical damage, since the branches of the plant are quite fragile.

Bengal

This variety is native to Asia, although they can often be found in India. In nature, it grows as a tree with long aerial roots reaching to the ground. It is distinguished by large leaves, reaching a length of 20 cm and a width of about 6 cm. This ficus is an unpretentious plant that grows well at home.

Benjamin

The name of the flower comes from the name of a botanist from Spain - Jackson Benjamin Daydon. The countries of origin are India, Malaysia and the Philippines. It is also found in China and Australia. The most difficult to care for are the first three months of growth; then, once accustomed to a new place, it does not cause any trouble. In greenhouse conditions, it forms inflorescences (syconia) that resemble berries.

Binnendijka

A feature of the perennial is a long, fairly straight trunk with thin branches. The branches bend slightly downward. The leaves are sharp, monochromatic or variegated in color. It is interesting to know how ficus blooms - flowering resembles growths, but this only happens in the wild.

Bushy king (Ficus bushy king)

It has gray leaves with a white, uneven edge and bright veins. Growth is slow and the size is quite compact. In appearance it resembles the Golden King and Samantha varieties.

Buklee (Ficus buklee)

The name of the variety is determined by the appearance of the shoots. They are curled downwards, although they straighten out over the years. Their size reaches 5-6 cm, and the color is light green and uniform. For proper growth, good lighting and crown formation by pruning shoots are necessary. A fairly fastidious and slightly bushy variety.

Viandi (Ficus wiandi)

A subspecies with thin branches and small leaves, distinguished by its miniature size. Great for turning into a bonsai. With it you can create various decorative compositions. It easily tolerates pruning and does not require special care. It is better to choose the southwest or southeast side as a location.

Golden king (Ficus golden king)

Wild representatives grow in the tropical forests of South Asia and northern Australia, in the form of huge 30-meter trees. The name of the plant comes from the color of the leaves, edged with yellow. The domestic subspecies requires bright lighting and moderate watering without stagnant water. Does not like frequent turns pot and rearrangements.

Daniel (Ficus danielle daniella)

The main characteristic is the juicy bright green color, gradually darkening as it grows. The shape of the shoot is long and narrowed at the end. The size of a houseplant can reach about 2 meters. To quickly adapt, this flower should not be replanted in the first year.

Deltoid

It is distinguished by a special shape of leaves resembling a Greek letter, the rich color of which can become covered with brown spots over time. In natural conditions it reaches three meters in height, and the indoor form can grow up to one meter. The house ficus of the Deltoid variety resembles a neat tree or small shrub.

Karika

Ficus Karika is especially popular, the indoor variety of which has the ability to bear fruit. Its homeland is considered to be Asia and the Caucasus, and is also common in the Crimea. This perennial has large, rough leaves, the shape of which is whole or divided into several lobes. Fruits are produced only by the female flower of this ficus, which does not require pollination by male inflorescences. The edible fruits are juicy and very sweet with small grains inside.

Dwarf and ivy-leaved

A liana or shrub that spreads along the ground and grows into it with aerial roots. The shoot is small with corrugated edges, shaped like a heart. Color - dark green with a yellow frame. Responds to high humidity and does not like direct sunlight.

Rubber or Robusta elastica (Ficus elastica)

It is distinguished by large leaves with a dense structure and oval shape. The name comes from the word “robust” - from the English “powerful”. Ficus Robusta is a tree with a powerful stem, green or green-brown in color. Able to grow even in dark places. After purchase, you should quarantine without fertilizing or disturbing the plant for several days.

Curly (Ficus curly)

The color and shape of the shoots on one bush are quite diverse; white, green, and their mixtures predominate. Very bright and spotted crown appearance. Sensitive to lack of light and dry soil, does not tolerate drafts. Periodic feeding and pruning are also necessary.

Kinky (Ficus kinky)

The bushy appearance of this perennial takes the form of a tree over time. Distributed throughout Australia, Africa and Southeast Asia. The spreading crown of the tree ends with long flowing branches. The leaves of the crown are lanceolate with cream and light green edging. When grown at home, it does not bloom.

Lyre-shaped

Large leaves with a waxy coating, wavy along the edges, resembling a lyre or violin in shape. In the wild it grows up to 15 meters in size with small green fruits. For home breeding, it requires good lighting and high humidity. Often support is needed for stability. Propagated by cuttings and air layering.

Midnight lady (Ficus midnight lady)

Found naturally in Australia and South Asia. Young shoots are emerald in color and become darker with age. The leaves are dense with wavy edges, the branches are thin, hanging down. It grows quite quickly, without requiring careful care.

Monique (Ficus monique)

An unpretentious variety, resistant to unfavorable conditions. It is distinguished by golden leaves with corrugated edges. Young specimens have dark streaks on their surface. The branches are thin, spreading. In indoor conditions it can reach 3 meters in height. Feels good in partial shade; in the sun it can turn pale and dry out.

Montana mountain

It is a vine or low-growing bush. The homeland is considered to be Malaysia, Indonesia and China. Another name is Oakleaf, based on the shape of the leaf, which resembles oak. There are hairs on its surface, predominant in the lower part. The creeping branches are brown or greenish in color. In low light conditions it may stop growing.

Naomi (Ficus naomi)

The variety has dark green leaves of a rounded shape, the ends are slightly pointed, and the edges are wavy. Another subspecies, Naomi Gold, has a lighter golden crown that darkens as it grows. Does not require special care, but requires pinching of shoots to give shape.

Natasha (Ficus natasja)

It has the appearance of an ornamental shrub with a narrow shape and a bent tip of small leaves. The shape of the bush is quite lush and dense. In the wild it reaches 12-15 meters, at home it does not exceed a meter. It is impossible to achieve flowering at home, although in its homeland - Australia - small spherical inflorescences appear throughout the crown.

Nina (Ficus nina)

The variety, similar to the previous one, has a grayish color of leaves with a border along the edge and slightly curled towards the middle. Several copies can be beautifully arranged into a decorative tree with intertwined trunks. The growth rate is quite slow.

Nicole (Ficus nicole)

The branches of the variety are curved, like a zigzag. They grow upward, which distinguishes this variety from many others. The edges of the leaves are smooth with a slight bend in the middle along the vein. The dominant color is white.

Dulled

Another name is Retuza. The aerial roots of this species support the branches. In the wild, it looks like a powerful tree 20 meters high, whose homeland is Southeast Asia. Also found in Africa. It has dark leaves with a smooth structure on short petioles. It grows slowly, although it is not quite whimsical.

Pumila

The structure of the leaf is wrinkled and dense, the size reaches 7 cm. It received its name due to its size and the term “pumilus”, which means small. The fruits of the wild perennial are orange in color; in China they are used in folk medicine.

Rustifolia parcel

The perennial is susceptible to dropsy, this happens due to excess moisture. In this regard, bacteria attack it and it turns yellow - hence the name of the flower. As with many species, this one has many aerial roots.

Samantha (Ficus samantha)

The leaves are ovate in shape with white edges. The variety is distinguished by its long stem length. The growth rate of the tree is slower than that of its “brothers”. For indoor breeding, you need a comfortable temperature and bright, diffused lighting.

Safari (Ficus safari)

It is distinguished by its marbled and variegated color. But with a lack of light, the crown turns pale. The shape of the shoots is pointed, oblong, up to 3-4 cm in size. It grows slowly, especially in a shady place.

Sacred

The perennial is native to India. This species was often planted near Buddhist temples, which is why the variety received its name. Currently it is found on mountain surfaces, although previously it grew exclusively on the plains. The dimensions are truly enormous – up to 30 meters. In room conditions - up to 3 meters.

Triangularis

The leaf shape is characteristic - in the form of a triangle. The color is muted green with a white border, the design resembles a heart. It grows up to one meter in height. With the right approach, you can get a flowering shrub that forms yellow inflorescences.

Fantasy (Ficus fantasy)

It is considered a hybrid of Curly and Daniel varieties. The leaves are quite large, curling slightly towards the center. Color - white, light green or a variegated combination of colors. When grown, it prefers bright, diffused light.

Exotic (Ficus exotic)

Very similar to its “ancestor” - Ficus Benjamin. The difference is the slightly wavy edges of the leaves. Their structure is soft and flat, and their coloring is bright green. The variety is distinguished by its significant growth rate and ease of care.

Esther (Ficus esther)

If not properly cared for, it begins to crumble. A whimsical and demanding variety, it is worth choosing a place without bright sun. The color is light green, almost white.

Eldorado (Ficus eldorado)

It stands out among other subspecies due to its variegated coloration with chaotic inclusions of light green and beige lines, as well as spots. The waviness of the edges is slight, sometimes absent. Confused with the Safari subspecies

Ficus transplant

Ficus care includes timely replanting for normal plant development. This must be done if the following factors are present:

the roots of the flower extend into the drainage holes, the plant is clearly cramped in this pot;
ficus just bought from the store;
the soil in the pot is depleted and the plant has stopped growing;
drainage replacement is required;
if you need to propagate a flower.

Important!
Timely replanting promotes flower growth; if this is not done in time, the ficus will begin to shed leaves and stop growth.

Plants that are no more than 4 years old must be replanted every year. Older ficus trees are replanted less frequently, once every 3-5 years. The right time for replanting is early spring.

Ficus transplant

Considering that the ficus does not tolerate drastic changes, immediately after transplantation it can shed its leaves, but usually during the summer season the plant comes to its senses and feels good by winter.

The pot should be selected according to the growth of the plant. If the ficus is 125 cm tall, the pot should have a diameter of no more than 23 cm; the plant prefers tight spaces. The ficus root system takes a long time to form until it intertwines throughout the earthen coma. And only then the flower begins to grow in height.
The bottom of the pot should have drainage holes to avoid stagnation of water. It is better to choose a soil that is neutral or slightly acidic. It must be loose so that air can circulate. You can mix the soil yourself: take sand, peat, soil and humus in equal parts, or buy ready-made soil for ficus. Be sure to add drainage to the bottom of the pot.
The plant is carefully removed from the old pot, the roots are inspected, if there are any damaged ones, they are removed with a sharp knife. The ficus is placed in a new pot with drainage and covered with soil without deepening the root collar.
The flower is watered with settled warm water and placed in its permanent place, where there is no direct sunlight or drafts. The next time it should be watered after the top layer of soil has dried at least 2-3 cm.

Ficus Samanta - description of the variety

This variety grows slower than other similar plants. If a florist breeds it in an apartment, then it is necessary to strictly observe the temperature regime, which ensures comfort for the ficus. In winter, the room is maintained at +15...20°C, and in summer – up to +28°C. The description of the tree is as follows:

The height of the trunk ranges from 150 to 250 cm. There are many thin hanging branches around it.
The plant develops aerial roots over time. This leads to the appearance of new shoots at different levels of the trunk. This variety of ficus has a long stem.
The leaves are from 5 to 11 cm long and up to 4.5 cm wide, painted in bright shades of green. They have an oval or ovoid shape. Unlike the leaves of other types of trees of this type, the leaf blades along the edges have a white edge.

Ficus Samantha on the windowsill.

The plant tolerates wintering only indoors. It can tolerate heat, but develops well with constant spraying of water on the trunk and leaves, which is done 2 times a week.

Reproduction

Ficus reproduces in four ways:

Cuttings, which in turn are of two types - stem and leaf-bud. Cuttings are placed in water until roots appear, usually after two weeks. Then each shoot can be planted in the ground in a separate pot.

Ficus propagation photo

Air layering. This method of reproduction requires more attention. You need to select a shoot and remove excess leaves. Then make a cut around the trunk in a circle, into which insert a match or a piece of wood. Wrap the cut area with damp moss and polyethylene on top. Within a month, the roots should germinate, then the shoot can be separated from the main trunk and planted in a separate pot.
At home, ficus plants practically do not reproduce by seeds; this is a very labor-intensive and time-consuming process. To create ideal conditions, a mini greenhouse is used, in which the seeds are sown. It must have high humidity and appropriate temperature.

Reproduction methods

Ficus Benjamin propagates, like other varieties, by lateral or apical shoots:

In spring, you can cut the top cutting about 10 cm long with two internodes. Then place it in warm water for a couple of hours, extract the milky juice, and dry the seedling. The cut site is treated with a growth stimulator. Then you can place it in a plate with wet cotton wool or immediately root it in a mixture of sand and peat.
Large leaves are suitable for propagation. You can take a leaf from a side or top shoot. It takes root in moist soil or water. To quickly develop roots, create a mini-greenhouse - cover the container with polyethylene or a cut plastic bottle.

Horizontal branches are also suitable for propagation.

Ficus trees can be grown from seeds, but you cannot obtain the harvesting material yourself. At home, the plant does not bloom because there are no pollinating insects. Seeds purchased in stores are sown in a mixture of peat and sphagnum or a mixture of sand and humus. Prepare a wide container with holes for drainage, disinfect the soil, then pour it into a tray, moisten and lay out the planting material, cover with glass. After the first shoots appear, the glass is removed, and after 4 days, when the shoots get used to the air, the sprouts are planted in a permanent pot.

Ficus diseases

If caring for ficus

correct, it rarely gets sick, but the plant can become infected with fungal or bacterial diseases, and the ficus is not immune from parasites.

Ficus diseases

Important!
To avoid diseases and pest damage, it is necessary to periodically wash the leaves and treat the plant with special compounds.

Main diseases and pests of ficus

A fungus that attacks leaves. Can be identified by black spots, causing leaf death.

Gray rot is a fungal disease that affects leaves. The cause of the development of the disease is excess dampness at elevated room temperatures. Affected leaves must be removed, watering reduced and the apartment regularly ventilated.

Root rot - affects the root system, the plant itself turns gray and dies. If a ficus gets sick with this disease, it will not be possible to save it; it is also recommended to throw away the pot.

When infested by aphids, the leaves turn yellow and fall off. You can eliminate the parasite with soapy water.

How to save ficus from yellowing photo

Thrips can only be removed with insecticides and can be identified by brown spots on the plant.

The most difficult thing to get rid of is the spider mite; it attaches to the underside of the leaf and feeds on the sap of the plant. You may notice a gray coating and cobwebs, which it is recommended to wash off with soapy water and treat the ficus with a special preparation, Actellik.

Spider mites on leaves photo

The leaves turn yellow and fall off due to depleted soil in the pot and lack of fertilizing. In this case, it is better to replant the ficus. Another reason is waterlogging of the soil, an indicator is yellow leaves. If the leaves become covered with brown spots, this may indicate that the temperature in the room is too high. It is necessary to observe the watering regime and spray the crown in dry air.

Yellowed ficus leaf photo

To avoid the spread of diseases, you need to periodically inspect the plant, remove damaged leaves and provide the necessary care. You need to know how to properly care for ficus to avoid disease and death of the plant.

Features of care

Even a novice gardener can grow ficus benjamina correctly. Unlike flowering indoor plants, this crop is more hardy and can survive a short-term lack of moisture in the soil, dry indoor air and even a drop in temperature to +15 degrees without loss.

Watering requirement

Ficus Benjamin needs to be watered regularly in the summer, at least once every 7 days. Organize especially frequent watering when the temperature in the room rises above +28 degrees. In addition to watering, you can use spraying or bathing in the shower.

In winter, the plant practically does not need additional soil moisture. It is enough to water once a month, using only warm, settled water.

If the soil is too waterlogged, it will begin to become waterlogged, to which the ficus will respond by falling leaves and rotting roots. The subtropical resident tolerates drought well and is adapted to this in natural growing conditions, therefore, when breeding at home, it is better to reduce watering than to saturate the soil too much with water.

Feeding

Fertilizer for Ficus Benjamin must contain phosphorus, potassium and nitrogen. These three main components are used by the plant to form the mass of foliage and the growth of new shoots. In the absence of these substances, leaf discoloration, falling off, softening or deformation of shoots are observed.

You can feed Ficus Benjamin with organic matter, using:

bird droppings. Suitable only in diluted form, since without water it can cause burns to the stems, roots and other parts of the ficus;
nettle infusion - can be used both fresh and dried raw materials, suitable for foliar spraying and for watering the soil;
wood ash. Fertilizing is done in two ways - dusting the foliage to protect against pests and enhance growth, and watering with an infusion of ash to nourish the plant.

Chicken droppings

Nettle infusion

Wood ash
Most organic fertilizers have an unpleasant odor and are difficult to prepare so as not to exceed the concentration and harm the plants. Therefore, many people prefer to fertilize indoor flowers with ready-made mineral mixtures. They come in various forms:

sticks with prolonged action, which must be inserted into the ground parallel to the trunk;
granular forms, powder, tablets. Diluted with water, used both for spraying and for root feeding;
concentrated liquid fertilizers that can be used to feed trees during the growing season, especially in early spring.

The first time you need to fertilize the ficus is after purchase, when you transplant it into a new pot. 2 weeks after planting, apply a complex fertilizer, which will promote rooting and stimulate growth.

At the end of summer, the amount of fertilizing is reduced to prepare the ficus for the upcoming dormant phase. From mid-autumn, fertilizing is not used, since the plant does not need it in winter.

Pests and diseases

The main diseases of Benjamin are:

Root rot. It affects the root system when there is a high concentration of moisture in the soil, spreads to the trunk, then to the petioles and leaves. If you notice brown putrefactive spots on the foliage, the plant will no longer be able to be saved. If a healthy apical cutting is preserved, you can plant the ficus.
Fungal infection. In the presence of fungal spores, whitish (fluff-shaped) or black spots, yellow lesions with thinning of the leaf blade may appear on the foliage. For treatment, it is necessary to remove damaged tissue, treat the plant completely with a modern fungicide, wetting each leaf separately.
Powdery mildew . This disease appears as powdery whitish spots on the top of leaves. For treatment, a solution of soda with copper sulfate and water is used.
Anthracnose . It looks like rusty spots on fabrics, the edge of the sheet becomes deformed, becomes thinner, and ulcers appear.