Basic Plant Care for Ficus Benjamina
- Soil The Ficus Benjamina plant likes to be kept in soil that is fast draining. ...
- Water Many plants demand to be watered every day; however, the Ficus Benjamina plant is known to be drought resistant, and that is why it is recommended to beginner plant owners. ...
- Light This plant likes to be kept in a bright room under indirect sunlight. ...
- Temperature ...
- Humidity ...
- Fertilizer ...
- Repotting ...
- Pruning ...
Full Answer
Are ficus trees easy to take care of?
In general, they’re easy to care for! Place your bonsai ficus tree in a bright, preferably south-facing window where it will get plenty of direct sunlight. If you don’t have a window that receives several hours of bright sunlight every day, you may want to supplement with a grow light.
How do you take care of a Ficus bonsai tree?
If the topsoil is dry and the soil feels just barely damp 2 inches down, water your plant thoroughly and allow it to drain completely. It’s also a great idea to use a moisture meter to gauge when your bonsai ficus is ready to be watered.
How do you fertilize a ficus tree in the summer?
Mist the leaves during the summer months to increase the humidity around your plant. The best time to fertilize the ficus tree is during summer. Apply fertilizer to your plant once in a month from April to September. You will see branches grow and new leaves appear during this time.
How do you get rid of bugs on a ficus tree?
Wash your ficus with an insecticidal soap if household pests live on it. Ficuses attract many household pests like spider mites, mealy bugs, and thrips due to the moist and hot environment. If you notice any bugs on your tree, mix the soap with water in a spray bottle and thoroughly spray your ficus. [9]
How do you care for an indoor ficus tree?
Ficus plants need consistent, but moderate watering throughout the growing season, with dry spells in the winter. Make sure soil is just moist, not dry or drenched, at all times, but cut back waterings in the winter. Your plant will likely lose leaves during the winter "dry" spell.
How long will a ficus tree live indoors?
“If you give [a ficus] what it needs, it's the closest you come to having a tree indoors,” says Barbara Pleasant, author of The Complete Houseplant Survival Manual. “With the right care, a ficus tree can live for about 20 years.”
How often do you water a ficus tree?
Your ficus tree should also be watered about every three days. Don't allow the soil your ficus is growing in to dry out completely. Once the surface of the soil is dry, it's time to water the tree again.
Is ficus a good indoor plant?
Popularly known as fig trees, ficus plants become great houseplants. They're easy to grow and maintain if they're grown in the right manner. These medium to large-sized ornamental plants also help in improving the air quality indoors.
Why are leaves falling off my ficus?
Change in environment – The most common cause for dropping ficus leaves is that its environment has changed. Often, you will see ficus leaves drop when the seasons change. The humidity and temperature in your house also changes at this time and this can cause ficus trees to lose leaves.
Are coffee grounds good for ficus trees?
Most Ficus trees prefer neutral soil – between 6.5 to 7.5 on the PH scale. Coffee grounds are a fantastic fertilizer for trees and shrubs that love acidic soil, such as blueberries; however, using this on trees like Ficus can reduce the soil's PH level to 4.
How do I know if my ficus needs water?
Put your finger a couple of inches into the soil. If the top 1 inch or more is completely dry, your ficus needs water. When watering, pour the water over the entire soil surface and not just on one side.
Why are the tips of my ficus turning brown?
Ficus plants are native to tropical areas and need medium to high humidity. If the leaves are turning yellow or developing brown tips and margins, they may be suffering from dry air. A room humidifier will add moisture to the air, or you can place your tree container on a tray of gravel.
How do you stop ficus from dropping leaves?
You're Committed: How to Care for Your Ficus Tree Don't let the temperature drop below 60 degrees. Keep it out of wind and cold drafts. Keep the soil moist, but not soggy. Mist the foliage to raise humidity.
Should I mist my ficus?
When growing ficus indoors, it's important to maintain a relatively high humidity around the plant. Regular misting or setting the ficus tree on a pebble tray filled with water is a great way to increase their humidity, but keep in mind that while they like high humidity, they don't like overly wet roots.
Are ficus hard to care for?
Ficus trees are very easy to care for once they are settled into their new environment. After they adjust to their new home, they will thrive in a spot with bright indirect light and a consistent watering schedule.
What does a ficus tree symbolize?
Symbolism. Ficus benjamina is also known as the weeping fig. The figs that grow on it in the wild means that Ficus is seen as the tree of peace and abundance and the Middle East. The seeds in the fruit represent unity and universal understanding and knowledge.
Do ficus like big pots?
For the best chance of success, plant your ficus in a pot that is two or three inches larger than the grower's pot that it came in from the nursery. Make sure the pot has drainage—there are a lot of pots out there that look pretty but are closed at the bottom.
How much light does an indoor ficus tree need?
Ideally, your ficus would have six hours of sunlight a day, but it will be fine even in the shade. Provide about an inch of water each week in summer the first year you plant it. Water every couple of weeks, or when the soil is dry, after that.
How fast do ficus trees grow indoors?
Indoor Ficus typically grows to 40 inches in their first ten years and max out at around 70 inches if left unpruned.
Do ficus like to be misted?
Avoid bright direct light as it will burn the leaves and cause them to drop. Water with room-temperature water once the soil dries 50-75% down. Water thoroughly until water flows into the saucer, then pour out any excess. Your Ficus tree will do well in average humidity environments but will appreciate regular misting.
How much light does my ficus tree need?
As a tropical plant, a ficus tree, also called "weeping fig," need lots of bright indirect light. Place it near your brightest windows, typically south- or west-facing, or give it supplemental light with a grow light. Once it’s situated, leave it be. It’s a little fussy and doesn’t respond well to changes. Ficus trees will sulk by dropping leaves anytime light levels or temperatures change. It also drops leaves seasonally, so be prepared with a good dustpan.
How long do ficus trees live?
“With the right care, a ficus tree can live for about 20 years. ”.
Does the ficus tree have any particular problems?
Keep an eye out for an infestation of scale insects. These insects have a waxy exterior appearance, and you might see them attached to leaf surfaces. There’s also a sticky substance called honeydew, which you’ll find on your table or floor, that’s excreted by the scale when feeding. Try controlling a minor infestation by using a soft cloth dipped in warm, soapy water to wipe these insects away, says Pleasant. If that’s has too much work, treat an insecticidal soap or neem oil. Retreat in 10 days.
How tall do ficus trees grow?
One of the most popular living room plants for decades have been graceful ficuses or figs, with their glossy leaves and light gray trunks. Though they typically grow to about 10 feet tall indoors, in the wild, certain species can reach heights of 60 feet tall! Sometimes the trunks of ficus trees are twisted or braided or trained as a bonsai.
How long does a ficus last?
With the right conditions, your ficus should last many happy years.
Can I take my ficus plant outdoors in summer?
You can, but it’s not the best idea, says Pleasant. For starters, it will likely drop leaves, being the diva that it is! It also can’t cook in hot sun, so you would need to find a shady spot. Finally, you’ll have to bring it indoors before the night temperatures drop into the 50s in the fall. Take it aside, and spray it with neem oil about a week before you bring it in to kill any hitchhikers such as aphids, scale, mealy bugs, or spider mites, that potentially could infest your other indoor plants. Also, expect it to drop leaves again when it comes inside until it readjusts to the light levels indoors.
What to do if a ficus tree has bugs?
If you notice any bugs on your tree, mix the soap with water in a spray bottle and thoroughly spray your ficus.
How to keep a ficus?
Provide indirect sunlight for your ficus. Don't keep your ficus next to a window, door, air vent, or radiator, or else it will go through drastic temperature changes. An area with bright, indirect sunlight is the best place to keep a ficus. Ficuses do not tolerate being moved once they have settled in a location.
What zone is Ficus Benjamina?
Ficus benjamina can be grown in USDA hardiness zones 9 and above.
What to use to grow ficus?
A mix of 3 parts peat moss, 1 part perlite, and 1 part compost will keep the soil well-drained while also retaining water for your ficus. Adding the compost into the pot will add nutrients to the mix as well. You can also use a well-draining potting soil if a soilless growing medium is unavailable.
How to keep a ficus from dropping leaves?
To maintain humidity, place a saucer with 1⁄8 inch (3.2 mm) of room temperature water underneath the ficus's pot. The water will evaporate and increase the humidity.
What causes leaves to drop on a ficus tree?
Even a slight change in the climate or location can cause leaves to drop. Maintain the area at a humidity above 40 percent. Humidity is just as important as temperature and light for a ficus. If the humidity falls below 40 percent, the tree will drop leaves.
Why do you put mist on a ficus?
Leaving the mist on during the summer months will help control and maintain the humidity around your ficus.
Why are my ficus leaves leggy?
Ficus tend toward legginess after a few years. A common problem with ficus plants is that it responds to stress by losing its leaves. Stress could be caused by any number of things including underwatering, overwatering, too little light, low humidity, change in temperature, draft, or pests.
How tall is a ficus?
It is quite finicky, so be prepared for some specific care requirements. Outdoors up to 70 feet tall and 70 feet wide. Indoors six feet high and three feet wide. Indoor plants are not likely to bloom.
What are the different types of Ficus?
Varieties of Ficus Plants 1 F. benajmina. The F. benjamina has narrow glossy green leaves and grows into a small shrub or tree. This plant is less tolerant of cold and shade than the rubber tree. Variegated varieties include F. benjamina variegata and F. benjamina Starlight. 2 F. elastica. The rubber tree has large, thick glossy leaves. Varieties include the F. elastica robusta with wide, large leaves and the F. elastica decora. 3 F. lyrata. The fiddle leaf fig has large, violin-shaped leaves up to 18 inches long.
Where are ficus plants native to?
Although only a few are seen in cultivation, there are hundreds of species of ficus. They are native throughout the tropics, including Asia, America, and Africa. These serve as decorative plants, food plants, and even religious symbols.
Do ficus plants get cold?
Many people experience frustration at the hands of ficus plants. They are prone to leaf drop in drafty, cold conditions, and they don't like to be moved. Ficus are also vulnerable to mites, mealybugs, whiteflies, and aphids.
Can Ficus plants be moved outside?
Ficus plants need bright light, but only acclimated plants can handle the direct sun. They appreciate being moved outside in summer but do not place them in direct sunlight. Bright, direct light will scald the leaves and cause leaf loss.
Is ficus plant toxic?
While not toxic, ficus plants are a concern to those who suffer from latex allergies. There is latex in the ficus plant and they should not be kept in the same environment as latex allergy sufferers.
What temperature does a ficus tree grow?
The ficus tree enjoys consistent daytime temperatures from 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit and cooler evenings. If temperatures are cool and drafty for too many days, the tree slows its growth and will drop leaves if there is a sudden change in temperature.
How tall do ficus trees grow?
Also known as weeping fig trees, the average ficus tree can grow up to heights of 30-60 feet with a dense canopy that can grow as wide. These trees are found in temperate and tropical regions around the world. They are often grown in containers to control the size of the trees and to keep the roots, which become far reaching, ...
How to protect a tree from frost?
Protect the tree from frost by applying a layer of mulch around the bottom. Keep the roots as dry as possible by not watering as often, and move the tree indoors from late fall through winter if possible. If leaving outdoors place the tree up against a wall or structure where it will get radiant heat; this protects it from the colder temperatures.
How to keep a ficus tree alive?
Make sure to provide indirect sunlight to your ficus tree. An area with indirect, bright sunlight is the best place to keep a ficus tree.
How to keep a ficus plant healthy?
If the humidity in the air drops below 40 percent, the plant starts to drop leaves. In order to maintain humidity, keep a saucer with 1⁄8 inch of room temperature water just below the ficus’s pot.
What does it mean when a ficus tree leaves fold?
Remember, ➡ If the leaves fold easily, it indicates that you might have overwatered your ficus tree. If the leaves of ficus are crinkly to touch, they may be under-watered. ➡ Reduce the amount of water that you give to your ficus during winter.
How to keep ficus water?
This potting mix will also help to retain water for your ficus. Adding compost helps to improve the nutritive value of the soil. Plant the ficus in a deep pot with drainage holes. This will help to prevent unwanted accumulation of water in the pot.
How to increase humidity in a saucer?
The water in the saucer will evaporate slowly and increase humidity. Refill the saucer when all of the water evaporates. You can also keep a humidifier in the room to increase humidity. Mist the leaves during the summer months to increase the humidity around your plant.
How to grow a ficus tree in acidic soil?
This is because the ficus tree grows well in soil that is neutral and these are more acidic potting soils. Mix 3 parts peat moss, 1 part compost, and 1 part perlite to make a well-draining potting mix. This potting mix will also help to retain water for your ficus. Adding compost helps to improve the nutritive value of the soil.
What are the pests that eat ficus?
Ficus plants attract many household pests like mealy bugs, thrips, and spider mites. This is because of the hot and moist environment. If you see any pests or bugs on your tree, mix soap with water in a spray bottle and spray on your ficus plant thoroughly.
Why is it so hard to care for a Ficus tree?
Caring for a Ficus can be difficult because they are so sensitive to their environment. The amount of light, the soil type, the watering frequency – all these things need to be taken into account when deciding how to care for your Ficus tree. To help make this process easier and less confusing, we have created an in-depth guide that covers all aspects of caring for a Ficus!
How Much Light Does a Ficus Need?
Ficus trees need at least a few hours of direct sunlight each day to stay healthy. If you’re growing your Ficus indoors, they’ll do best in an east-facing window or near artificial light sources like fluorescent bulbs and grow lamps that emit the same wavelengths as natural daylight (about 6000K). You can also supplement with full-spectrum lights for added effect!
What Kind of Soil Does a Ficus Need?
A Ficus tree does best in soil that is well-draining and has a pH level between 6.0 and 6.5. Most standard potting soils will be just fine for Ficus trees, but you could also try cactus potting soil if yours is having trouble draining.
Do Ficus Trees Clean the Air?
Ficus trees, like most plants, naturally make the air in your house cleaner and produce oxygen. The leaves of Ficus trees have natural oils that help to cleanse toxins from indoor pollutants as well so they can be an important part of any healthy home environment. This is why many people choose them for their office space or even living room because it helps keep everything fresh-smelling while providing some much-needed relief during those long workdays when you’re stuck inside all day.
What are the leaves of a Ficus tree?
Ficus trees have great variety in their leaves as well, with everything from the smaller delicate foliage of Ficus microcarpa or Ficus benjimina to the massive leaves of the Ficus lyrata that can be the size of dinner plates. Some varieties of Ficus, such as the Ficus microcarpa hawaii, also present leaves with variegated color, which make for beautiful houseplants.
Why do you mist a ficus tree?
Misting your Ficus can help keep the leaves looking healthy and green by adding moisture back into their environment that would otherwise be lost through evaporation from wind or sun exposure (especially in dry climates). It also helps prevent dust build-up on leaf surfaces which is caused when water droplets evaporate off of plant foliage without being absorbed first.
Why does my Ficus grow lopsided?
Be sure to rotate your Ficus regularly as well! If you don’t, it may grow lopsided because only one side of it is being exposed to light.
How to keep a ficus from getting tall?
To keep your ficus from getting tall and lanky, give it medium to bright light and water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Most can be pruned back to keep them bushy, but watch for drips of their milky sap when you snip. Don't worry too much if your tree drops some leaves when you first bring it home.
Why do my ficus leaves fall off in winter?
Your plant will likely lose leaves during the winter "dry" spell. Trailing style ficus are particularly susceptible to over- and under-watering. Misting the leaves can provide additional moisture during dry spells, with less threat of root rot. Well-draining soil is essential to keeping these plants healthy.
Why does my Ficus Benjamina smell gas?
And actually, a natural gas leak can also be the cause. Ficus benjamina is like a canary in a coal mine, so if it sheds its leaves and you smell gas, call the gas company. Those issues aside however, the ficus makes a fine houseplant and enjoys spending time outdoors from late spring to early fall.
How tall does a fiddle leaf fig grow?
Fiddle Leaf Fig. Ficus lyrata is a very popular houseplant that can grow to 6 feet or taller. Like Ficus benjamina, the three things most imporant to growing your fiddle leaf fig are location, location ... and location.
Why do my Ficus leaves drop?
Ficus can be vulnerable to pests, such as mites and aphids, and have a tendency to drop leaves if not watered consistently. Trim your plant back regularly, keep an eye on the soil, and check leaves regularly for insects to ensure a long and healthy life!
Where are ficus trees native to?
A close relative of the fig tree, ficus trees are native to tropical areas and enjoy a long history of decorative and even religious significance: The famous tree under which Buddha received enlightenment was said to be a member of the Ficus genus!
How to protect a plant from direct sunlight?
During winter, keep your plant away from drafts and don't allow it to stay in a room that falls below 55-60 degrees F.
How hot should a ficus plant be?
Keep the temperature consistent, preferably around 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Never let the temperature drop below 60 degrees. While ficus species with waxy leaves, like the ficus ginseng, can tolerate lower humidity, they will thrive when the humidity in their environment is on the high side.
How often should I fertilize my bonsai ficus?
During the growing season, fertilize weekly to provide the nutrients your bonsai ficus needs to stay healthy but not necessarily to grow larger. You can stop fertilizing or cut back to fertilizing once every month during the stagnant season.
What is a ficus fig?
Ficus benjamina (ficus benjamin or weeping fig) Ficus ginseng. Ficus salicifolia (willow leaf fig) Ficus macrophylla (Moreton Bay fig) These varieties are all pretty common in the bonsai world, so you can find them just about anywhere bonsai trees are sold.
How long should I leave my ficus bonsai in the pot?
That being said, you should be able to leave your ficus bonsai in its original pot for at least a few months before it will need to move on. Young bonsai trees typically stay in a starter pot until they establish a strong root system before they can be moved to a more permanent display pot.
What are the different types of bonsai ficus?
Some of the most common types of bonsai ficus are: Ficus retusa, microcarpa variety (common fig or Chinese banyan)
What fertilizer should I use for bonsai trees?
Always use a gentle, urea-free fertilizer with a 3-3-3 NPK ratio, and preferably one specifically formulated for bonsai trees like Bonsai Tree Food.
Where should I plant a bonsai ficus tree?
Place your bonsai ficus tree in a bright, preferably south-facing window where it will get plenty of direct sunlight. If you don’t have a window that receives several hours of bright sunlight every day, you may want to supplement with a grow light.
