Rules for planting and caring for Benjamin's ficus at home
Proper care of Benjamin's ficus at home allows you to achieve good results. To grow a strong and viable bush, it is necessary to competently carry out planting work, timely apply fertilizers and pruning. Proper watering of the plant is not negligible. In order to cope with diseases and pests in time, you need to periodically inspect the flower.
Description of the plant
Ficus Benjamin belongs to the evergreen crops of the Mulberry family. Under natural conditions, this plant is able to grow up to 20-30 meters. It is decorated with beautiful graceful elongated leaves. They are characterized by an oval top.
Appearance
The indoor ficus looks like a small tree. It has a short trunk covered with smooth gray-beige bark. The plant is characterized by a spreading crown. Culture belongs to tropical plants, as it has many aerial roots.
Popular varieties
Today there are many popular varieties of Benjamin ficus. Each of them has certain characteristics.
Anastasia
This beautiful ficus plant with variegated leaves is often found in large rooms. It grows rapidly and has elongated leaves. There is a clear border around the edges.
dusk
It is a very beautiful white-edged variety. The culture reaches 1.5 meters in height.
Baroque
This variety is characterized by beautiful leaves that roll into a bagel. He is considered quite sullen.
Natasha
This plant grows quite slowly. It is characterized by small leaves that reach only 3 centimeters. They have a uniform shade and a slightly curved shape.
Daniel
This variety is characterized by monochromatic leaves. They have a dark green hue and a glossy finish. In length, they reach 8 centimeters.
Exotic
The plant reaches 1.5 meters and is considered very unpretentious. Even beginners can handle its cultivation.
Monica
This variety is characterized by monochromatic light leaves that have a slightly wavy structure. The plant grows very quickly.
Safari
The plant has leaves with yellowish edges. It is a small tree with leaves up to 4 centimeters.
wyandy
This plant has a docile stem that can be easily guided or twisted into a ring. It can be used for bonsai.
Curly
The plant has leaves from 3 to 5 centimeters. The main part is white. The flower is characterized by slow growth and needs good lighting.
Fancy
This variety combines the characteristics of Curly and Daniel ficus.
Naomi
The plant is characterized by leaves of 5-6 centimeters. They have a rounded shape and a pointed end.
midnight woman
This variety of ficus resembles the Daniel variety. It is characterized by dark, slightly wavy leaves.
golden king
This ficus is characterized by leaves measuring 6 centimeters. They have a green tint and a bright yellow rim.
Samantha
This plant has leaves of 6 centimeters. They are characterized by a gray-green tint and a thin white border.
bushy king
In appearance, the plant resembles the Samantha variety. In addition, it has a smaller size and is characterized by slow growth.
naughty
It is a dwarf plant species that has a pink border on its leaves. The bush does not exceed 40 centimeters in height.
buklee
The plant is characterized by leaves measuring 6 centimeters, which curl slightly inward. The variety is considered unpretentious.
Irene
This variety is characterized by variegated leaves. There are jagged white stripes on the edge.
Nina
This plant has small leaves and a gray-green hue. There is a yellow border on the edge.
Nicole
This variety resembles the previous one. A wider white border is visible on the leaves.
Beautiful
Another dwarf variety that does not exceed 50 centimeters in height. It is characterized by variegated leaves elongated by 5 centimeters.
How to take care of
To ensure the full development of the plant, it must be properly cared for. For this, it is recommended to follow a number of rules.
Temperature and lighting
Ficus Benjamin is considered a photophilous plant. It needs good lighting. At the same time, it is forbidden to change the location of the pot or twist it around the axis.This will cause the leaves to drop.
To grow a beautiful bush, it is advisable to provide the correct temperature regime.
It should be + 25-30 degrees. In hot weather, the plant should be sprayed. In winter, when there is a lack of light, the temperature should be slightly reduced. It should be +18 degrees.
Watering and humidity
Ficus needs moderate humidity. In summer, it should be watered as the surface of the soil dries out. In winter, the amount of watering should be reduced. In this case, the root system should not dry out completely.
Fertilizer and feed
For normal development, ficuses need minerals. They contribute to the full development of culture.
Nitrogen
Ficus must be fertilized with nitrogen. The substance ensures the normal development of foliage and shoots.
Calcium
This element is necessary for normal nitrogen and carbohydrate metabolism. The substance promotes the permeability of cell walls.
Phosphorus
This substance gives a rich color to the leaves. It is also responsible for other decorative features of the plant.
Organic fertilizers
For high-quality ficus care, natural fertilizers are needed. Biological products include humus, peat, compost. These substances contain many valuable elements that help improve the structure of the soil and have a beneficial effect on its characteristics.
When using organic products, they are mixed with water.
Folk remedies
In the absence of the possibility of buying ready-made fertilizers for indoor plants, it is worth using effective folk recipes.
Tea
In its pure form, this tool is not used, because it has a strong effect. To fertilize the ficus, tea leaves are used after consumption.
Yeast
During the active growth of the ficus, yeast-based fertilizing is used. To do this, it is recommended to take 1 tablespoon of dry raw materials and mix with 10 liters of water. Insist 24 hours.
banana peels
Ficus can be fertilized with a banana peel.For this, the crushed raw materials should be placed in a liter container and filled with boiling water. Insist during the day. Strain the finished composition and use it to water the plant every 2 months.
Sugar
This substance provides energy to the flower. To do this, it is enough to pour sugar on the surface of the soil and pour water over it. For 1 jar, you need 1 small spoonful of product. It is also allowed to prepare a solution - pour 1 tablespoon of sugar with 1 liter of water.
Nettles and ash
To prepare the fertilizer, 50 grams of fresh nettle should be poured with 500 milliliters of water and left for 2 weeks. Before use, strain the composition and add 5 liters of water. Use the fertilizer after the flower's active growth is complete. It promotes soil regeneration.
Ash is considered another effective fertilizer. It can be simply poured into the ground or used to prepare a liquid top dressing. To do this, add 1 liter of boiling water to 1 large spoonful of product. The composition should be infused for 1 week. Use to water and spray a flower.
Complex fertilizers
There are many plasters that have a complex composition. Thanks to their use, it is possible to saturate the plant with valuable elements.
Agriculture
The composition contains nutrients, trace elements in the form of chelates, humic components. They strengthen the immunity of the plant and increase its resistance to harmful factors.
Bona strong
This fertilizer contains a whole range of important components.These include magnesium, vitamins C, PP, B1, trace elements in the form of chelates. There is also succinic acid in the composition.
pokemon
This fertilizer is specially developed for ficuses. It saturates them with valuable elements and strengthens the immunity of plants.
Rainbow
This is a complex preparation that supplies ficuses with vital energy. This substance is sold in small plastic bottles.
Réasil
The composition contains important trace elements in combination with amino acids. The fertilizer also includes gluconates and glycinates. This ensures the growth of green mass and improves the decorative properties of the plant.
Size
The Ficus Benjamin needs regular pruning. This allows you to shape the crown and make the bush more beautiful.
Sanitary
This pruning is made to heal the oppressed bush. Before starting the procedure, other reasons for the deterioration of the condition of the plant should be excluded. This type of pruning is suitable for branches and roots.
Rejuvenate
To rejuvenate the plant, remove dry leaves and branches. In this case, it is recommended to carry out light pruning throughout the year, and a stronger procedure in spring and autumn.
As the bush grows, the tree is moved to a larger pot.
Crown formation
It is allowed to give a different shape to a ficus. At the same time, it is important to comply with sanitary standards and use processed tools for this.
Bush
To get a beautiful bush, it is recommended to cut the branches of a young ficus when they reach 10-15 centimeters. This will cause active growth of the axillary kidneys.When the side branches reach 8-10 centimeters, their ends should be cut off.
Buffer
To form a sapling in the form of a trunk, it is recommended to remove the side branches. In this case, only 5 buds remain on top. Subsequently, 5 bearing branches will come out of it. The primary pinch point is set based on the position of the ficus. If it rests on the ground, the trunk is cut 1 meter from its surface.
If the pot is to be placed on the windowsill, pinch the trunk 40-50 centimeters from the soil surface.
storied barrel
To create such a composition, several standard plants are used. At the beginning of cultivation, the height of the bushes should be controlled. If there are 5 shoots in the pot, pinch the apical bud like this:
- on the first shoot - by 5 centimeters;
- on the second - by 10 centimeters;
- the third - from 15 to 20 centimeters;
- the fourth - from 25 to 30 centimeters;
- fifth - do the highest.
Sculpture
To create a plant sculpture, it is worth planting several young plants in one pot. They are shaped by directional shaping. To do this, the rods can be gradually intertwined in the form of an arc, a fan or a basket.
Bonsai
It is an ancient Asian art that requires proper pruning. To create a bonsai, it is worth using small-leaved varieties of ficus. They grow quickly and require careful pruning.
Ficus braiding
The easiest and most popular method of shaping the trunk is the pigtail. You can also use a trellis or a spiral.
Ball
To form a crown, it is recommended to give it the shape of a ball. The plant can be made in the form of a bush or a tree. At the same time, it is important that he has a sufficient amount of green mass.
Stem braid
To weave a braid from the stems, you need small seedlings of the same size. Their thickness should not exceed 1-1.5 centimeters. Young bushes are planted in a container, which will allow them to be subsequently weaved into a braid.
Hedge
Florists who have mastered the art of forming a spiral can begin to create a hedge. To do this, you need to take the same seedlings and plant them in 1 row or in a circle. It is advisable to do it at the same distance. Young ficus bushes can be weaved together.
Respect for cleanliness during cultivation
When working with the plant, it is definitely recommended to keep it clean. Before performing any action, you should thoroughly wash your hands and prepare the instrument. It should be wiped down with disinfectant or lit over a fire.
Landing characteristics
Planting ficus is allowed in early spring. For this, it is recommended to prepare the soil and the pot. A drainage layer should definitely be placed on the bottom. We must not forget that there must be holes in the bottom of the pot that will ensure the flow of water.
Reproduction and transplantation
It is recommended to replant young ficuses every year. This is done up to 3 years. Then it is worth carrying out the procedure every 2-3 years. For large bushes, it is enough to change the top layer of soil.
The timing
Transplantation should be carried out in early spring, when the plant has not begun to actively develop.
Selection of jars
A larger pot is needed for transplanting. It should be 3-4 centimeters larger than the previous one.
Requirements for soil composition
The ficus needs loose soil that allows air to pass well. The plant is characterized by delicate and fragile roots that react strongly to the composition of the soil.It must certainly contain sand, leaves and grass. It is better to buy ready-made soil for ficus.
How to propagate
The plant is most often propagated by cuttings. Moreover, they can be rooted in different ways.
In water
Prepared planting material should be immersed in filtered or settled water. Its temperature should be several degrees above room temperature. It is desirable to add activated carbon to the composition. Place the container in a bright, warm place. As the moisture evaporates, it is worth adding liquid. After 2-3 weeks, thickening will appear at the end. After another 1-2 weeks, the roots will form. When they reach 1-2 centimeters, the plant is transferred to the ground.
This method of rooting has an undeniable advantage - the ability to observe the process. If caries appears, the affected area can be removed in time.
In the substrate
For this method, special containers are suitable that have a removable bottom. They should be filled with perlite or light soil. The cutting from the cutting should be treated with activated carbon and placed in moist soil, buried by 1-2 buds.
Cover the plant with a jar or film from above. In addition, it must be aired every day. When new leaves appear, it is recommended to move the ficus to a separate pot.
How to transplant
When transplanting a plant, it is important to avoid damage to the root system. Therefore, the procedure should be performed by transshipment of the culture. The first watering is carried out in 2-3 days. If the room is very hot, the plant should be sprayed. After buying the ficus, it is recommended to transplant in 3-4 weeks.
Main issues
When growing a plant, flower growers often face various problems. In such a situation, it is important to act quickly.
dry leaves
This violation is due to the increased dryness of the air.
Falling foliage
In such a situation, it is possible that the air temperature is too low.
The crown turns yellow
This symptom indicates excessive soil moisture.
Does not increase in height
This problem is associated with a lack of light and a lack of nutrients.
Lack or excess of fertilizer
In this case, the problem of plant growth is observed. With a shortage of fertilizers, the ficus can lose its leaves.
In such a situation, it is recommended to feed him immediately.
Specific diseases
Quite often, a culture is faced with various diseases that disrupt its development.
Botrytis
In this case, the leaves of the flower are covered with yellow-brown spots with a dark border. Antifungal drugs will help cope with the disease.
Cercospora
High humidity leads to problems. In this case, the ficus is covered with dark spots. It is a fungal disease that requires the removal of diseased leaves. The bush should be treated with an antifungal agent.
Anthracnose
This disease is accompanied by the appearance of rust spots. In this case, the plant must be treated with a fungicide.
pests
The ficus often encounters attacks of harmful insects. They significantly worsen the condition of the bush.
Shield
These insects settle from inside the leaf. They absorb the juices and weaken the plant. A soap solution will help cope with the pest.
Aphid
These small parasites reproduce quickly. They absorb all the juices and slow down the development of the plant. First of all, you need to rinse the bush and get rid of the affected fragments.Then it is worth treating it with Feverfew.
Spider
These pests look like small spiders that cover all parts of the plant. In this case, the bush weakens and loses leaves. To combat pests, the plant must be rinsed and sprinkled with a garlic solution. It is also allowed to use chemical agents - Actellik or other insecticide.
What to do when foliage falls
When the leaves fall, first of all, it is worth establishing the watering of the plant. It is recommended to moisten the soil only after complete drying. Choosing the right place in the house is also important. It should be warm and light. It is important to provide the ficus with reliable protection from drafts.It is also worth monitoring the absence of pests. Chemical and folk remedies help to cope with it.
Tips & Tricks
When buying a ficus plant, it is worth choosing the right plant. It is recommended to plant only the strongest specimens. Then they need full care. To do this, it is worth doing the following:
- humidify the air;
- move the plant away from direct sunlight;
- moisten the soil if necessary;
- protect the plant from drafts;
- use fertilizers;
- loosen the soil.
Comments
Numerous reviews confirm the popularity of this plant among flower growers:
- Irina: “Ficus Benjamin is my favorite plant. It is unpretentious in maintenance and has excellent decorative properties. In order to achieve good results in growing a flower, it should never be transferred from place to place. »
- Anastasia: “I really liked growing Benjamin's ficus. This plant has excellent decorative properties and serves as a real decoration for any room.At the same time, it is important to water the plant in time and protect it from pests. »
Ficus Benjamin is a beautiful decorative flower loved by many gardeners. This plant is easy to care for and has many varieties. Thanks to this, each person will be able to choose the appropriate option.