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Evergreen indoor plants are real all-rounders in the interior. On the one hand you refresh the room air, on the other hand you bring a green note into your four walls. They often turn into real eye-catchers in the room and attract everyone's attention. And rightly so. Because their appearance is graceful and they score with their green foliage. As you can see, we have thousands of good reasons to report on various indoor plants here on our website. Today we take a close look at the Ficus Benjamini and give you useful information and important care tips for this popular houseplant. Stay tuned to learn more about it.
Ficus Benjamini is also called Weeping Fig.
- Origin and general information about the Ficus Benjamini
The Ficus Benjamini can often be found in this country, because it is one of the most popular decorative indoor plants in Germany. Its German name is Birkenfeige and is colloquially known as Ficus Benjamina. The plant originally comes from the Far East, its home countries are India, Nepal, Burma and Malaysia, and the plant can also be seen everywhere on Bali and Java.
There, the birch fig usually grows outside and adorns parks and gardens. With us, the Ficus Benjamini is a typical indoor plant that can also be outside on the balcony or terrace in summer. This type of ficus is a mulberry family, but there are different varieties that differ according to growth and leaf shape. However, the dense, lush foliage is characteristic of all varieties. The leaves are light or dark green, sometimes mottled with yellow or white, and have a slight sheen. Some varieties have slightly wavy leaves.
A white-green variegated Ficus Benjamini is always very attractive.
A Weeping Fig has numerous rod-like branches that can be intertwined to give the plant an interesting look. The crown of the Ficus Benjamini that forms is very striking. Plant experts claim the plant can grow very tall, even reaching 10 meters outdoors. For decorative purposes, however, preference is given to low-growing varieties that develop well indoors and reach a height of up to 2 meters.
The plant places high demands on its location.
It needs a lot of light, but no bright sun.
- Location, light and soil - the Ficus Benjamini is considered easy to care for
Although the Ficus Benjamini is considered easy to care for, some varieties are really demanding. For example, the location is a very important factor for its good development. Therefore, it is better to choose a bright place at home for the birch fig, where only direct sun comes in the morning, because it does not like the blazing sun at all. Variegated varieties of the plant need more sunlight than the rich green ones to keep their pretty coloring. The temperatures preferred by the ficus are between 22 and 28 degrees C in summer and around 18 degrees C in winter. If the room temperature falls below 15 degrees C, the plant feels uncomfortable. Potting soil with a pH of 6.0 to 6.8 would be ideal for the attractive Wee Fig, so it's a good idea to check the soil pH before planting or repotting.
When changing location, the plant can shed its leaves.
Extra tip: The Ficus Benjamini is very sensitive to changes in location. Even with slight changes or drafts, it begins to shed its leaves. Therefore, the choice of its location is particularly important. A moderate shedding of leaves is only common in winter. In the other seasons, this is a clear sign of poor maintenance.
You need a lot of space at home for your Ficus Benjamini.
- Further care tips that you absolutely must consider
In order to have a beautiful birch fig at home, whose lush green foliage delights and calms you every day, you must observe and follow the following important care tips:
Watering and fertilizing: The Ficus Benjamini needs moderate watering. Only when the top layer of potting soil dries can you water. Be careful with the individual waterings, because too much water can lead to waterlogging. This is also a reason for leaf loss. The plant prefers water with as little lime as possible, which is not cold or comes directly from the tap, but is lukewarm. Fertilize your ficus moderately, once every two weeks March to September.
The young leaves are a little lighter than the old ones.
Wintering: In the winter, the birch fig has a dormant period. During the cold months you only have to water them sparingly and fertilize moderately once every 6 weeks. It is recommended to spray the leaves with lukewarm and lime-free water.
Repotting, multiplying and cutting: Frequent repotting is not desirable with Ficus Benjamini. If its roots are really restricted, it can be repotted. The best time for this is spring.
The birch fig can be propagated by cuttings.
The birch fig can be propagated by cuttings. You can also do this in spring by cutting off the top, about 15 cm long, and planting them straight away in the substrate mixture. After the young ficus has formed roots, it is planted in a larger pot.
A pruning serves to shape the crown of the birch fig. This is possible in late spring or summer, but not obligatory.
Beautifully shaped crown and intertwined branches increase the aesthetic value of the plant.
Caution! Ficus benjamini is slightly poisonous, all of its plant parts. You must take this into account in any case if you have small children and pets at home. Consuming a single leaf can cause nausea, diarrhea, and stomach cramps. In such a case, see your family doctor immediately!
You can take care of a birch fig at home for many years.
Conclusion: A Ficus Benjamini is the perfect green decoration in every home. With good care, you can actually have more of the Weeping Fig, but it is imperative that you follow the care tips outlined above.
When your Ficus Benjamini sheds its leaves, you know you've made a mistake in care!
The white-green leaves of the Ficus Benjamini always catch the eye.
With good care, the birch fig can grow over 2 meters tall.
If you propagate the plant yourself, you can create such an arrangement.
