One of the most commonly grown indoor trees the ‘Ficus benjamina’ can be found growing in hotel lobbies, shopping mall, office buildings and in many homes. It looks like a typical tree with a woody main stem arching branches and a canopy of leaves that drape down. It can grow 4-5 meters tall making it ideal for those large areas. The leaves are 5-7 cm long and are most often a shiny green but it can also come in a variegated form. It is native to the tropics and although not hard to grow it can be finicky as they do not like change.

 

Ficus benjamina, commonly known as Weeping Fig like lots of bright indirect light. They will do well under fluorescent lights if natural light is not provided which might be another reason they are found in commercial settings.

 

They prefer a constant temperature of 18 Celsius or warmer. Keep plants away from cold drafts that can come from a door that opens to the outside, or a cold window. Also, keep it away from heat sources such as a fireplace or heating vents.

 

Humidity is an important part in keeping a weeping fig happy. Daily misting works, or place the plant on a large pebble tray filled with water. The water level should be just below the top surface of the pebbles so that the plants roots will never sit in water. A water filled, pebble tray will raise the humidity level around the plant as the water evaporates around the plant and it will also catch any excess water, when giving the plant water.

 

Giving the plant water is where the most problems arise. More plants are killed by overwatering, rather than under watering. When the top 2 cm of the soil is dry to the touch, it is time to give the plant a thorough watering, using room temperature water. If the plant receives too much water the leaves will turn yellow and fall off. During the winter months when plants are not growing as fast as they do in the spring/summer the amount of water the plant needs will decrease. Also, cut down on the fertilizer over the winter months. During the spring/summer give the plant a monthly application of an all purpose fertilizer such as 20-20-20, and then in the winter months cut back to fertilizing the plant every 8-10 weeks.

 

A Ficus will let you know if it is not happy by dropping its leaves. Sometimes this can happen when a plant is brought home from the greenhouse as the environment changes. When you have the right spot for your Ficus at home, leave it there and do not move it. If the leaves fall off they will grow back.

 

To keep plants looking nice and healthy,  clean the leaves using water, or ‘Neem oil’. Neem oil not only keeps leaves clean but it also helps deter pests such as aphids, scales and mealy bug. These pests can be found on the undersides of the leaves, so check your plant periodically.

 

Only transplant a Ficus when it is needed, every 2-3 years. Transplant in the spring using a good quality indoor potting and soil and place the plant into a pot one size larger then the plant is currently in.

 

Ficus benjamina are long lived plants that can give years of enjoyment if cared for properly. They can come in several forms. The trunks are pliable and sometimes the growers will twist or braid the trunks of the tree. They also are used successfully as bonsai plants. 

 

 

·        Highway 97 North at Northwood Pulpmill Road