Ficus Benjamin (lat. Ficus benjamina), also known as “Benjamin plant” or “rubber tree,” is one of the most popular choices for indoor gardening. With its elegant crown, dense foliage, and graceful branches, this ficus plant decorates the interior, creating a sense of coziness and harmony. However, for the ficus to thrive, several important care nuances must be considered.
In this article, you will learn about:
- Choosing the right pot
- Optimal placement of the ficus in the room
- Secrets of watering and maintaining humidity
- Tips for regular feeding (fertilization)
- Methods of pruning and shaping the crown
- Prevention and treatment of diseases and pests
And, of course, you will get answers to frequently asked questions about Ficus Benjamin, its care, and possible diseases.
1. How to choose the best pot for the ficus
Pot size
- For young plants: choose a pot that is 2–3 cm larger in diameter than the previous one. The root system needs enough space to develop.
- For adult ficuses: the larger the plant, the larger the pot needs to be. At the same time, a pot that is too large can lead to excessive moisture accumulation and root rot.
Pot material
- Clay and ceramic pots: the ideal choice for ficus, as the material “breathes” and drains excess moisture. This helps avoid overwatering — the most common problem in caring for the Ficus Benjamin plant.
- Plastic pots: lighter and cheaper, but they often retain moisture. If you choose plastic, you should pay special attention to watering to avoid water stagnation.
Pot design
- Choose a stylish and understated design that will highlight the beauty of the ficus itself. Remember that Ficus Benjamin grows tall and lush, so the pot should harmoniously fit into the interior.
2. Optimal placement of Ficus Benjamin
- Lighting
- The plant loves bright, diffused light. Direct sunlight can cause leaf burns, while a lack of light can slow growth and lead to leaf drop.
- Windowsills or places with sufficient natural light, but without direct sunlight at noon, are ideal.
- Temperature
- The optimal range is from +18°C to +25°C. Sudden temperature changes or cold drafts can stress the plant, resulting in leaf drop.
- Humidity
- Ficus Benjamin prefers moderate humidity (40–60%). During the heating season or when the air conditioner is running, it is beneficial to mist the leaves or place a humidifier near the pot.
- Avoid proximity to heaters and air conditioners
- This can dry out the air around the pot, leading to soil drying and leaf drop.
3. Watering Ficus Benjamin and soil moisture
- Watering frequency
- Typically, the ficus should be watered 1–2 times a week in the warm season and a little less in winter. However, it all depends on the humidity and temperature in the room.
- How to determine when to water
- Check the top layer of soil (1–2 cm): if it is dry to the touch — it’s time to water.
- You can also use special moisture meters or simply rely on the condition of the soil and leaves (wilted leaves indicate a lack of moisture).
- Watering rules
- It is better to water with settled room temperature water.
- Avoid water stagnation in the saucer: be sure to drain excess water to prevent root rot.
- Additional moisture
- Spray the leaves of the ficus 2–3 times a week in warm weather or daily during the heating season in dry air.
4. Regular feeding (fertilization)
- Types of fertilizers
- Liquid fertilizers for houseplants or slow-release fertilizers (granules) are suitable.
- Focus on the content of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK): for ficus, it is important that the fertilizers have a balanced composition, as it actively grows green mass.
- Fertilization schedule
- Spring and summer: every 2–4 weeks, as this is the period of active growth.
- Autumn and winter: reduce to once every 1–2 months or even stop completely if the ficus is “dormant” and not growing.
- Tips
- Never fertilize the plant if the soil is dry. First, water it, and after 1–2 days, apply the fertilizers.
5. Pruning and shaping the crown
- Why it is important
- Pruning stimulates the formation of new shoots and helps shape a compact and neat crown.
- Timely removal of damaged branches prevents the spread of diseases.
- When to prune
- It is best to do this in spring when the ficus begins to grow actively.
- In winter, pruning is done only if absolutely necessary (for example, due to disease).
- How to prune
- Remove dry, damaged, or twisted branches.
- Use a sharp and clean pruner to avoid injuring the plant.
6. Diseases of Ficus Benjamin and pests
Ficus Benjamin, like most houseplants, can suffer from various diseases and pests. It is important to detect problems in time and take action.
Typical diseases of Ficus Benjamin
| Disease | Symptoms | Causes | Treatment methods |
|---|---|---|---|
| Root rot (root rot) | Leaves are wilted, yellowing, soil has an unpleasant smell | Excessive watering, water stagnation | Stop watering, transplant into fresh substrate, remove rotten roots, treat with fungicides |
| Stem rot | Gray or brown wet spots on the stem | Fungal infection due to excess moisture | Prune affected parts, fungicidal treatment, moderate watering |
| Leaf diseases (spotting) | Appearance of yellow or brown spots on leaves | Often caused by fungi, bacteria, or care violations | Isolate the sick plant from others, remove affected leaves, apply appropriate fungicide or bactericide |
Main pests
- Spider mite
- Manifested by small webs on leaves and stems, leaves lose color and fall off.
- Insecticide spraying, regular showers for the plant, and increasing humidity will help.
- Scale (armored scales)
- Small brown “growths” on leaves and stems, the plant loses vitality.
- It is advisable to mechanically remove scales with a damp cloth and spray the plant with special preparations.
- Leaf roller
- Leaves curl, punctured areas may appear, dry edges.
- Using insecticides and thorough inspection and cleaning of leaves is effective.
Interesting table: Main care parameters for Ficus Benjamin
| Parameter | Recommended conditions | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Lighting | Bright diffused light, avoid direct midday sun | Too dark a place slows growth |
| Temperature | +18°C…+25°C | Below +15°C, the ficus may start losing leaves |
| Humidity | 40–60% | Misting leaves or using humidifiers in dry air |
| Watering | Moderate, 1–2 times a week (in summer), less in winter | Check the top layer of soil before watering |
| Fertilization | In spring and summer — every 2–4 weeks, in autumn and winter — less frequently | Use complex fertilizers with sufficient nitrogen content |
| Pruning | In spring | Remove dry and weak branches to stimulate new growth |
| Transplanting | Once every 1–2 years (for young ones), less frequently for adult ficuses | Choose a pot 2–3 cm larger and fresh substrate |
| Diseases and pests | Prevention — proper watering, timely treatment against pests | Most common problems: root rot, spider mite, scale |
FAQ about Ficus Benjamin
- How often should I water Ficus Benjamin?
Water when the top layer of soil (1–2 cm) is dry. Usually, this is 1–2 times a week in the warm season and less in winter. - Why are the leaves of Ficus Benjamin falling off?
There are many reasons: excessive or insufficient watering, too dry air, sudden changes in lighting or temperature, drafts, or diseases. First, identify and eliminate the stress factor — the plant will recover quickly. - What is the optimal temperature for growing ficus?
Ficus feels best at +18°C…+25°C. It is important to avoid temperatures below +15°C and sharp fluctuations. - Can I prune the ficus in winter?
It is preferable to prune in spring. In winter — only if there is an urgent need (disease, severe stem deformation, etc.). - How to save the ficus from pests?
Use special insecticides, mechanically clean the leaves from scales, and ensure regular “shower procedures” and optimal air humidity. - Do I need to transplant the ficus every year?
Young ficuses should be transplanted every year or every two years. Adult plants need transplanting less frequently — when the roots fill the entire pot space.
Conclusion
Ficus Benjamin is a wonderful plant for your home or office that will delight you with greenery and coziness for many years. The right choice of ficus pot, regular watering, ensuring optimal humidity, and proper fertilization are the keys to its health and rapid growth. Don’t forget to monitor the condition of the leaves, timely prune damaged branches, and carry out pest prevention. By following these simple care rules for Ficus Benjamin, you will be able to enjoy its beauty for a long time and avoid most common diseases of Ficus Benjamin.