Benjamin Ficus (Ficus benjamina) is one of the most popular houseplants due to its elegant shape and ability to green any interior. However, over time it can stretch, lose density, and decorative appeal. To keep your ficus compact, healthy, and lush, regular pruning is necessary.
In this article, you will learn:
- When and how to properly prune the Benjamin Ficus
- What tools and materials will be needed
- How to care for the plant after pruning
- Useful tips for caring for the Moclame Ficus
This guide will help you safely and step-by-step perform pruning of the Benjamin Ficus to maintain its health and attractive appearance.
Why pruning the Benjamin Ficus is important
- Maintaining shape and compactness. Without regular pruning, the ficus can grow too large, take up too much space, and lose its aesthetic shape.
- Improving plant health. Removing sick, damaged, or dry branches prevents the spread of diseases and pests.
- Stimulating growth. Proper cuts stimulate the appearance of new shoots and leaves, making the ficus denser and more attractive.
When to prune the Benjamin Ficus
The best time for pruning the Benjamin Ficus is late winter or early spring, before the active growth period. This is when:
- The plant has enough strength to recover
- Wounds from cuts heal faster
- Stress for the ficus is minimized
If you notice sick or damaged branches, they should be removed immediately, regardless of the season, to prevent infections from spreading.
Step-by-step guide to pruning the Benjamin Ficus
Step 1: Prepare tools and materials
- Garden shears or a sharp knife – must be clean and disinfected.
- Antiseptic – (alcohol or a special garden disinfectant) for treating tools and cuts.
- Garden wax or a special sealant (optional) – helps protect wounds on thick branches from infections.
Tip: Always wash your hands and tools thoroughly before starting to prune. This minimizes the risk of transmitting diseases or pests.
Step 2: Inspect the plant and determine goals
- Evaluate the overall shape of the ficus.
- Pay attention to sprawling branches that disrupt the overall shape, or overly long shoots that spoil the silhouette of the plant.
- Identify sick and damaged parts (dried, yellow, or brown branches and leaves).
Plan which branches need to be shortened or removed before getting to work.
Step 3: Pruning sprawling and long branches
- Remove or shorten branches that protrude too much from the desired shape or grow in an undesirable direction.
- Make cuts at a 45° angle, about 1–2 cm from the node (the point where a leaf or side branch attaches). This technique ensures faster healing.
- Try not to touch the main trunk unless absolutely necessary.
Step 4: Removing sick and damaged branches
- Look for signs of disease: discoloration, softness, cracks, presence of fungus.
- Before cutting, be sure to disinfect the blades of the tools.
- Retreat to healthy tissue: make cuts where the branch looks healthy.
Step 5: Treating cuts and further care
- If necessary use garden wax or a special sealant on thick cuts.
- Water the ficus after pruning to help it recover faster.
- Place the plant in a bright spot with diffused light, avoiding direct midday sun.
- Fertilization: a few weeks after pruning, apply a balanced fertilizer to support the growth of new shoots.
Caring for the Moclame Ficus (Ficus Moclame)
The Moclame Ficus is a close “relative” of the Benjamin Ficus with rounder leaves and a compact crown. Caring for the Moclame Ficus is generally similar to caring for the Benjamin Ficus, but has certain nuances:
- Lighting: Grows best in bright, diffused light. Avoid direct sunlight, which can cause leaf burns.
- Watering: Needs regular but moderate watering. Overwatering harms the roots and can lead to leaf drop.
- Humidity: Mist the leaves on hot days or use a humidifier.
- Pruning: The principle is similar to the Benjamin Ficus, but due to the more compact shape, Moclame is pruned less frequently.
Comparison table: Benjamin Ficus vs Moclame Ficus
| Criterion | Benjamin Ficus | Moclame Ficus |
|---|---|---|
| Leaf shape | Elongated, pointed | Oval, more rounded |
| Size in the room | Can reach 2–3 m | Usually more compact (up to 1.5 m) |
| Pruning frequency | Regularly (1–2 times a year) | Less frequently due to smaller habit |
| Care features | Likes diffused light, moderate watering | Similar requirements, but needs stable humidity |
Tips for successful pruning
- Do not prune more than 25% of the crown at one time to avoid severe stress.
- Work with sharp tools – a clean cut heals faster, and the plant is less injured.
- Watch the placement of buds: cut so that new shoots grow outward from the crown, ensuring a good shape.
- Evaluate the condition of the plant after pruning: leaves should not turn yellow or drop en masse. If there are problems, check watering, lighting, and for pests.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. When is the best time to prune the Benjamin Ficus?
The best time is late winter or early spring, while the plant is preparing for active growth. However, remove sick or damaged branches as soon as you notice them.
2. Can I prune the ficus in winter?
If the pruning is small and urgent (for example, due to a sick branch), it is permissible. However, for planned shaping, it is better to wait for spring so that the ficus can recover more easily.
3. How often should I prune the Benjamin Ficus?
Usually, a full pruning once a year or once every two years is sufficient. If individual shoots protrude from the shape, they can be trimmed as needed.
4. What should I do if the ficus drops leaves after pruning?
Slight leaf drop in the first weeks after the procedure is normal. If leaves are falling en masse, check the correctness of watering, lighting, and for drafts. If necessary, reduce watering and allow the plant to adapt.
5. What fertilizers are best to use after pruning?
Balanced fertilizers for ornamental foliage plants will work. Apply them about 2–3 weeks after pruning to avoid overloading the plant, which has already experienced stress.
6. How does pruning the Moclame Ficus differ?
The method is similar to pruning the Benjamin, but the Moclame Ficus is less prone to rapid stretching. Pruning here is more corrective and is done less frequently.
Conclusion
Pruning the Benjamin Ficus is an important stage in care that helps the plant maintain its decorativeness, health, and shape. Key points are the right timing, clean sharp tools, and proper cutting technique. Don’t forget about proper care after pruning: regular watering, fertilization, and enough light without direct scorching rays.
If you want to have a beautiful and well-groomed ficus (whether Benjamin or Moclame), follow the above tips. This will help your plant recover quickly and delight the eye with fresh greenery and a luxurious shape.