How to Care for Ficus Benjamina Trees
The Ficus benjamina tree is more commonly called the Weeping Fig or the Weeping Ficus. It is primary an indoor plant and can be difficult to care for when it is first planted because of its dislike of change in growing conditions. Once the Ficus benjamina becomes established, it is more tolerant and requires little care other than basic necessities. With proper care, the tree retains its leaves year-round for indoor enjoyment. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Hand pruners
- 20-20-20 liquid plant fertilizer
- Rubbing alcohol
- Horticultural oil
Instructions
-
-
1
Water the Ficus benjamina tree until the soil is moist to a 3- to 4-inch depth. Monitor the soil every one to two days by sticking a finger into the top 2 inches. When the soil is dry to that depth, apply water to moisten the soil.
-
2
Prune off any branches that have no leaves or that have all yellow leaves. Prune as close to the trunk as possible, using hand pruners.
-
-
3
Prune away any branches that are growing horizontally under the main canopy. Cut these off level with the trunk, using hand pruners.
-
4
Place the Ficus benjamina tree in a location that receives bright, indirect sunlight. Choose a location far away from radiators, furnaces and heating and air vents, since these will cause the tree to lose its leaves. The ideal temperature for the Ficus benjamina is between 68 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
-
5
Apply a liquid plant fertilizer, such as 20-20-20, to the soil, per label instructions. Fertilizer is not required and should be applied only at the minimal intervals recommended on the packaging.
-
6
Watch the leaves closely for insects, the most common of which are scale. Pour rubbing alcohol onto a cloth until it is soaked. Wipe the leaves of the ficus plant to remove the scale insects. Follow by spraying the entire tree with an horticultural oil, per label instructions.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Don't move the ficus tree pot, if possible, since this can cause the tree to lose its leaves.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
