Ficus benjamin green. Ficus benjamina - a plant with glossy leaves

Ficus is one of the most popular indoor plants. He perfectly adapts almost at home, although he himself comes from tropical latitudes. There are many varieties of this type of plant. The most popular among the rest is Benjamin's ficus. Care at home does not require much effort, but compliance with the basic rules of maintenance is mandatory.

plant description

ficus is one of the most popular indoor plants

Decorative ficus is a tree small size. Characteristic is a shortened trunk, covered with a smooth grayish-beige bark, a branched crown.

The plant comes from the tropics, so the root system forms branches under, above the ground. Numerous aerial roots act as an additional support. The formation of a banyan tree is possible only with sufficient high humidity. In drought conditions, aerial roots practically do not form.

ficus feels great in darkened from straight lines sun rays place

In its native lands, the tree grows to a height of 25-30 m. The maximum height when kept at home or in the office is 2-3 m. Foliage is of medium density with a dark green core, light, grayish-white edges. Because of this coloring, Benjamin's ficus is also called variegated. Each leaf, having an oval shape, a pointed top, reaches a length of 7-13 cm, a width of 2-6 cm.

Room views are no different large sizes, but pleasing to the eye with a neat deciduous crown. Thanks to its variegated color, the plant is able to enliven any interior.

with the help of ficus Benjamin, the interior of the living room looks cozy at home

Features of home care

At first glance, the flower is quite unpretentious, but in order for the tree to be healthy and beautiful, a number of simple recommendations should be followed. What should be the care at home for ficus Benjamin.

Soil properties and varieties

in warm weather, Benjamin's ficus will become a bright decoration of the facade of the house

As with all indoor plants, big role plays the quality of the soil. You can use special soil purchased at the store. However the best option is her self-cooking. As Benjamin's decorative ficus grows, it will be necessary to change not only the soil lump itself, but also regulate its composition.

Ficus Benjamin attracts with its decorative effect and unpretentiousness

The proportion of the main components is determined based on two criteria:

flower age;
its size, in particular, the volume of root branches.

ficus should be placed in a ventilated area

Depending on age houseplant the optimal ratio is:

For young trees, the proportion is 1: 1:

part of leaf humus;
part of fine river sand;
part of the peat.

tall ficus trees in large flowerpots are exhibited in non-residential premises: offices, hospital halls, etc.

For mature plants, there are two options for the soil mixture:

a portion of sifted sand, 2 portions of leaf humus, 2 parts of sod land;
one part of sand, leaf, sod land, peat.

as the ficus grows, the composition of the soil should be adjusted

To make the soil lighter, looser, it is good to add a little coarse sand to the mixture. This soil consistency helps to strengthen the root system of indoor ficus Benjamin, the care of which involves maintaining optimal humidity both the soil itself and the surrounding air.

Expanded clay improves the air permeability of the earth. When watering, fertilizing, the material absorbs excess liquid. Accumulating moisture, expanded clay nourishes it root system houseplant when the soil layer dries up.

an adult ficus tree fits perfectly into the design of a spacious living room combined with a kitchen

In order to enrich, as well as loosen the earth, crushed charcoal or ash is added to the mixture. To feed the roots as organic fertilizer, a natural growth stimulant, biohumus is used, which is a waste product of earthworms.

when transplanting a ficus, its root system goes through an adaptation period

Correct layering

When preparing the soil mixture on your own, it is necessary to take into account the rules for compiling components, laying layers depending on their density.

At the bottom of the pot, be sure to lay out drainage from expanded clay. The size of the fraction is determined depending on the volume of the container for planting. How more area bottom, the larger the expanded clay should be.

ficus growth depends on self-prepared soil mixture

Effective drainage can be made from charcoal by laying out one layer of particles of the same size. Coarse-grained sand is also suitable. However, if it is used, the bottom of the pot must be covered with a net so that sandy drainage does not spill out through the holes.

The next layer is a substrate prepared by one of the above methods. Approximately 2/3 of the volume of the pot is filled with the main mixture, the remaining third with a lighter layer. It could be the land high content peat, fine-grained sand, ash.

varieties of ficus Benjamin: kinki, natasha, nicole

In the hot season, a layer of fine expanded clay is sometimes laid on the surface of the earth. After watering, it retains part of the moisture inside the particles, gives it away if necessary, preventing the earthen clod from drying out.

How to choose the right soil mix

There are countless different substrates on the shelves of specialized stores. Among them are presented, both universal mixtures and those formulated taking into account the characteristics of indoor ficus Benjamin.

decoration of the recreation area with two parallel ficuses

One rule to keep in mind is that most ready-made soil mixes are not intended to be used as a stand-alone soil for planting. They are recommended to be added to ordinary soil, improving the breathability and moisture absorption of the layer. Failure to comply with this rule in most cases leads to a deterioration in the condition of indoor ficus and even to its death.

Ficus cultivar de dumbbell contrasts against the background of green vegetation

When choosing a finished substrate, you should pay attention to the composition. Conscientious manufacturers always indicate the list of components on the packaging. The main components of the mixture necessary for the effective growth of ficus Benjamin are:

peat (high, lowland);
river sand with different particle sizes (coarse-grained, fine-grained);
expanded clay of different fractions (small, medium, large);
a complex of fertilizers (mineral, organic).

ficus benjamina can be kept outdoors at an air temperature of at least + 16C

You can carry out the initial planting in the finished substrate, adjusting its composition after some time. After 2-3 weeks, according to the condition of the leaves, the crown can determine whether this soil is suitable for the plant.

If a indoor flower does not shed foliage, has a rich color - the soil composition is suitable. Color change, drying of the edges of the leaves, wilting of the branches indicates adverse conditions. However, the problem may not be only in the ground.

compact ficuses are an excellent choice for small apartments

Signs of unsuitable soil

if indoor ficus sheds foliage, then the soil is not properly composed

The rapid drying of the soil layer indicates that the substrate contains a lot of peat. Too light and loose soil consistency leads to a lack of moisture in the roots. Drying out, as well as fluid stagnation, contribute to the development of diseases, the reproduction of pests, as a result of which the decorative ficus may die.

to give a spherical crown, young ficus shoots are pruned from February to May

Determining the condition of the soil is quite easy. It is necessary to carefully insert a long wooden skewer or stick into the earth layer. You can also check with your fingers. However, it should be remembered that it is recommended to work with the ground with rubber gloves. Easy penetration into the soil mixture to a depth of several centimeters is a sign of the correct consistency.

to create a comfortable seating area in the hallway, it is enough to place a small sofa, a lamp and a flowerpot with ficus

Moisture saturation is determined in a similar way. A wooden skewer or finger is immersed in the soil. If, after extraction, the surface remains moderately moist, with a small amount of earth, then the mixture is sufficiently moistened. Additional watering should be done when dry, light spots or cracks are visible on the top layer.

Soil replacement frequency

Young ficuses should be transplanted into a new substrate annually. Plants older than 3-4 years require soil replacement every 2-3 years.

at home, it blooms extremely rarely; in nature, ficus inflorescences look like red peas

Optimal lighting mode

At home care for Benjamin's ficus it is important to organize proper lighting. The plant does not tolerate strong darkening and direct sunlight.

The lack of light can be determined by stopping the growth of the flower. The trunk does not lengthen, the crown does not increase in size, no new leaves are added.

ficuses will “revive” the cold interior of the bedroom

Exposure to direct sunlight causes the plant to shed its foliage. The branches are also noticeably drying up and withering. Even if the tree is provided with abundant watering during this period, it is not possible to improve its condition in most cases. The only way out is to move the pot to a place protected from direct sunlight.

The optimal location of the flower is a bright room with access to fresh air. It can be a balcony with blinds or curtains on the windows, an attic, a veranda and other options. Diffused light creates ideal conditions for the normal growth of ficus.

a small pot of ficus creates an oasis corner in a snow-white dining room

When average daily temperature exceeds 15-16 degrees, it is useful to bring the ficus to Fresh air. In autumn, with the onset of night cold, the pot is transferred to a warm room.

Irrigation Features

This houseplant requires high humidity. Although, under the recommended lighting conditions, it calmly tolerates short periods of drought. For example, when the owners leave, on especially hot summer days.

high voluminous ficus looks great in spacious rooms with high ceilings

The period of intensive growth lasts from mid-April to October. At this time, it is necessary to provide the tree with abundant watering and high humidity. The topsoil must be constantly moist. To do this, it is recommended to water the plant every other day, with a small amount of settled water, distributing it evenly over the surface.

from April to October, Benjamin's ficus needs abundant watering

In hot weather, the edges of the leaves often dry out, which worsens appearance plants. To avoid this, the crown must be sprayed with a spray bottle. On especially dry days, when the air humidity is at its lowest, it is useful for a tree to arrange a shower.

To do this, the root part must be covered with a layer of polyethylene so that water flows do not erode the surface of the earthen clod. Protective covering should be tied to the trunk with an elastic band or cord, completely cover the pot with it. Put the plant at the bottom of the bath and turn on the shower, directing the streams of water to the crown of the tree.

Benjamin's ficus complements the eco-design of the bedroom

This procedure has a beneficial effect on the flower:

dust is washed off the surface of the leaves;
improved moisture inflow;
increases the air permeability of the foliage.

A shower for indoor ficus Benjamin can be arranged no more than once every two weeks and only in summer period. You can also carry out this procedure if the plant needs to be restored after exposure to the sun or in a hot, stuffy room. In this way, moisture can be replenished quickly and efficiently.

transplanting ficus is best in spring and summer

Starting in October, watering should be limited to once or twice a week. In this case, it is better to place the pot away from heating appliances. Dry, warm air harms the foliage, contributes to the deterioration of the general condition of the tree.

Until April, it is enough to irrigate according to the following scheme:

Once a week, pour enough water into the pot so that a smaller part of it flows into the pan. This will be a sign that moisture has passed through all layers of the soil.
Additionally, 3-4 days after the main watering, evenly spray water with a spray bottle over the entire surface of the earth. Thus, the top layer will not dry out, which is an important condition for maintaining the health of the plant.

ficus Benjamin in the living room decorated in a classic style

In the end winter period the crown of the tree often becomes lethargic, even if all the recommendations and rules for caring for Benjamin's ficus at home are followed. If there is no massive leaf fall, then this may be a sign of a lack of nutrition. Normally, plants, like humans, are deficient in nutrients at the end of the autumn-winter season.

make-up

in spring, the soil must be nourished with mineral fertilizers

Feeding the tree is important to carry out in moist soil.
It is optimal to use mineral, water-soluble fertilizers.
Avoid getting the nutrient solution on the roots and trunk of the tree. This may cause a burn.
Feeding is enough to carry out once every two weeks.

For the period from April to October, the decorative ficus will be nourished and store the necessary nutrients for the whole winter.

large pots of ficus with a spherical crown of leaves are best placed in the corner

Correct transplant rules

It is best to transplant the plant in May-June, when it wakes up and adapts a little to the summer light regime. However, you should have time to carry out the procedure before the onset of heat.

The best way is transshipment. Execution Method:

Separate the earthen ball from the walls of the pot. If the container is plastic, it is enough to knead it a little by pressing on the side surfaces.
Prepare a pot 2-3 cm wider in diameter than the previous one.
At the bottom of the new container, arrange drainage.
Release the root part of the flower, remove it from the pot by pulling the stem.
Place the roots in a new container.
Fill the free space with soil mixture.
Seal the surface with your hands.
Moisten the ground.

ficus does not tolerate drafts

For adult plants, provided that the diameter and depth of the current pot correspond to the size of the root part, it is enough to replace the topsoil. Approximately 2-5 cm of earth is carefully removed with a spatula. The vacated place is covered with fresh soil and moistened. The procedure is recommended to be carried out in the spring.

Pruning and propagation

small pots with ficus can be placed anywhere

If the crown of the tree has grown enough, it is worth trimming the branches a little to better growth. To do this, use a garden pruner or a sharp knife.

The tops of the branches should be cut off, leaving a few leaves. Then the cut cuttings can be used for propagation. Pruning is best done in warm weather, optimally from May to September.

The stalk should be placed in a moistened cotton swab or gauze. When the shoot takes root, it should be dug into the soil of a light consistency and wait for germination.

Photo Gallery: Ficus Benjamin

Mulberry family. Ficus benjamina is one of the most common indoor plants. In nature, it grows in India, China, South Asia, as well as the Philippines, Hawaii, and Australia.

These are evergreen shrubs and trees. In nature, they grow like our birches, about 20-25 meters in height, at home, Benjamin's ficus does not grow quickly and in about 10 years it will reach 100-120 centimeters in height. Ficus has an invasive root system that spreads not only in depth, but also on the surface of the earth, the aerial roots of old plants growing in a humid tropical climate form entire arrays of supports under a wide spreading crown. In indoor ficuses in pots, the root system is quite strong, the roots over time, if you do not sprinkle the earth, are shown above the surface of the earth, but aerial roots do not form.

Ficus benjamin has a dark gray bark, with brown transverse strokes. It branches very well, the shoots are drooping, the leaves are alternate, on short petioles, smooth, shiny, leathery, oblong (elliptical) or lanceolate, pointed at the end, 6-12 centimeters long and 3-6 centimeters wide. The fruits are siconia, about 1.5 cm in diameter, paired, axillary, red, burgundy when ripe, inedible. AT room conditions ficus benjamin does not bloom and, accordingly, does not bear fruit. At the break of the petiole, when the leaf is cut, the roots are pruned, a sticky white milky juice is released.

Varieties of ficus benjamin

Ficus benjamin bred many varieties that differ in shape, size and leaf color:

Ficus benjamina variety Safari "Safari"
Small-leaved, leaves about 3-4 centimeters long, slightly bent like a boat along the central vein, the tip is only slightly bent. The leaves are marbled in color: dark green with wide and frequent cream strokes and spots. Grows slowly. With a lack of light, it quickly loses its variegation.

Ficus benjamin grade Baroque "Barok"
The leaves are medium (about 4-6 centimeters), the length is 3 times greater than the width. The leaf is bent in a ring along the central vein. Grows slowly, branches weakly, to obtain lush bush several cuttings are planted in a pot.

Ficus benjamin grade Naomi Gold "Naomy Gold"
The leaves are large (about 6-7 centimeters), the length of the leaf is 2-3 times greater than the width. The edge of the leaf is slightly wavy, practically not bent, the shoots are thin, drooping, the bark is light. In the photo, the variegated form of this variety, the simple "Naomy" leaves are dark green and differ from the "Monique" variety in the shape of the leaf - it is wider (not so elongated).

Ficus benjamin grade Kinky "Kinky"
Small-leaved, the length of the leaf (about 4 centimeters) is 2-3 times greater than the width. The leaves are straight, light green, cream or light green along the edge. Growth is moderate.

Ficus benjamin grade Starlight "Starlight"
The leaves are medium (about 4-6 centimeters), the length is 3 times greater than the width. The leaves are slightly bent in a boat along the central vein, the tip is only slightly bent, the edge is not wavy. The color of the leaves is deep green with a wide white stripe along the edge, some leaves are almost white. Grows fast.

Ficus benjamin grade Natasha "Natasja"
Small-leaved, the length of the leaf (about 3 centimeters) is 3-4 times greater than the width. The leaves are slightly bent in a boat along the central vein, the tip is only slightly bent, the edge is not wavy. Grows slowly.

Ficus benjamin grade Nicole "Nicole"
Small-leaved, the length of the leaf (about 4 centimeters) is 3-4 times greater than the width. The leaves are slightly bent in a boat along the central vein, the edge is not wavy. The trunk is slightly zigzag (like Wiandi), the shoots are directed upwards. The leaves are light green with a wide cream border. Growth is moderate.

Ficus benjamin grade Monique "Monique"
The leaves are large, the length of the leaf is 3-4 times greater than the width. The edge of the leaf is wavy, practically not bent, the shoots are thin, drooping. A variegated form with light green spots is also common. Grows pretty fast.

Ficus benjamin variety Wendy "Wiandi"
Small-leaved, the length of the leaf (about 3 centimeters) is 3-4 times greater than the width. The leaves are bent in a boat along the central vein, the tip is slightly bent. The trunk is zigzag, has many creases - a change in the direction of growth, fragile. Grows slowly.

Ficus benjamin grade Eldorado "Eldorado"
Very similar to the Safari variety "Safari", the difference is that Eldorado has more large leaves and wider. Leaves 5-6 centimeters long, twice narrower. Growth is moderate or fast.

Ficus benjamin variety Carly "Curly"
The leaves are medium, about 4-6 centimeters long, twice narrower, with a wavy edge, the tip is slightly bent. The leaves are dark green with white spots, different size(from large to small speckles) usually from the petiole and base of the leaf, some shoots grow with completely white leaves. With a lack of light, the color is lost. Grows slowly.

Ficus benjamin variety Twilait "Twilait"
The variety is very similar to Starlight - rich or dark green leaves with a white border, but unlike Starlight, the border is narrower.

Ficus benjamin care

Temperature

Moderate, optimal for growth within 20-25 ° C, but by and large, the temperature of ficus benjamin is unimportant, but it is important that watering matches the temperature - water more often when it is hot and less often when it is cooler. In cool conditions, a wet earthen ball dries slowly, for a long time, and this is very harmful to the ficus. In winter, ideally, the temperature should be 16-18°C, with limited watering, a limit of 8-10°C when kept dry. But usually benjamin's ficuses grow well in normal home conditions, in heated rooms. If there is little light, the plants partially lose their leaves, so during a warm wintering, ficuses, especially variegated varieties, can be illuminated.

Lighting

Ficus benjamin grows well in a bright place, with protection from direct sunlight at noon. An east window is perfect, where the sun is in the morning or evening. Variegated forms need a lighter and warmer place than dark-leaved forms. On the northern window, only varieties with dark green leaves can grow well, and the variegated varieties "Safari" or "Eldorado" need a western window to preserve color, or a place in close proximity to the south, it is already dark on the east.

Watering

Moderate, ficus does not like waterlogging of the soil, it must be well dried before the next watering. From waterlogging, ficus benjamin may begin to rot the roots, while the plant simultaneously throws off a large number of leaves that lose their color and become pale green. Water for irrigation is desirable soft, room temperature.

Top dressing with fertilizers

From March to August, once every two to three weeks, you can feed ficus benjamin with fertilizers for decorative leafy plants.

Air humidity

Leaves can be sprayed, especially in summer in hot, dry weather, but benjamin's ficus can do without it, it tolerates the dry air of apartments well. But in order to wash off the dust from the leaves, you need to rinse the foliage of the ficus under a warm shower, while carefully protecting the soil from the water jet.

How to transplant ficus benjamin

Transplantation is carried out annually in the spring, in fresh soil. Old specimens are transplanted less often, every 2-3 years, but you can add fresh fertile land every year. The soil for ficuses should be loose and nutritious. A suitable mixture is 2 parts leafy soil, 1 part peat soil, 1 part sand and 1 part well-decomposed compost. Can also be used in pure form leafy soil, ficuses grow well in universal soil from the store. Large, old specimens that are less likely to be transplanted need heavier and more nutritious soil - the main component is turf soil 2 parts, sheet or greenhouse 1 part, chopped pine bark, vermiculite and charcoal can be added. Important condition- good drainage to the bottom of the pot, and the acidity of the soil should be slightly acidic, or close to neutral (pH 5.5-6.5). Ficus does not tolerate alkaline and too acidic substrates.

Pots can be both ceramic and clay, they should not be too spacious, but in diameter 2-3 fingers wider than the root ball, or the pot in which the plant was bought. If it seems to you that the pot has become small (the roots have appeared from drainage hole), then ficus benjamin can be transplanted again over the summer. If the roots are not cut or torn, then it tolerates the transplant well. After transplanting, refrain from watering unless it is too hot for 2 days (if the house is very warm and dry, you can water a little and spray the leaves).

Reproduction of ficus benjamin

The easiest way to propagate ficus benjamin cuttings, they easily take root in water, in a bright place at almost any time of the year. Just cut any twigs you like about 13-15 cm long, remove the two bottom leaves and put in a jar with clean water. To prevent the water from blooming, cover the jar with an opaque cloth. Growth promoters are not needed. Cuttings of this size already have a woody stem, but if you cut a couple of leaves with a still green stem, it will not take root. Benjamin's ficus does not reproduce with a leaf, and large branches with thick bark take root for an extremely long time.

If for some reason the plant has become bald in the lower part of the trunk, it is easier to re-root the crown. For this, not cuttings are used, but air layering:

On the trunk, the bark is cut and removed in the right place, a strip about 1 cm wide. The trunk in this place is wrapped with sphagnum moss soaked in water (it is fixed with a thread only for the convenience of photography)

Air layering ficus benjamin
We cut the plastic cup along the walls into two halves (cut the bottom to half and make a hole along the diameter of the trunk) and fix it on the trunk, fastening it with tape. We fill up the earth and water it.

Air layering ficus benjamin
It is advisable to use a transparent glass so that you can see the appearance of the roots. The earth in the cup should be watered regularly, it should not dry out. Roots on this cutting appeared after 3 weeks.

Ficus crown formation

Ficus benjamin itself has a beautiful crown, many varieties do not require any special shaping. However, if the trunk of the ficus is bare, you can stimulate the formation of new shoots and leaves by pruning. To do this, you can cut off part of the shoots, in whole or in part, sometimes it is enough to pinch the tips of the lower branches so that new buds start to grow. Pruning should be done in spring - early summer. The younger the ficus tree, the easier it is to form pruning.

In addition to trimming and pinching, the crown of ficuses is formed by bending with wire (for the formation of bonsai and pre-bonsai). Ficus shoots are quite flexible, easy to bend, but the thin bark can crack or peel off the wire, so it is applied loosely and braided wire is used. There should be a gap between the wire and the stems of the ficus - after all, the plant grows, and the branches gain thickness, with a tight winding, the wire will eventually grow into the bark.

Ficus Baroque is formed with wire, the flexible trunks of the ficus can be bent quite steeply, striving to achieve the chosen bonsai style.

If you form a ficus by splicing with a trunk, then when braiding a pigtail of several trunks, be sure to leave gaps between them for the growth of the trunks in thickness. Drawing by Vitaly Alenkin.

Trunk splicing - several rooted cuttings are planted tightly to each other and wrapped with electrical tape. Part of the electrical tape has been removed and the fusion sites of the trunks are clearly visible. Further shaping is required.

Cuttings of some varieties of ficus benjamin branch reluctantly, single branches look and gain power slowly, can stretch upwards, even with sufficient lighting, begin to branch, reaching about 30-40 cm in height. Therefore, it is worth pinching, cutting the cuttings at a height of about 20 cm.

You can plant several cuttings in a pot and, if the stems are pressed tightly against each other, then in a very short time they grow together. You can bring the stems of ficus cuttings closer together using ordinary electrical tape - it is quite plastic and does not injure the bark, it stretches on growing trunks without growing. About once a month you need to inspect the braid, rewind if necessary. It is better, of course, to grow together trunks of small diameter, 5-7 mm, but thicker ones can also be spliced, only the process will take several years.

Another way to form is to twist the trunks with a pigtail or in the manner of a hedge - openwork weaving from the trunks of ficus benjamin. This method is only suitable for young flexible plants. At the same time, several large cuttings should be planted in one elongated container at a distance of 5 to 10 cm from each other strictly in a row. At first, each trunk grows vertically and forms a trunk (all lower branches are removed). Approximately at a height of 20-25 cm, ficuses can be fixed, tilted, crossing the trunks with each other. Fix with tape or jute.

Video: ficus benjamin shower

The video shows how to wash off dust from ficus leaves, to prevent ticks. What to pay attention to when carrying out this procedure.

By the way

Ficus Benjamin is very common in the warm states of the USA, for example, in California, where it is grown as a hedge, in single or group plantings, in our country it is grown as a houseplant and greenhouse plant, in addition, it is very widely used in the bonsai style.

Variegated ficuses

Very often there are questions about what affects the intensity of the variegated color of benjamin ficuses. There is no better way to express it than this explains it, so I will quote:

Variegated leaves do have areas containing chlorophyll (green spots) and areas without chlorophyll (white spots). Green, photosynthetic areas consist of chlorenchyma tissue, which includes chloroplasts - cells with a green pigment chlorophyll. These cells are involved in photosynthesis, i.e. by using carbon dioxide and water in the light, they synthesize organic substances necessary for growth and development.

The white, non-photosynthetic areas are composed of cells lacking chloroplasts. In the leaf, these cells serve as accumulators. organic matter produced by chloroplasts.

A certain amount of light is required to create carbohydrate molecules. This molecule contains the necessary energy, which is subsequently spent by the plant on growth and development.

Thus, the ratio of white and green spots on variegated leaves directly depends on the conditions of the plant. The lack of light leads to a decrease in the synthesis of organic substances, and, consequently, the plant begins to "starve" and fight.

The consequence of such a struggle is the greening of the leaves in order to increase the chloroplasts and chlorenchyma, in general, for a greater synthesis of carbohydrate molecules!

The darker in the apartment, the more green the leaves will be and vice versa - the lighter, the brighter the pattern on the leaves will be.

And young leaves, just unfolded, stabilize their variegated color when they reach normal size. By this moment, the cells of young leaves receive information from the plant about its state (good and a lot of light, bad and little light) and it is already determined which tissue to form more - photosynthetic chlorenchyma or non-photosynthetic white spots.

Well, it remains to be added that if the young leaves have already turned green, they will not turn white. The white color to green during the development of the leaves may change, but the green color, back to white, does not.

Varieties of ficus benjamin

As soon as you get a new ficus, you immediately want to know what variety it is and how to care for it. In fact, there are a great many varieties of ficus benjamin, many varieties with pure green leaves have variegated variegated forms, with spots, strokes different sizes and varying stability.

So, the ficus benjamin variety "Safari" is very unstable, the variegated marble color is easily lost if there is not enough sunlight, leaves with pure green leaves begin to grow. If the ficus pot is moved to a lighter place, shoots with variegated leaves begin to appear again.

But some other variegated varieties of Benjamins, for example, the Starlight variety, are more resistant to lack of light and even in light shading retain white spots on the leaves.

Different varieties of ficus benjamin differ in growth rates - some grow very slowly, growing several centimeters a year, with good conditions content, other varieties, for the same time double the increase.

Many varieties of ficuses are very similar to each other at first glance, some, even upon closer examination, raise doubts about the definition of the variety (for example, there is an opinion that the varieties "Safari" and "Eldorado" are two names of the same variety).

The differences are, first of all, in the shape of the leaf (in some varieties it is more elongated, the leaves are narrow; in others, the leaves are wider, oval); in the waviness of the edge (some literally have a corrugated edge, in other varieties - a slight, barely noticeable waviness, in others a pronounced waviness); the leaf plate can be straight along the central vein or bent in a boat, or, like in the Baroque variety, bent in a ring.

They also pay attention to the trunk - in many varieties it is straight, but in some it changes direction at the nodes, it becomes zigzag, as if broken. The direction of the shoots of most benjamin ficuses is first up, then they droop, and in such as the curly variety "Baroque" or "Nicole", the stems are directed upwards and do not droop.

Growing problems

Ficuses are photophilous, they need bright diffused light, with some direct sun, variegated varieties of sun rays are required. Dark-leaved ficuses can grow in light shade, but growth is greatly slowed down, and the crown will not be dense. Ficuses grow well under completely artificial lighting.

But even the most light-loving varieties of ficus, like Starlight, require shading during the hottest hours of the day in summer - on the southern and western windowsills. Use tulle or veil to create diffused light.

As for watering, the ficus should be watered only as needed, i.e. when the earthen ball in the pot dries well.

The leaves of the ficus are covered with a thin dense skin, which protects it much more reliably from strong evaporation of moisture than, for example, those of arrowroot. Therefore, water requirements are very small, even if we consider that ficuses have a rather large leaf mass.

The only exception to the rule is dwarf ficus, it does not tolerate overdrying of the soil; it has fibrous roots. But in ficus benjamin, nodules are formed on the roots that can store moisture.

Therefore, excessive watering often leads to illness or death of ficus benjamin. The bad thing is that the plant reacts to root decay with massive leaf fall, and it is rather difficult to dry thick roots, they dry slowly.

To save the plant, you need to get it out of the pot and dry the root system with old newspapers or rags (wrap the roots with them and press firmly). Often, mushroom mosquitoes become a signal of waterlogging of the earth in pots with ficuses. This means that the plants need to be dried.

To what extent does the ficus tolerate overdrying? You can dry the soil to the state: in the dust. Those. lump will be completely dry. Some varieties may begin to fall leaves. But if you immediately water, the leaf fall will stop.

Ficus benjamin pests

Pests rarely infect ficuses. Thrips, ticks, mealybugs and scale insects can harm them.

Of all the above, the scab is the most common pest, but fortunately, it can be eliminated from other ficus insect pests, with the exception of the tick, with systemic fungicides - actara or confidor (the prepared solution is watered and the plants are sprayed at the same time).

To prevent a tick from starting on Benjamin, you can rinse it in the shower once every two weeks. hot water(very hot - for a hand barely tolerable). If the tick still appears, you can fight it with drugs such as Actellik, Fitoverm or the BI-58 biological product.

If you got a cutting of ficus benjamin, before putting it in water for rooting, rinse the leaves with a sponge and soap foam. It is best to take baby or laundry soap, carefully wipe each sheet on both sides. Leave to lie down for 5 minutes. Rinse with clean water and let root.

If you are fond of floriculture or just want to pick up a plant that can enliven the interior of an office, room or private house, pay attention to Benjamin's ficus, which has become a real hit not only in indoor floriculture, but also phyto-design and landscaping.

Let's find out what is the secret of his popularity? The answer is very simple. Ficus Benjamin does not need continuous care, like some plants, but in order for its crown to acquire a beautiful juicy green color, it needs an abundant amount of non-directional sunlight.

With such unpretentious care, the plant grows quite quickly. Just imagine how your interior will liven up as soon as your wonderful green pet reaches its natural height, which reaches 2-3 meters!

Fresh air is what the plant also needs. Having protected it from weather influences and drafts, the tree can be taken out to the balcony or placed on the windowsill.

In the future, you should not worry about how the plant will survive the winter: having enough nourished by the sun and breathing fresh summer air, it will be quite comfortable at a temperature of about +17 ° C. Another thing is if you opt for Benjamin's variegated ficus. This species is more sensitive to cold, more demanding on the temperature of the content and high humidity.

Don't forget to water! Ficus requires a lot of water, especially in summer and during the period of active growth, so in no case do not let the soil dry out. In autumn and winter - watering should be reduced, doing it sufficiently only once a week.

Remember! If the owner forgets to water the plant or waters it insufficiently, the ficus, as if in retaliation, immediately sheds its leaves. But still, it is best to adhere to a reasonable balance when watering.

Having survived the winter, in the spring-summer period, the plant, like a person, becomes a little lethargic and especially needs to be fed. Feeding your indoor tree with mineral complex fertilizer every two weeks, you can quickly resuscitate it.

Inevitably, the time will come when the young ficus will become crowded in the former monastery and a transplant will be required. It needs to be dealt with in the spring, until the ficus fully grows, having bought a special soil or creating it yourself, mixing one part of leafy soil, grassroots peat, sand and two parts of soddy land. If, say, you already have a plant, then to create a comfortable living environment for an adult tree, it will be enough to update the topsoil.

pruning

In order for the trunk to acquire thickness and texture, experienced florists plant 2-3 plants together and twist their trunks into a tourniquet or pigtail, which over time takes on the appearance of beautiful bumpy growths.

If you beginner florist, we offer to start practicing in pruning the young Benjamin. To do this, on well-branched leaves, you need to cut off the top with 2-3 buds, and to maintain a beautiful shape, repeat the procedure every 3-4 years, sprinkling slices charcoal to prevent leakage of milky fluid.

Ficus Benjamin is propagated by cuttings. To get its seedling, you can use leaves previously cut from the top or carefully cut off a new process. After that, the stalk can be wrapped in a thin cotton swab and put in water. After the plant takes root, plant in the ground or sand and irrigate regularly with water, waiting for it to rise.

ficus benjamina- one of the most popular decorative leafy houseplants. his homeland South Asia, Philippines, Australia. In nature this big bush or a tree reaching a height of 8 - 10 m, in room conditions grows up to 1.5-2 meters. The trunk is gray with small strokes. Branches inclined downward. Leaves on small petioles 2-2.5 cm, leaf blade oval with an elongated tip 4-8 cm long and 1.5-4 cm wide. The central vein is not clearly expressed. The sheet is dense, glossy. The color of the leaves varies from light green to very dark, there are many variegated forms.

Indoor varieties

Ficus benjamina has a huge number of varieties that differ in the size of the leaves and their variegation.

Variety "Daniel"- differs in very dark monophonic leaves.

Variety "Monique"- has more delicate, thin branches and a light, slightly wavy leaf along the edge.

Variety "Nicole"- has a more elongated sheet with a light edge.

Variety "Safari"- differs in obvious spotting and tricolor coloring.

Variety "Baroque"- the most unusual and difficult to grow. Each leaf of this miniature plant twisted into a spiral.

Care

Accommodation

Prefers bright, but not sunny places. In summer, it needs shading from direct sunlight, which can cause burns on the leaves. Required amount lighting also depends on the variegation of the leaves - the more variegated, the more light the plant needs. If the ficus is in the back of the room, it must be provided additional illumination fluorescent or phytolamp. It is desirable that the backlight be directly above the growth point, in which case the crown will be more symmetrical.

The plant does not tolerate drafts and responds to them by dropping leaves.

For the summer, ficus benjamen can be taken out to the balcony or garden in a place protected from wind and direct sunlight. However, in this case, after bringing the ficus into the room, due to sudden changes in the conditions of detention, it will shed some of the leaves.

Temperature

Prefers a temperature range of 20-25 ° C, in winter not lower than 15 ° C. On condition proper watering tolerate more high temperatures. Lowering the temperature below 15 °C will lead to mass leaf fall, and the temperature below 10 °C can lead to the death of the plant.

If the temperature in the room drops and it is not possible to transfer the ficus to a warmer room, the clod of earth should be well insulated. While maintaining the temperature of the roots, the ficus is able to tolerate lower temperatures for some time.

The plant should not be placed near heating appliances.

Watering

Water moderately after the topsoil dries out. The plant reacts to overdrying by dropping part of the leaves, from overflowing the leaves become light and the roots can rot. In winter, with a cooler content, watering is slightly reduced.

Watering is done with warm settled water. The water is drained from the pan.

Humidity

For more intensive growth, it is advisable to regularly spray with warm boiled or filtered water. However, the plant grows well without spraying, easily adapting to the conditions of the apartment.

Only in winter in hot apartments with central heating foliar spraying is desirable to avoid loss of part of the leaves.
From time to time, it is advisable to wash the ficus in the shower to wash off the dust from the leaves. If the size of the crown allows, the crown can be completely immersed in water for a few minutes.

top dressing

Fertilize ficus from spring to autumn universal fertilizers for decorative leafy plants, diluted in a slightly lower concentration than indicated on the package.

In winter, with a cool content, top dressing is stopped; with a warm content, they are fertilized once a month with fertilizers diluted in an even lower concentration.

Fertilizers are added to the water for irrigation and watered over the already wet coma of the earth.

The plant responds well to Epin treatment, which stimulates faster crown growth.

Transfer

Young specimens are usually transplanted once a year in the spring, adults - once every 2-3 years, when the roots entwine the entire clod of earth. In large plants, it is permissible to replace the top layer of the earth instead of transplanting.

Pots can be ceramic or plastic, a layer of drainage is needed. The size of the pot should be only 2-3 cm larger than the previous one.

Universal store soil is suitable for planting, or you can make a mixture of peat, leafy soil and sand in a ratio of 1: 2: 1.

reproduction

Propagated by seeds, cuttings and air layering.

seeds sown in the ground in the spring, covered with a bag and placed in a warm, bright place. Germination occurs within a month. After the appearance of two sheets, the seedlings are seated in separate pots;
layering only rare and complex varieties of ficus benjamen are propagated, for example, the Baroque variety with twisted leaves. For propagation by layering, the bark is cut into a ring, wrapped in wet sphagnum, moistened and wrapped plastic wrap. After the roots appear, the layering can be separated from the mother plant and planted in the ground under the bag;
The easiest way to reproduce is cuttings. A cutting 15-25 cm long is cut off, placed for a couple of hours in warm water so that white juice comes out, after that the edge of the handle is rinsed and placed in a clean boiled water. It is advisable to put a piece in the water to prevent rotting. After the roots appear, the cutting can be planted in the ground under a bag or jar. When the cutting begins to grow, the polyethylene should be gradually removed, tearing it to gradually accustom the plant to the air in the room. Can be rooted directly in the soil under the package.

Diseases and pests

Growing problems:

Leaves turn pale- insufficient lighting. Put the ficus in a brighter place or provide it with additional lighting;
Leaves are pale and sluggish- you filled the ficus. Do not water the plant for a while. If this does not work, transplant it to another land, removing rotten roots and spill it with a solution of root;
The plant sheds its leaves- the loss of part of the leaves in the fall is a natural process for ficus benjamen. If the plant immediately sheds a lot of leaves, it may be standing in a draft, or near a heater. Move the plant to a different location.

crown formation

ficus benjamina fast growing plant requiring crown formation. If the plant is standing near a window, it is advisable to rotate it by 90 ° C every 2 weeks in order for the crown to grow evenly. But this is usually not enough. The plant needs annual spring pruning.

It easily tolerates pruning, which stimulates the formation of numerous side shoots. Pruning is usually done over a sleeping kidney, blotting the cut with a cloth and sprinkling it with charcoal. If the plant is small, you can pinch it - simply by removing the growing point.

From ficuses can be formed standard plants , removing the lower branches and forming a dense crown with pruning.

A very interesting effect can be achieved by intertwining the trunks of several plants. To do this, several young ficuses are planted and their trunks are intertwined. The bark is incised at the points of contact between the stems. As a result, plants grow quickly. In this way, you can form completely unusual openwork trunks.

Ficus Benjamin is one of the most popular indoor plants that requires some care. It's spectacular evergreen tree grown in their homes even our grandmothers.

Today, many varieties of ficus Benjamin are known, differing in color, leaf size and growth rate. The shape of the leaves is also varied - ovate, pointed, triangular, with corrugated and twisting leaf blades.

Basic care for ficus Benjamin

If you purchased Benjamin's ficus, try to immediately find a permanent place for it. This plant does not tolerate frequent rearrangements and turns in relation to the light source.

Lighting

Ficus needs a very bright place: in the shade, its branches stretch out, and the plant loses decorative look. However, it must be protected from direct sunlight - the bright sun can cause burns on the leaves.

Variegated forms require more intense lighting - with a lack of light, their foliage turns green

Temperature

Ficus Benjamin is a heat-loving plant, hypothermia of the roots and cold drafts can be detrimental to it. Optimum temperature for its content is 18-25 degrees, and in winter time- not less than 12 degrees.

Air humidity

The plant needs high humidity, so the daily care of Benjamin's ficus includes spraying from a spray bottle, which is carried out 2-3 times a week to clean the leaves of dust and stimulate the growth of new shoots. Give your ficus a warm shower once a month. In summer, the plant is useful to take out to fresh air.

Ficus Benjamin Care: Watering and Feeding

Watering

Ficus is watered moderately, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings to a depth of 2-3 cm. Do not allow the soil to dry out, as well as the bay of the plant. Pour with warm settled water, be sure to pour out excess water from the pan. Proper care of Benjamin's ficus is also regular feeding. Fertilize your ficus from April to October mineral fertilizer with a high nitrogen content once every 2 weeks.

top dressing

Ficus Benjamin responds very well to foliar top dressing. Young ficuses are transplanted annually, and adult tub ones - once every 3-4 years, with the obligatory annual replacement of the top layer of the earth. When transplanting, try not to destroy the earthen ball and lay good drainage at the bottom of the pot. The soil for Benjamin's ficuses is made up of leaf humus, sand, peat and garden soil, taken in equal proportions. You can also use ready-made purchased soil, designed specifically for ficuses.

Caring for Benjamin's ficus in the autumn-winter period consists in reducing watering and stopping fertilizing. During this time, keep the plant away from heaters and spray more frequently. Variegated forms from September to March may need additional lighting. In winter, some varieties of ficus can shed some of the foliage.

Formation of the crown of ficus Benjamin

One of important aspects, which make up the care of Benjamin's ficus - the correct formation. To form a beautiful and harmonious crown, a ficus tree needs regular pruning. When the tree reaches the desired height, cut off the top of the trunk, this stimulates the growth of new side shoots, which also need to be pinched from time to time.

In the spring, with the beginning of growth, and at the end of autumn, cut dry stems, weak and unnecessary shoots from the ficus. cut in spring and summer stem cuttings used for reproduction. Root them in water or soil.

When forming the crown of ficuses, cut leaves and small shoots remain, from which you can grow new plants yourself

To make a real work of art out of an ordinary houseplant, it is necessary to form the crown and trunk of ficuses. The most popular method is weaving a pigtail from young plant trunks. For these purposes, you should choose three specimens no more than 13-15 centimeters high: more mature ficuses are characterized by a lignified trunk, which is difficult to external influence.

A few young ficuses will allow you to create a spectacular home tree without any problems.

In order to start braiding braids, you need to carefully remove a few side shoots. In this case, milky juice will stand out, which is removed with a damp cloth, and the slices are sprinkled with crushed charcoal.

The appearance of milky juice is a natural reaction of ficus to damage to the stem or leaves

For greater convenience, young ficuses should be tied together, a little higher than the roots, and begin to braid. It is necessary to ensure that there is a little free space between the stems: as they grow, they will increase in size and fill the empty space, forming a single intertwined trunk.

For fixation, it is necessary to choose only soft threads that will not injure the stems as they grow.

So that the resulting braid does not unravel, it should also be fixed under the crown. For these purposes, soft threads are used that will not cut into the trunk and thereby injure it.

If you notice that milky juice appeared at the place of wrapping, then the trunk was damaged. However, the ficus tolerates minor injuries well, and it is only necessary to treat the site of damage (wipe milk and rub with charcoal).

Now you need to plant the intertwined ficus in a pot, after pouring a layer of drainage on the bottom and pouring the appropriate soil mixture. In the future, as the houseplant grows, it will be enough just to weave the braid, and when the trunk gets stronger and grows together, the threads can be removed.

Over time, the ficus will grow into a strong strong tree with an unusual trunk, and will become a real decoration of any interior.

The formation of the crown of ficuses with such a figured trunk is best done in the form of a stem, pinching the side shoots.

Having mastered this simple type of weaving, in the future you can safely experiment and create trees amazing beauty, giving their trunks the shape of an arc, a complex pigtail, lattice, spiral.

Ficus Benjamin Care: Possible Difficulties

The most common problem when growing Ficus Benjamin is leaf fall. A plant can drop leaves for several reasons, these can be:

lack of light;

Frequent permutations;

Waterlogging or drying of an earthy coma;

dry air;

Low air temperature;

Cold drafts;

Overfeeding.

If your ficus has suddenly lost some of its foliage, don't be discouraged. Continue caring for Benjamin's ficus - provide him with a bright place, spray regularly and water properly. With proper care, the tree will very quickly grow a lush crown. Actually, the loss lower leaves- a natural phenomenon for ficus Benjamin, with age, the lower part of the trunk of a tree invariably becomes bare.

By organizing proper care behind Benjamin's ficus, you will grow not only attractive, but also useful plant- phytoncides secreted by ficus leaves improve air quality.

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