Ficus plants are also susceptible to disease, making them prone to insect infestations as well. Ficus trees can grow large when left unmanaged. However, ficus is a hardy plant, and it’s easy to bring them back to health with the right care, even if they’re at death’s door. Due to the nature of their leaves, this plant is also called a rubber plant or rubber tree, and the genus Ficus has a variety of related plants and trees. What are the Pest and Diseases Affecting Ficus Trees? Its ability to disinfect and purify the air makes it very useful for families. 80, no 1, pp. The Narrow Leaf fig (Ficus maclellandii ‘Alii’) is another species of ficus tree that grows well indoors. Ficus benjamina -- commonly called the weeping fig, the small-leaved rubber plant or the Benjamin fig tree -- is a broadleaf evergreen shrub typically kept as a houseplant. It is very sensitive to light so if the plant is moved, expect it to drop leaves and produce new ones that are accustomed to the new light conditions. You can make new ficus trees from your existing plants using the non-woody stem cutting method. Contact her at hollie@gardenbeast.com or follow on twitter https://twitter.com/greenholliec. 1). Genus Ficus can be evergreen or deciduous trees, shrubs or climbers, with often leathery, simple, entire or lobed leaves and tiny flowers borne within a hollow receptacle which enlarges to form the fruit . The tree may shed its leaves and even appear dead. The flowers and fruits are enclosed in a fleshy sac that turns from green to orange-red to red and then purplish black. The thick, shiny, two to four-inch-long, evergreen leaves generously clothe the long branches, and the tiny figs eventually turn a yellow, orange, or dark red when ripe. Weeping ficus or fig is one of the most popular houseplants found in homes, offices, and interior landscaping. Tips for planting and caring for Weeping Fig trees. The weeping fig also known as ficus benjamina is very common in the households due to its ability to tolerate poor living conditions. Hollie has written for a number of publications and is now the resident garden blogger here at GardenBeast. This is a huge tree growing to 60 feet tall and 60 to 70 feet wide (Fig. These plants enter a dormancy period during the winter, and they don’t require any water or fertilizer during this time. However, only a few of the types do well as indoor plants. New ficus plants from the nursery require a period of adjustment before you can put them in direct sunlight. Folded in towards the midrib and droop down towards the ground. Prefers medium to high light, a bright spot; prefers dry soil and medium relative humidity with a temperature of greater than 55 degrees F; withstands heavy pruning; water with care, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings, applying very little during winter months; pest/disease problems. Ficus tend to get leggy if you don’t keep them under control. Ficus plants have the unique characteristic of rubbery, glossy leaves and grow in a variety of shapes and sizes. 'Starlight Variegated leaves. It is sometimes confused with Ficus microcarpa, which is actually less weepy and more upright. She has an affinity with nature and loves to share her knowledge gained over a lifetime with readers online. Branches will weep toward the ground forming a canopy so dense t… If you cut a leaf, you’ll notice a thick, milky-shite substance come from the wound. Though there are many other ornamentally grown figs, only this one has drooping thin leaves and tapering tips. Ficus trees prefer warm weather for optimal growing conditions. When ficus experience stress, they start to shed leaves. Basic Ficus benjamina facts. You can braid of shape the branches and trees to create a beautiful bonsai. This fig fruit can be eaten raw or it can be used in cooking. What is commonly referred to as a ficus is technically a weeping fig. Ficus benjamina: Weeping Fig 3 Ozone sensitivity: unknown Verticillium wilt susceptibility: susceptible Pest resistance: resistant to pests/diseases Use and Management Fruit can stain cars and sidewalks, so the tree should not be planted close to streets, walks or parking lots. People use fig fruit for conditions such as constipation and diarrhea. Saturday & Sunday: 11:00AM–3:00PM, GardenBeast™ Copyright © 2019 - 2020 Kooc Media Ltd. All rights reserved. Both of these varieties grow readily, and if you don’t prune them, they can reach heights of up to 6-feet. Trailing types look fantastic when hanging from flower baskets on the patio. Water again when it feels dry. The thick, shiny, two to five-inch-long, evergreen leaves generously clothe the long branches, and the tiny figs eventually turn a deep red. comosa Panigrahi & Murti Ficus benjamina var. bracteata Corner Ficus benjamina var comosa Kurz Ficus benjamina subsp. Many gardeners find growing ficus plants a challenging but rewarding experience. Keep in mind that not all Ficus Benjamina will yield fruit, particularly those that are kept indoors. Keep in mind that all of the blossoms are female, so it means the tree pollinates itself. Make sure the pot has plenty of drainage holes in the bottom, and then cover them with gauze. long (12 cm) generously clothe the long branches. Cooperative Extension prohibits discrimination and harassment on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex (including pregnancy), disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, and veteran status. Cooperative Extension, which staffs local offices in all 100 counties and with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. 61 Mosley Street, Manchester, This evergreen houseplant has long stems and the long leaves give the indoor tree a bushy appearance. Give the ficus at least a month to settle in the container. Raised lenticels, sometimes with adventitious roots. The flowers and fruits are enclosed in a fleshy sac that turns from green to orange-red to red and then purplish black. Weak winter light made many of the white patches turn green. It performs best in bright sunny locations but will also survive in shade. Registered Company No.05695741 Online Resource for Backyards & Gardens. When transplanting, it’s vital that you don’t let the root ball dry out. Common tree in commercial interior landscapes or in large pots; common house pot tree. Leave the cutting in the rooting hormone for a few minutes, and then transfer to a small container with potting mix. The dense, rounded canopy and gracefully drooping branches of Weeping Fig made it quite popular as a landscape tree until recently. Ficus benjaminia is a very popular houseplant because of its tolerance of poor growing conditions. It is a broadleaf evergreen tree that grows to 50’ tall. We may get paid if you buy something or take an action after clicking one of these. Two factoids: Figs are pollinated by a wasp that crawls into the developing fruit. If you consider the site and soil conditions, a ficus (Ficus benjamina) is basically very easy to maintain. They are very rich in vitamins and minerals. Learn About Ficus Houseplants. It has slender branches that arch gracefully from a light gray trunk. comosa King Fic… What are the Soil Requirements for Ficus Trees? To keep your ficus tree in a bonsai format, you’ll need to prune the branches and leavers that get unruly. These trees tend to stress when you move them around. Some links may be affiliate links. NC State University and N.C. A&T State University work in tandem, along with federal, state and local governments, to When gardeners give their ficus everything it needs, they thrive. 'Golden King' Yellow and cream margins. 'Variegata' Leaves Close-Up (Mecklenburg County,NC), Tropical & Subtropical Asia and Northern Australia, Dappled Sunlight (Shade through upper canopy all day), Deep shade (Less than 2 hours to no direct sunlight), Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day), Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours). The leaf is used for conditions such as diabetes, high cholesterol, and skin conditions. If the plants experience a wind chill, they will drop leaves. form a strategic partnership called N.C. Monday—Friday: 9:00AM–5:00PM Ficus benjamina is the most common fig species, and is part of the Moraceae family. Take the cutting at a 45-degree angle, and then dip the tip of the cutting into rooting hormone. Read our Commitment to Diversity | Read our Privacy Statement. Most of the popular practices link the Ficus tree back to one of its native lands, Asia. There are a few diseases that might affect your ficus tree, but as long as you don’t keep it in a drafty location, it should stay disease-free. 78-136 Ficus include the huge banyan trees on the Big Island of Hawaii, the fig tree you are growing in your garden for the fruit, rubber trees and the smaller ornamental ficus used as houseplants. It is intolerant to cold and should be kept away from drafts. Watering and fertilizing. Ficus benjamina Cultivars 'Danielle' Thick strong leaves, weeping. Ficus trees are reasonably resistant to pests and diseases. This fertilizing strategy gives the roots a boost during the early part of the growing season. Ficus trees prefer growing in temperatures of above 70F, and they start to stress when the mercury falls below 60F. Some people may have allergies to latex and should avoid getting the latex liquid on their skin. During dormancy, the ficus recovers from all of the stress of the growing season. see more; Synonyms Ficus nitida. Minute, unisexual, enclosed in fleshy receptacle (fig), entered by apical orifice and pollinated by fig wasps. Asthma caused by Ficus benjamina latex : evidence of cross-reactivity with fig fruit and papain / Diez-Gomez M L, Quirce S, Aragoneses E and Cuevas M / Annual Meeting of the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, San Diego, California, 1998, vol. Ficus trees are a tropical species that enjoy warm and humid climates. Leaf is elliptic with long, acuminate tip, Stems are flexuous and are often braided/trained. The branches and trunk can get leggy if you leave it alone to its own devices. Kumquat Tree Guide: How to Grow & Care For Kumquat Trees, Bloodgood Japanese Maple Tree Guide: How to Care for “Acer palmatum”, Ficus Alii Guide: How to Grow & Care for “Ficus binnendijkii ‘Alii’”, Sedum Spurium Guide: How to Grow & Care for “Red Carpet” Succulents, Best Automatic Chicken Coop Door Reviews: Complete Buyer’s Guide, Best Indoor Plant Stand Reviews: Complete Buyer’s Guide, Sambucus Nigra Guide: How to Grow & Care for “Black Lace”. Ficus Benjamina, or the weeping fig, is a popular indoor variety. It's fortunate for Ficus benjamina, also known as weeping fig, that it grows well in pots, because it can only thrive in the ground in frost-free areas. Cut back to the new nodes, and the shoots will start to grow at the tips. Weeping Fig (Ficus benjamina) is the main topic of the article, that gives the botanical description, the properties and the uses of plant. The fruits of this tree are known as fig. Used as a small tree in interior settings; potential to overgrow ideal locations, thus dwarf forms may be better suited; environmentally sensitive and may drop leaves as a response to change in light, heat, humidity, wind gusts, etc; variegated leaf forms are also available; sap drips when pruned (messy); stems are flexuous and can be braided or trained to arch; older specimens may have numerous aerial roots. A globose to slightly oblong fig, in pairs, green maturing to reddish then purple-black. The optimum pH value for the ficus is between 6.5 and 7. Drooping branches slender; older specimens with pendulous aerial roots. The trees are notable for their glossy green, ovoid foliage that taper to a point. Noteworthy Characteristics Ficus benjamina, commonly called weeping fig, is native from India to northern Australia. You can find ficus in all types of heights and textures, with weeping ficus and fiddle ficus being popular indoor bonsai trees. Fill the pot with a high-quality potting mix, and leave a space for the root ball of the plant. When positioning your ficus indoors, place them in an area of the home where they are away from drafted and air-conditioning vents. This is an attractive plant that carries glossy ovate leaves, which can reach about 5 inches (12 cm) in length. 1. associated with the mulberry family (Moraceae) 2. genus: Ficus 3. name of variety: Ficus tree (Ficus benjamina) 4. evergreen tree or shrub 5. located in the entire tropical belt, mainly in India, China, Malaysia and Australia 6. dark green, light green or creamy white, shiny leaves 7. growth height in indoor cultivation from 200 to 300 cm, rarely higher 8. leaf shapes: oval, obovate, ovate-lanceolate with smooth or curly edge 9. creamy whi… Glossy, slender-pointed ovate leaves, 5 in. Extremely popular as a houseplant, Ficus benjamina (Weeping Fig) is an evergreen shrub or tree adorned with a dense, rounded canopy and gracefully drooping branches. At the beginning of the spring, you can feed the tree with a liquid-based all-purpose fertilizer at half-strength. Variegated cultivars exist. Characteristics of Ficus Carica An evergreen shrub or tree with drooping branches, the leaves are alternate, simple, long-tipped, and glossy. Don’t be afraid to trim back the tree as new shoots appear fast and turn into leaves in a few days. Weeping fig is one of the best plants for improving air qu… Ficus benjamina is certainly one of the favorite plants all around, and deserves to be taken care of diligently.. Once you place them in their pot in your home, they don’t enjoy moving. Ficus in enjoy well-lit areas in the home that are free of drafts. It has been shown to effectively remove indoor air pollutants. Press Esc to cancel. Tree-types are an excellent choice for standalone-plants in the house. Since then she has gone on to develop a passion for growing vegetables & fruit in her garden. Both of these varieties grow readily, and if you don’t prune them, they can reach heights of up to 6-feet. Alternate, simple, long-tipped, and glossy, 2-5 in. Ficus Diseases, Plant Diseases, Penn State Extension; How to Care for Ficus Benjamina; Caring for Bonsai Ficus Trees; This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice … Name – Ficus benjamina Family – Moraceae (mulberry family) Type – indoor plant. Flowers and fruits are enclosed in a fleshy sac that turns from green to orange-red to red and then purplish black. Press the soil down to remove any air pockets, and then water the soil thoroughly. GardenBeast is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. Water regularly to keep soil from completely drying out. Its “blossoms” all face inward. Flowers and fruits are enclosed in a fleshy sac that turns from green to orange-red to red and then purplish black. Ficus benjaminia is a very popular houseplant because of its tolerance of poor growing conditions. Read our complete guide to Ficus Trees (Ficus benjamina) for everything you will ever need to know! It performs best in bright sunny locations but will also survive in shade. Synonyms Synonymy Ficus benjamina var. Family Moraceae . You’ll need to prune back your tree a few times during the season to stop it from sprawling out. Sources. Make sure that you only use the non-woody shoots from the tree as your cutting. N.C. In its natural environment the Benjamin’s fig is a big tree reaching as much as 30 m (98 ft) tall. The common fig (Ficus carica) is cultivated for its pear-shaped edible fruits, which are really hollow fleshy receptacles (syconia) containing hundreds of male and female flowers. This is a huge tree growing to 60 feet tall and 60 to 100 feet wide. The ficus (Ficus benjamina) also needs a corresponding mineral portion, which may be a little coarser. It is undemanding and easy to cultivate. Ficus plants are a common houseplant, as they are easy to maintain. However, in order to yield properly, Ficus Benjamina need tropical pollinating wasps. They are elegant and grow dense, glossy dark foliage, although, when stressed, it will shed its leaves easily. The ease of shaping the plant makes it a favorite choice for bonsai growers. The legend goes that when Buddha received enlightenment, he was sitting under the shade of a ficus tree. Miniature cultivars like "Too Little' are popular for bonsai. Ficus benjamina ‘Variegata’ I took the photo in winter. Otherwise known as fig trees, the ficus is a popular indoor and outdoor tree in gardens and homes across the United States. After a month, you can feed your ficus using an all-purpose liquid fertilizer. Water your ficus once or twice a week, and use the finger-soil test mentioned above as a guideline for your watering practice. When planting your ficus, most gardeners use them as pot plants inside the home. Ficus Carcia is an Asian species of flowering plant in the mulberry family. Place the roots into the hole and backfill the hole with potting soil. Evergreen to semi-evergreen tree to 30', graceful and upright. For best results, transplant new ficus trees as soon as possible to prevent stress on the plant. Ficus are reasonably drought-resistant plants. Ficus trees are native to tropical regions of the world, with many popular varieties coming from Africa, Asia, and Europe. Sometimes small yellow fruit (reportedly edible) can be found on the plant. Twisted. You’ll need to decide if you want a tree-type or trailing ficus. International House, Newer stems have small furrows. Advertiser Disclosure: If the roots get dry, the plant starts to stress, and drop leaves. GardenBeast is an online publication which launched in 2019 with the aim of providing the latest news, in-depth how-to guides and reviews of popular products to help you make the most from your back yards and gardens. Therefore, chose a pot that’s a little bigger than a half-gallon ice cream container when potting your ficus tree. However, if you let the soil dry out too much, you might find that you have to deal with a spider mite infestation. What are the Humidity and Temperature Requirements for Ficus Trees? Type above and press Enter to search. The plant does not require misting. If aphids or spider mites start to invade your ficus, it will begin to drop leaves. The weeping fig tree (Ficus benjamina), also known as Benjamin fig tree or simply ficus tree, is a very popular and easy-to-care-for houseplant.Of all the species in the genus Ficus, this one is the best for indoor cultivation.Learn how to care for a weeping fig indoors in this blog. Ficus trees are not toxic to people and pets, and they’re safe to have around your home. Some varieties do better in direct sunlight than others. Let the soil dry out until it’s dry if you poke your finger and inch below the surface. Ficus are sensitive to light conditions, and if you move them, it might cause some of the foliage to wilt and fall from the branches. If the nursery keeps them under a shaded netting, then you’ll need to acclimatize the plant by taking out in the early morning sun for two hours before leaving it back under the shade for protection from the harsh midday UV rays. VIDEO Created by Elisabeth Meyer for "Edibles, Bulbs, and Houseplants" a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens. Ficus benjamina is a weeping fig characterized by ovoid and shiny green leaves, dropping ornamentally. Ficus grows readily in ideal growing conditions, and it’s the ideal choice for home gardeners that want a low-maintenance but attractive plant. It’s a member of the Ficus genus of plants, which also includes rubber trees and fig fruit trees, but when it comes to houseplants, most people refer to a weeping fig (Ficus benjamina) as simply a ficus. Prune the ficus in the wintertime before it enters the dormancy period. However, ficus trees can be somewhat picky. What Are the Best Varieties of Ficus Trees? The flowers are tiny, but produce a showy fruit. Urostigma Species: F. benjamina Binomial name Ficus benjamina L. 1767 Range of the species Ficus benjamina. Ficus Benjamina and Frost Damage. Some ficus varieties contain latex in the leaves. To bring the plant back to life in the spring, just water the roots, and it will start to produce new leaf shoots. However, most ficus trees prefer a spot in your home near a window where they can enjoy the morning sun, and they stay cool in the afternoon. Live Ficus Benjaminaaka Weeping Fig Tree, from Amazon. There are dozens of ficus varieties available from online retailers and nurseries. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. It is widely grown in the tropics as an ornamental tree or hedge. Ficus trees don’t need much fertilizer during the growing season. Ficus trees have had a significant influence on both cultural and religious practices and traditions. It is also commonly known as the weeping fig. Ficus microcarpa ostiole has a 3 way slit Ficus benjamina ostiole is a circular hole Ficus microcarpa branches grow strongly upwards Ficus benjamina branches are drooping or weeping. Ficus benjamina is a fig tree that is commonly grown indoors. ✔ We Released The Ficus Benjamina HandBook CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE >> If the plant grows quickly in the summer, you can give it a pruning halfway through the season. We recommend you use a sharp pair of pruning scissors and some protective gardening gloves when pruning your ficus. Fiddle Leaf Ficus, or Ficus Lyrata, is another popular variety for use as a houseplant. UK, Hours Add a layer of pebbles or stones at the bottom of the container for additional drainage. Origin. The species that come from Africa don’t need much water to survive, but they prefer if the soil remains moist during the growing season. The ficus grows quickly in the right conditions. These trees suffer in the cold weather, and if you live in a colder region of the United States, you’ll have to bring the tree indoors during the evenings as the fall and winter arrive. Ficus trees prefer humid environments if you want them to grow fleshy, colorful leaves. Company No.05695741 Therefore, the best strategy is to leave them in one area for their entire lifetime, the less you move the plant, the stronger it grows. The dense, rounded canopy and gracefully drooping branches of weeping fig made it quite popular as a landscape tree until recently. Kooc Media Ltd This is also called the Banana fig, Alii fig, or Banana-leaf ficus. Ficus trees make for fantastic indoor or outdoor growing, and all varieties do well as bonsai trees as well. Ficus benjamina Scientific classification Kingdom: Plantae Clade: Tracheophytes Clade: Angiosperms Clade: Eudicots Clade: Rosids Order: Rosales Family: Moraceae Tribe: Ficeae Genus: Ficus Subgenus: F. subg. M2 3HZ Height – 10 feet (3 meters) indoors, 100 feet (30 meters) outdoors Soil – indoor plant soil mix Exposure – bright light but no direct sunlight During this period, the roots establish in the soil. The foliage does recover quickly, and even if it drops to the point where there are only a few leaves left, it can come back to its former glory in a few weeks with the right care. Fruits also edible; Ficus pumila, ripe fruit; Ficus racemosa, ripe fruit edible, unripe fruits picked, young shoots eaten raw or cooked; and, Ficus sycomorus, fruit edible, leaves eaten in soups. Hollie is a life-long gardener, having started helping her Dad work on their yard when she was just 5. 'Exotica' Light green leaves. What are the Light Requirements for Ficus Trees? Ovate-elliptic to oblong, acuminate, rotund, entire, glabrous, coriaceous, 8-12 pairs of lateral veins.