Ficus Exotica Benjamina

Class

Dicotyledons

Division

Angiosperms

Family

Moraceae

Order

Rosales

Genus

Ficus

Species

benjamina

Description

Medium-sized evergreen perennial shrub or tree. The slightly pendulous branches bear abundant, glossy, thin oval leaves which give the plant a high ornamental value and a focal role in indoor design. It requires a warm temperate climate and high filtered light.

Varietal description

A decorative green plant that also grows well indoors, in homes, offices or shops. It has deep, glossy green foliage. In summer it can also be grown outdoors.

curiosity and special features

Similar to other indoor green plants, Ficus benjamina's foliage can help cleanse the air of pollutants in indoor living and working spaces by reducing their presence.

It is considered a sacred plant by the Buddhist religion, and is also the national symbol of Thailand.

Origin and Diffusion

Indigenous species, native to the humid tropical biome of tropical and subtropical Asia and northern Australia. Today mainly cultivated as an indoor plant in an assortment of varieties distinguished by their height and colour shade of foliage.

Leaf

The leaves have an oval, slightly pointed lamina.

Leaf color

Variety with solid-coloured, deep glossy green leaves.

Plant height

The height of the plant varies from 1 to 3 m, assuming a primary role with high ornamental value in interior, living or working spaces.

Lifespan

Perennial evergreen plant.

Suggested planting locations

Depending on the climate zone, it is mainly used as a pot plant , Flower pots, Indoor pots

Stem/stem

The stem is woody, semi-woody, with smooth, grey bark; the variety has no thorns.

Growth

Variety with medium to vigorous growth.

Plant habit

The habit of growth is Erect with open foliage and stems with a drooping habit of growth.

branching

The abundant branching allows a high density of foliage with an elegant and light final effect.

pH

It requires a slightly acidic pH of the medium, with optimum values between 5.8 and 6.5.

sun exposure

The following exposures are recommended: light source indoors, full sun. Good light and suitable temperatures favour fast growth, with elegant, drooping vegetation with shiny green leaves.

Ideal climate and temperature

The ideal temperature is between 18 and 25 °C. The vital temperature is between 5 and 45 °C It prefers a warm and humid climate.

Use

Due to the elegance and sinuousness of its foliage, it is widely appreciated in:

Ornamental environment Indoor ornamental area

In relation to the climatic conditions present, the Ficus benjamina is one of the most widely used plants in indoor design.

Hardiness

A variety of medium hardiness, it requires a warm and humid climate, away from sudden temperature changes that can lead to defoliation.

Soil/medium

Use a new, high-quality substrate specifically for green plants, based on blond and brown peat.

Maintenance

Easy plant to grow, requires a low level of management effort if suitable Growth conditions are guaranteed.

cultivation tips

Some useful cultivation tips specific to the variety:

Expose the plant to maximum light Always keep the substrate moist Always keep plenty of fertiliser to avoid yellowing of the vegetation. Put outside when there is no longer a risk of frost Prefers warm and humid climate

pruning

Remove any damaged leaves and branches. If necessary, a light training pruning can be carried out in spring to keep the foliage more compact.

Reproduction/Propagation

Ficus benjamina can be propagated by cuttings, layering or micropropagation.

Irrigation

It requires regular, balanced watering so that the substrate always remains moist but free of waterlogging. Apply temperate water directly to the pot. Relative humidity must be kept high, particularly in hot, dry weather, by light misting.

Fertilization

Apply a liquid fertiliser regularly to the moist substrate, without exceeding the dosage, to be diluted in the irrigation water, specifically for indoor green plants. A nutrient deficiency can lead to leaf yellowing.

Edibility for humans

Non-edible.

Human toxicity

The plant cells of Ficus benjamina contain a yellowish-white latex, which is released when tissues are injured, allergenic and toxic.

advise 1

Severe water shocks result in the leaves drooping. If the environment where the plant is kept is rather dry, spray the leaves regularly every day. If kept in poorly heated and poorly lit rooms, water very little.