Benjamina Ficus Tree How to Grow and Care for It?

If you have a hobby of gardening, you can definitely enjoy indoor plants too. Gardening or planting indoor trees are good for getting a healthy environment around your residence. If you want to grow your indoor plant collection, you can definitely try a ficus tree, for instance. It is a very common tree that can be easily planted in a pot. The tree is not a very high-maintenance tree, but it needs a few maintenance tips. So, you can easily go for a ficus tree.

Ficus benjamina is a major species that is used as an indoor plant. It does not need direct sunlight. It can grow in a homely atmosphere. The only thing you have to ensure is the humid environment around the tree. Also, a well-drained pot is required. The tree is widely known as the weeping fig or benjamin fig. Here in this article, we have added all the details you should know about the ficus tree. We have discussed maintenance tips, how to grow, uses, and benefits of the tree. So, go through the article and check out what you have to do with your tree.

Ficus tree: Key facts

Source: Pinterest 

Ficus tree: Physical description

Ficus trees can get a height of 30 m normally. It has drooping branches. The bark is smoother in appearance. Leaves are waxy and glossy. Leaves are usually 6 to 13 cm long, and they have acuminate tips. If you plant the tree in a pot, it can go up to a height of 5 feet. The petiole is 1 to 3 cm in normal condition. 

Ficus trees are known as monoecious. The floral part of the tree is egg-shaped and bright green in colour. Fruits of the ficus tree are orange to red in colour. Fruits can have a diameter of 2.0 to 2.5 cm.

Source: Pinterest 

Ficus tree: How to grow?

Here’s how you can grow your very own ficus tree.

• Get a cutting from the nursery. It should be six inches long.
• Place the bottom of the stem in water for a few hours. 
• After two to three days, transfer the stem to a pot.
• Fill the pot with potting soil.
• Keep the pot in a humid area.
• Direct sunlight is not required.
• Keep an eye on the pests.

Ficus tree: Maintenance tips

• You have to provide the tree with a humid atmosphere.
• The soil should not be waterlogged, but it should not be completely dried out, either.
• Cutting the overgrown areas of the tree is mandatory.
• Make sure that there are no pests around the tree. You have to keep the tree clean as much as possible.

Source: Pinterest 

Ficus tree: Is this plant toxic?

Yes, the ficus tree can be toxic for animals and also for children. The ficus tree extract can cause skin irritation in humans as well as pets. So, keep the tree away from children and pets.

Ficus tree: Uses

Here are some noticeable benefits of the ficus tree.

• Ficus tree has antimicrobial, antinociceptive, antipyretic, and anti-dysentery benefits.
• In some traditional areas, extract of the ficus fruits is used in skin care regimes.
• Twigs and leaves extract are natural insect repellent.

FAQs