Stress-free 130 - 150cm Ficus Benjamina Rubber Plant 27cm Pot House Plant Slash 85% Off The Price [D34B5XHw]

Ficus Benjamina, commonly known as Weeping Fig, is a graceful and elegant houseplant known for its slender branches, glossy green leaves, and ability to purify indoor air. It is a popular indoor tree that thrives with the right care and can grow into a stunning centrepiece for homes and offices. Below is a detailed care guide to help your Ficus Benjamina flourish.

Light Requirements

• Bright, Indirect Light is Best:

  • Ficus Benjamina thrives in bright, indirect light, making it ideal for well-lit indoor spaces.
  • Place it near an east- or north-facing window with filtered sunlight.

• Can Adapt to Medium Light:

  • The plant tolerates moderate light levels, but growth may slow, and it may become leggy or sparse.

• Avoid Direct Sunlight:

  • Too much direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, causing brown or yellow spots.
  • If placed in a south- or west-facing window, use sheer curtains to diffuse harsh light.

• Sensitive to Light Changes:

  • Ficus Benjamina is highly sensitive to sudden light changes and may drop leaves if moved abruptly from a bright spot to a lower-light area.
  • When changing locations, gradually introduce it to new light conditions over a few weeks.

Temperature and Humidity

• Ideal Temperature Range:

  • Prefers temperatures between 18–26°C (65–80°F).
  • It does not tolerate cold and should not be exposed to temperatures below 10°C (50°F).

• Humidity Needs:

  • Enjoys moderate to high humidity (50–70%).
  • If your home is dry, increase humidity using:
    ✅ A humidifier
    ✅ A pebble tray with water
    ✅ Grouping with other plants

• Avoid Cold Drafts & Sudden Temperature Changes:

  • Keep away from air conditioners, heaters, and open windows, as sudden temperature shifts can cause leaf drop.

Watering

• Water When the Top Soil is Dry:

  • Ficus Benjamina prefers consistent moisture, but overwatering can lead to root rot.
  • Water when the top 2–5 cm (1–2 inches) of soil feels dry.

• Watering Frequency:

  • Spring & Summer (Active Growth): Water once a week, depending on humidity levels.
  • Autumn & Winter (Dormant Season): Reduce watering to every 10–14 days.

• How to Water:

  • Water evenly until excess drains from the bottom.
  • Do not let the plant sit in standing water—always empty the saucer.

• Signs of Overwatering:

  • Yellowing leaves
  • Soft, mushy stems or roots
  • Foul-smelling soil

• Signs of Underwatering:

  • Dry, crispy leaf edges
  • Wilting or drooping leaves

Soil and Potting

• Well-Draining Soil is Essential:

  • Use a light, airy, and well-draining mix to prevent water retention. A good blend includes:
    • 50% standard potting soil
    • 30% perlite or pumice (for drainage)
    • 20% orchid bark or coconut coir (for moisture retention)

• Choosing the Right Pot:

  • Use a terra cotta or ceramic pot with drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.

• Repotting:

  • Repot every 2–3 years, or when roots start growing out of the pot.
  • Best done in spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.

Fertilising

• Regular Feeding Encourages Growth:

  • Feed every 4–6 weeks with a balanced liquid fertiliser (e.g., 10-10-10 or 20-20-20) during the growing season.

• Fertiliser Schedule:

  • Spring & Summer: Apply fertiliser every 4–6 weeks.
  • Autumn & Winter: Reduce feeding to every 8 weeks, or stop fertilising.

• Avoid Over-Fertilising:

  • Too much fertiliser can cause salt build-up, leading to leaf burn and root damage.
  • Flush the soil with clean water every few months to remove excess salts.

Growth and Maintenance

• Growth Habit:

  • Ficus Benjamina can grow up to 1.5–3 metres (5–10 feet) indoors, depending on care and environment.
  • It develops a dense, bushy structure with regular pruning.

• Encouraging Bushy Growth:

  • Prune regularly to maintain shape and encourage branching.
  • Cut back leggy growth to keep the plant compact.

• Leaf Cleaning:

  • Dust buildup can block light absorption and slow growth.
  • Wipe leaves with a damp cloth every few weeks to keep them healthy.

• Pruning:

  • Trim dead or damaged leaves with sterilised scissors.
  • If the plant grows too tall, prune the top just above a leaf node to encourage lateral growth.

Pests and Diseases

• Common Pests:

  • Ficus Benjamina can attract:
    • Spider mites (tiny webbing, dry leaf spots)
    • Mealybugs (white, cotton-like clusters)
    • Scale insects (small, hard bumps on stems)

  Treatment:

  • Wipe affected areas with neem oil or insecticidal soap.
  • For severe infestations, spray with a mild soapy water solution.

• Common Diseases:

  • Root rot (from overwatering) – Ensure well-draining soil and pot.
  • Leaf spot fungus (caused by excess moisture) – Avoid wetting leaves too often.

Propagation

Ficus Benjamina can be propagated using stem cuttings.

How to Propagate via Stem Cuttings:

1. Cut a 10–15 cm (4–6 inch) healthy stem with at least 2–3 nodes.
2. Remove lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone.
3. Plant in moist soil or place in water until roots develop (3–4 weeks).
4. Once roots are 5 cm (2 inches) long, transfer to a small pot with fresh soil.

Toxicity

• Mildly Toxic to Pets & Humans:
  • Contains sap that can irritate skin and cause mild toxicity if ingested.
  • Keep away from cats, dogs, and small children.