It is the jewel within the Ficus genus. Thanks to its elegant, bushy, compact habit, the birch fig is also affectionately called Benjamini, as it prevents the expansive growth of its conspecifics. These care instructions show why the evergreen houseplant doesn't cause calamity even for beginners.
How do you properly care for a Ficus Benjamini?
Ficus Benjamini care includes moderate watering with soft water, regular fertilization, occasional pruning and overwintering at 16-18°C. Waterlogging, dryness, temperature fluctuations and lack of light should be avoided to prevent leaf drop.
Watering the birch fig – what should you pay attention to?
Your Benjamini wants to be watered moderately. The plant reacts harshly to waterlogging or dryness by dropping leaves. Please water a birch fig regularly, allowing the substrate on the surface to dry thoroughly in the meantime. As long as the soil feels moist to a depth of 1 cm, the watering can remains standing. Please use mostly rainwater or stale tap water
Is a Benjamini fertilized all year round?
As an evergreen houseplant, the nutrient supply should not be completely stopped at any time of the year. The fertilizer intervals are tailored to the current needs. How to do it right:
- Fertilize liquidly every 2 weeks from March to September (€18.00 on Amazon)
- Add green plant fertilizer to the irrigation water every 6 weeks from October to February
An exception applies in the period after repotting. Since the fresh soil is pre-fertilized, fertilization is suspended for the following 6 to 8 weeks.
Can I cut a Ficus benjamina?
Despite its affectionate nickname, a Benjamini can get too big over time. Now you benefit from the good-natured pruning tolerance, because the mulberry plant is busy sprouting again. The following details should still be taken into account:
- Cut a birch fig between March and July
- Wear long-sleeved clothing and gloves to protect against the toxic, sticky milky juice
- Ideally move the cutting outside so that the floor doesn't get dirty
After cutting, please rinse the plant with soft, lukewarm water and only bring it back into the house when the cuts have dried.
Benjamini stay he althy over the winter – how does it work?
The birch fig loves a stable location with bright lighting conditions at a warm 22 to 28 degrees Celsius. Fluctuations are acknowledged by leaf drop. Since the Central European winter is associated with a reduced amount of light, the following adjustment to the care program is essential:
- In autumn and winter, lower the temperatures to 16 to 18 degrees Celsius
- Benjamini water less in line with decreasing water consumption
- Fertilize every 6 to 8 weeks from October to February
To better cope with the effects of dry heating air, spray the birch fig with lime-free water once or twice a week.
Tip
If your birch fig sheds its green leaves, there are various reasons for this: temperature fluctuations, cold feet or draughts, as well as waterlogging and dryness of the bales. In winter it is primarily the lack of light that leads to leaf loss. If the leaves turn yellow beforehand and then fall to the ground, the birch fig is reacting to hard water or a lack of nutrients.
