The Ficus tree, also known as the weeping fig or ficus Benjamina, is a large and broadleaf evergreen tree that grows in tropical and subtropical climates but is often grown as a houseplant in homes or offices.
This tree plant has pointed leaves and arched branches. This tree plant has a light gray trunk and glossy dark leaves. The tree has a long lifespan of between 20 to 50 years. A more interesting fact about this plant is that it grows fast and hence requires to be repotted once per year.
Let’s learn more about the ficus tree.
How to Care for a Ficus Tree
1. Watering the Plant
One way to care for your ficus tree is to water it regularly. Ensure the soil is moist most of the time but not soaking as the plant root might start to rot or leaves might fall. However, for your plant to thrive and grow healthy, ensure you water it more often.
2. Light
Just like every plant, the ficus tree needs light for photosynthesis. Since it’s also an indoor plant, it must be kept in a room with plenty of light. However, indirect sunlight that passes through your window is enough for this plant to thrive.
This plant does not like being moved around, so you should find a spot with good lighting conditions.
3. Soil
The ficus tree can do well with potting soil that has high drainage. This plant does not do well with organic soils or soils high in nutrients. However, if you are repotting your ficus tree, use potting soil high in sand and perlite.
4. Humidity
Humidity is another important factor to consider when caring for your ficus plant. Since the ficus tree is a tropical plant, it prefers high humidity. Low humidity in your home or office can make the plant leaves dry.
So, to regulate the humidity, you can use a humidifier or mist your plant leaves to prevent them from drying up.
5. Temperature
Ficus trees are always comfortable with standard room temperatures. However, for your ficus tree to thrive well, it needs to be in a room with temperatures between 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit at night and 75-85 degrees Fahrenheit during the day.
So, ensure you keep your plant in a room where temperatures will not fluctuate.
6. Pruning
Ficus plants grow very fast, so it’s good to prune them at least once yearly as they might grow and reach the ceiling. The best time to prune is when the plant is not growing, like during the winter and fall.
The ficus plant is always actively growing during the summer and spring seasons. Remember to remove the dead leaves when pruning to prevent infections and diseases from spreading to the rest of the plant.
7. Fertilizer
Ficus plants are heavy feeders, and thus they require a lot of fertilizer in their growing period. Feed your ficus plant with slow-release pellets when starting its growing season.
You can feed it with fertilizer during the summer and spring seasons and every two months during the fall and spring.
Common Problems That Face the Ficus Tree
1. Pests
Although the ficus tree is a versatile plant, it is also susceptible to pests such as aphids and mealybugs. Due to the large surface area of this plant, these pests might be hard to move since there are plenty of places to hide.
This can also make the treatment a bit hard as it might take time for them to disappear from your plant completely.
2. Dropping Leaves
Another common problem in ficus plants is dropping leaves. When they start to fall, they fall in large numbers. Although this is normal, the leaves fall due to change, maybe moving from one spot to another.
So, to avoid the leaves from dropping, find a spot in your home or office where your plant will stay intact for one year.
3. Yellow Leaves
Yellow leaves in ficus trees are usually caused by prolonged underfeeding and can spread to other leaves if the problem is not addressed. To resolve the problem, you must feed your plant but avoid overfeeding it.
4. Overwatering
Overwatering is another common problem in ficus plants. Excess watering reduces the soil’s oxygen, resulting in the plant roots dying and being unable to take nutrients to other parts of the plant.
An overwatered ficus plant’s leaves suffer from leaf burn. To avoid overwatering, ensure the soil around your plant is not moist.
Takeaway
Now that you know what a ficus tree is, it should be easy for you to take care of it in your home or office. This plant makes a unique indoor potted plant with its decorative features and gray trunk.
Besides, it’s a low-maintenance plant, so it will not need a lot of your attention.
