Ficus Benjamina ornamental tree for gardens, landscaping and for hedging. These plants are really natives of Asia and Australia, and hence one of the best plants for tropical as well as sub tropical climates. Moreover, the Ficus benjamina is ideal for growing indoors and for making bonsai.
In addition, the importance of the air purifying properties of ficus benjamina plants is popular. According to NASAs clean air studies, the plant can absorb a lot of air borne toxins like formaldehyde, toluene, benzene etc.
The plant is commonly known as the weeping fig, Indian rubber tree, Chinese banyan etc are the other names of the plant.
Ficus Benjamina ornamental tree a short Description
In the wild, the ficus benjamina trees usually grow up to a height of about sixty feet. The bright green foliage spread abundantly on the widely distributed branches. The tree looks really attractive with the shiny leaves.
The flowers of the plant are not much prominent. Rarely we can see small berry like fruits that are orange red in colour.
Ficus Benjamina how to grow as ornamental tree for home gardens.
Definitely we can grow ficus benjamina as one of the most beautiful ornamental trees in home gardens. Especially in temperate regions, the the plant responds well in ordinary living conditions.
There are different varieties of ficus benjamina trees. The one with small leaves and the variegated tree with green and white leaves are truly fantastic.
Usually the trees are grown in parks, gardens etc. as shade trees. Moreover it is one of the best trees for landscaping. We can keep the tree up to the required height through proper pruning.
Owing to the structure of the trunk, it is easy to train the tree to the required shape. Ficus benjamina trees with braided stems are really fascinating.
Growing conditions.
Usually the ficus plants need bright sunlight. However, it is better to avoid direct sunlight, that can cause the leaves to lose lustre and colour.
As a house plant, we can keep it indoors, with proper caring. A place near the windows, or balconies are ideal. For a faster development of the aerial roots, it is essential to provide a humid environment. Surely you can do this by misting moderately on a regular basis.
If you keep the plant totally indoors, allow the plant to get light by placing the plant outdoors occasionally.
Definitely the fast growing ficus benjamina needs pruning at regular intervals.
Propagation
Through stem cuttings we can easily propagate the ficus benjamina trees. For this collect cuttings of a length of about six inches, from mature healthy mother plants.
It is always better to use a rooting hormone for faster growth. After that tuck the cuttings in grow bags or ordinary pots filled with a mixture of river sand and coco peat. Keep it in shade and water regularly.
New leaf buds begin to sprout, as and when the plant begins to grow. You can use the sapling for your garden, whether indoors or outdoors.
Likewise saplings of Ficus benjamina plants are available with most of the sellers and nurseries.
Pot planting ficus benjamina as ornamental tree for gardens
For this, first select a pot that is much bigger in size. Certainly you can use ordinary terracotta pots as well as ceramic pots.
Always ensure proper drainage for the pot for growing your ficus benjamina.
Never forget to place a piece of wire mesh, to cover the drainage hole of the pot.
A potting medium medium, with ingredients mixed in the in the following ratio, is suitable for your plant.
River sand 20%
Garden soil 20%
Crushed bricks 20%
Coco peat 15%
A mixture of and dried cow dung or compost 15%
Neem seed powder 5%
Bone meal 5%
Mix all the ingredients together and fill about 3/4 of the pot with it. Then carefully transfer the sapling to the pot without causing any damage to the roots.
In temperate climates, it is essential to water the plant moderately on a daily basis. Keep the plant in a place where it gets bright sunlight.
Feed the plant at intervals of about four weeks with an organic fertiliser.
Your ficus benjamina will grow faster if you care it properly.
Pruning
Pruning can keep your ficus benjamina according to the required size. For this, you can use use a sharp knife or pruning shears.
Avoid pruning your plants during the months of heavy rains, because it may make your plants to rot faster. Also there are chances for the plant, to be affected by certain kinds of fungus.
Diseases.
Curling of leaves due to the attack of certain types of pests is common in tropical regions. Removing the affected parts, can prevent spreading the infection to the other plants. In a like manner, using an organic pesticide can help the plant to retain health.
Toxicity
You should take preventive measures to ensure safety, while pruning your ficus benjamina. The milky sap may make conditions like that of latex allergic reactions.
On the contrary, the extract taken from the bark as well as fruits of the plant are used as medicines. Especially by natives in certain parts of the world.
Ficus benjamina bonsai
Definitely it is one of the most suitable plants for making bonsai. With proper caring, the plant can thrive in almost all growing environments. This is the reason why it is the favourite of bonsai lovers all over the world.
Above all, it is one of the best plants for bonsai beginners. You can read here the simple steps for making a ficus benjamina bonsai.
