Benjamin Fig Basic Plant Care
Benjamin Fig (Ficus benjamina) is among the most common Ficus plants used as houseplants. Also a popular bonsai tree, Benjamin Fig requires a large amount of attention and are not for the faint-of-heart. Benjamin Fig requires a very moist but well-drained environment, a good balance of light and shade, and a varying fertilizer regimen over the course of its life.
Benjamin Fig Light Requirements:
Also known as Weeping Fig, Benjamin Fig thrives in areas with full sun to partial shade. Take care not to house plants in rooms that receive direct sunlight the entire day. A good measure for the proper brilliance of a room is to keep the plant in a room where one’s shadow can be easily seen on the wall behind the plant throughout the course of the day.
Leaf loss is a very common occurrence in Benjamin Fig kept in areas that are too dark or too drafty. When growing Benjamin Fig indoors, avoid drafty areas near large windows, air vents, and opening doors. When outdoors, avoid cool and shady areas that receive little full sun. If leaf drop occurs, discontinue fertilization until the leaf drop stops and move the plant into a warmer, more well lit area.
Benjamin Fig Water Requirements:
Benjamin Fig requires a very humid, moist environment. Spray Benjamin Fig regularly especially if the plant is surrounded by heated air. During the growing season, water moderately with lukewarm water. Let cold tap water to stand until room temperature as this allows chlorine to evaporate and reduces the shock that cold water can cause to plant roots. Reduce watering during the winter, keeping the soil moist but careful not to over water as plants require less water during their natural resting season.
Yellow leaves are a typical indication of excessive watering. A common misconception among those who nurture Benjamin Figs is that yellow leaves are a sign of too little watering. If leaves begin to yellow, wilt, or fall, cease watering and fertilization until the soil becomes properly moist again and the problems discontinue.
Benjamin Fig Fertilizer Requirements:
For the young roots of Benjamin Fig, apply a high phosphorus fertilizer to stimulate root development. As the plant matures to producing much foliage, apply a high nitrogen fertilizer every four (4) weeks during growth as this stimulates full and healthy foliage development.
Benjamin Fig Pests & Diseases:
Benjamin Fig is susceptible to many common pests such as mealybugs, scale insects, spider mites, root knot nematodes and thrips. Pathogen (fungal and bacterial) problems may also occur in the form of leaf spots, crown gall, phomopsis and Southern Blight.
Benjamin Fig Propagation & Potting:
Benjamin Fig needs to be periodically transplanted into larger pots. Failing to transplants pots as growth occurs can cause root damage that will stunt the growth of the plants. Some binding is necessary for stability and maintaining a tight root ball for later transplanting. For this reason, transplant Benjamin Fig into pots that are no more than one (1) inch larger in diameter each time. Be sure to use fresh soil for each new potting.
Root semi-ripe cuttings or leaf-bud cuttings in spring or summer using bottom heat. Seed should be sown in the spring at 59-70oF.
Find Benjaming Fig houseplants at your local florist.Caring For Dumb Cane -- Dieffenbachia picta
Dumb Cane (Dieffenbachia picta) is a perennial native to tropical forest regions. Dumb Cane plants are among the most popular houseplants for its beautiful variegations, full foliage and thick stems. Dumb Cane are moderately easy plants that require light or partial shade and an evenly moist environment. Dumb Cane make excellent houseplants but can also be grown in a warm greenhouse or in a border. Dieffenbachia picta may also be interchangeably referred to as Dieffenbachia seguine.
Dumb Cane Light Requirements
Dumb Cane is found naturally in tropical forest areas and therefore requires less light than many plants. This is one of the reasons that Dumb Cane is a popular houseplant. The bright filtered light to partial shade of patios and sunrooms is perfect for Dumb Cane. Never maintain direct sunlight over Dumb Cane. Air that becomes too dry may lead to pest problems. However, admit full light in winter as the natural abundance of light decreases.
Dumb Cane Water Requirements
Dumb Cane enjoys a warm and humid environment. Be careful to maintain a warm, evenly moist environment as plants kept too cold may experience excessive leaf drop. The leaves of Dumb Cane may turn brown around the edges as an indication that the plant is waterlogged.
To prevent these setbacks, water Dumb Cane regularly with lukewarm water. Allow tap water to stand until room temperature. This will allow heavy toxins such as chlorine to evaporate while preventing root shock in younger plants. Mist daily in summer and water sparingly in winter.
Dumb Cane Fertilizer Requirements
Pot Dumb Cane in soil-based potting mix. Apply a balanced (20-20-20) fertilizer monthly. Continue to pot on each spring with fresh soil and a slightly larger pot. When growing outdoors, grow in fertile and moist but well-drained soil.
Dumb Cane Pests & Diseases
Typical pests affecting Dumb Cane are spider mites, aphids, mealybugs, and scale insects. Pathogen (fungal and bacterial) affecting Dumb Cane plants are fungal spot, stem rot, root rot, bacterial blight, soft rot, and Dasheen mosaic virus.
Dumb Cane Propagation & Potting
Propagate with root tip or stem with bottom heat cuttings in spring or summer. Another option is to take stem sections, each with a growth bud, and lay flat on the surface of the soil mix. Dumb Cane can also be propagated by air layering.
Dumb Cane Pruning
Pruning back a bare stemmed Dumb Cane plant will cause rejuvenation. Remove dead leaves. The sap of Dumb Cane (Dieffenbachia picta) plants is very irritating to skin and mucous membranes so take care when pruning or propagating by wearing gloves.
Dumb Cane Interesting Fact
Dumb Cane leaves house many needle shaped crystals made of calcium oxalate called raphides. These raphides cause a burning sensation of the mouth and throat when ingested. Large doses may cause the throat to swell which can eventually lead to suffocation. Dumb Cane was once used as a disciplinary measure by slave owners who forced unruly slaves to place the leaves in their mouths. Exercise caution with children at the age of enjoying putting things in their mouths.
Buy a beautiful Dumb Cane houseplant from your local florist.
