Content

• To step
• Part 1 of 3: Achieving the right growing conditions
• Part 2 of 3: Taking care of the roots and soil
• Part 3 of 3: Cleaning your ficus
• Tips
• Warnings
• Necessities

The ficus benjamina, also known as weeping fig, is a popular houseplant because it is easy to grow and requires relatively little maintenance. By maintaining the right climate and keeping your soil healthy, you can have a ficus indoors that will grow for years to come.

To step

Part 1 of 3: Achieving the right growing conditions

1. Keep the temperature between 19-24 degrees Celsius. This plant is native to the tropics, so the temperature must be kept constantly warm for the tree to survive. The temperature may drop below 10 degrees Celsius for a short time, but try to avoid exposing it to lower temperatures on a regular basis.
   • The ficus benjamina can be grown in USDA (U.S. Department of Agriculture and Horticulture) hardiness zones nine and above.
   • A ficus can be grown outside as long as there is no risk of frost in your climate.
2. Provide indirect sunlight for your ficus. Do not place your ficus next to a window, door, air vent or radiator, otherwise it will undergo drastic temperature changes. A spot with bright, indirect sunlight is the best place to keep a ficus.
   • Ficuses cannot tolerate movement once they have settled in a location. Even a small change in the climate or location can lead to leaf drop.
3. Keep the area at more than 40 percent humidity. Humidity is just as important to a ficus as temperature and light. When the humidity drops below 40 percent, the tree will drop leaves. To maintain the humidity, place a saucer with 3 mm water at room temperature under the pot of the ficus. The water evaporates and the humidity increases. Refill the saucer when the water has completely evaporated.
   • Keep a humidifier in the room to increase the humidity.
   • Watering the leaves during the summer months will also help increase the humidity around your plant.

Part 2 of 3: Taking care of the roots and soil

1. If possible, use a growing medium without soil. A mix of 3 parts peat moss, 1 part perlite, and 1 part compost will keep the soil well-drained while also retaining water for your ficus. Adding the compost to the pot also adds nutrients to the mix.
   • You can also use a well-draining potting mix if a soilless growing medium is not available.
2. Water your ficus when the soil is dry to 2 inches (5 cm). Overwatering a ficus is just as harmful as too little. Both can cause leaves to fall off your tree. Pour just enough water into the pot to seep through the drainage holes in the bottom.
   • If the leaves fold easily, you may have overwatered your ficus. If the leaves are crispy to the touch, too little water has been given.
   • Water less in winter because there is less sun and it is colder.
3. Fertilize once a month between April and September. Fertilizer promotes the growth of your vegetation throughout the season. The fertilizer should be diluted to half strength so that it isn't too overpowering or harmful to your ficus. Follow the directions on the package to determine the amount of fertilizer for your size plant. As the days get shorter in late fall and winter, you don't fertilize your plant.

Part 3 of 3: Cleaning your ficus

1. Wipe the leaves every two weeks with a wet cloth to remove dust. If you clean your tree often, you will have to clean less each time. Wet the cloth with tap water or distilled water. Gently wipe every leaf off your ficus. Hold the leaves from below as you wipe them so they don't tear or come loose.
2. Spray the leaves with a spray bottle. If your leaves are smaller or more delicate, spray them thoroughly so that they are covered in mist. If you prefer, you can use a dry cloth to wipe the mist off the leaves to completely remove dirt and dust. Once the water has evaporated, spray the leaves every few days.
   • Letting the fog sit during the summer months can help you manage the humidity around your ficus.
3. Wash your ficus with an insecticidal soap if it has pests on it. Due to the moist and warm environment, ficus attract many household pests, such as spider mites, mealy bugs and thrips. If you notice pests on your tree, mix the soap with water in a spray bottle and spray your ficus thoroughly.
   • Spray both the top and bottom of the leaves so that you get full coverage of the entire plant.
   • If the insecticidal soap does not work, use neem oil or other essential oil to deter or kill the insects. In case of severe infestation, it is best to throw the plant away.
4. Prune branches and leaves at the end of the summer with pruning shears. Pruning is more than just cutting the ends of branches. Make sure that there is light in the center of the tree so that it can grow fully. Use pruning shears to trim full branches where the leaves turn yellow. Regularly examine your ficus from a distance so you can see its shape.
   • Do not exceed ⅓ of the plant's growth.
   • The sap can cause skin irritation, so wear gloves when pruning.

Tips

• Ficus should not be moved much once they are standing. Leaves will fall out if conditions are suddenly changed. Make sure the place where you put your ficus stays the same for years to come.

Warnings

• Juice from a ficus can cause skin and eye irritation if it comes into contact with you. Wear gloves and safety glasses when pruning a ficus.

Necessities

• Pruning shears
• Spray bottle
• Wet towel
• Insecticidal soap