The ficus benghalensis, which is better known in the gardening world as ‘strangler fig,’ the ‘Bengal fig,’ and the ‘banyan tree,’ is a very popular choice for a decorative and functional indoor plant. This type of fig has a reputation for being particularly versatile in the art of bonsai. Although the treat itself has plenty of lovely physical features, it is also considered to be a sacred tree by Buddhist and Hindu peoples, and can usually be found thriving outside of religious temples. If you’re looking for a houseplant that has a lot of character then this is definitely a plant worth your consideration!
Habitat
The ficus benghalensis is a native of India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. In its native habitat, this variety of fig tree is most likely to be found growing in the rain forest regions in these areas where it can enjoy the occasional monsoon. These trees are very highly regarded in India; so much so, that you could frequently see this type of ficus growing around temples, public parks, and public gardens. Like most other fig tree species, the ficus benghalensis is a very large tree out in the wild and needs a lot of space to grow. It is so commonly found in rain forests because the humid and spacious environment is the ideal location for the ficus to thrive.
In its natural habitat, Ficus benghalensis can be a tree 20, rarely up to 30 meters tall. In the living room, the upright-growing banyan tree is also one of the large houseplants, but in the container it grows no taller than the ceiling. As soon as the shoot tips reach the darker area above the window opening, they stop growing.
The leaves of the plant correspond to its scale – sometimes up to 25 cm. It is a green leather plate with a small pile and a light vein in the middle. At home, Ficus Benghalensis is a tree, which, like its “wild” congener, tearing up rapidly. Of course, it does not let air roots in the pot, but still this plant needs a lot of space. So this type of ficus is more suitable for office space, winter gardens, greenhouses or large living rooms. But the owners of a small living space should not be upset, because Benghalensis The representative of evergreen trees is perfect for growing in the form of bonsai.
Taking care of Ficus Benghalensis at home
Ficus Benghalensis does not require that the care for him is troublesome. But inattention, carelessness, and indifference can react by dropping leaves. Well, among other things, it is enough just to follow a few simple rules to make the ficus feel comfortable and thanked by the lush growth and healthy greenery.
- Lighting: When choosing the ideal spot for this type of ficus, try to avoid placing it near a window where it might be exposed to direct sunlight. Remember, this tree is fond of the rainforest where it would be partially shaded by other tree. Therefore, the ideal indoor location would be one that receives either partial shade or bright, filtered light.
- Temperature: The ideal temperature for a ficus houseplant is between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit, which is considered a fairly average range for most homes in the United States. If need be, this tree can withstand temperatures down to about 55 degrees Fahrenheit, but it should not be exposed to temperatures this low on a regular basis or its leaves will begin to turn yellow and quickly drop off.
- Watering: The plant likes abundant regular watering in all seasons, as this ficus has no period of weakening growth. However, before the next watering, you should wait until the top layer of soil has dried out.
- Air humidity: this type prefers higher air humidity, but due to the size of the spraying alone is not enough. It is recommended to wipe the leaves with a soft sponge or a cloth.
In winter, during the heating season, Ficus Benghalensis better move away from the radiators, while providing previous lighting.
- Repotting: The banyan tree needs to be repotted less frequently than other houseplants. Only when the pot is completely rooted, you put the plant in a slightly larger container. February to March is the best time for this.
- Feeding: here you need to be very careful, because you can only feed Ficus Benghalensis 1-2 times a month by splitting the recommended dosage of fertilizer on the package. It is better to use granular, universal.
- Cutting: Normally, you do not need to cut the imposing foliage ornamental plant.
- Reproduction: Benghalensis Ficus is multiplied by drawing, air taps and seeds. If you are not professional in ficus breeding, it is best to use young cuttings with several leaves. Rooting is best done in a mixture of peat and sand. This way the roots will grow faster than in water. The most reliable method of propagation of rubber trees is considered to be the so-called mossing. The procedure is somewhat cumbersome and lengthy, but promising if the banyan tree has lost its leaves and you want to renew it. One makes an incision on the trunk just below the lowest leaf node. The cut must be oblique from the bottom to the top and it should be as long as half the diameter.
- Caution: Do not cut too deeply. Stuff the incision with moss, but carefully. If you stuff too tightly, the trunk will break in two. Then wrap a bundle of damp moss around the cut like a band-aid. Over this comes a clear plastic sheet, which you tie above and below the incision on the trunk. Roots will form under the plastic wrap. As soon as they grow through the moss, you remove the plastic wrap, cut the trunk under the roots and insert the rooted head cuttings with moss.
- Other care: The large leaves of the plants appreciate high humidity. Spray the foliage – especially during the winter heating season with dry air – with soft, lime-free water every now and then. If necessary, clean the ficus leaves from dust with a soft cloth.
As you can see, Benghalensis Ficus is one of the most unpretentious, so you won’t have any trouble taking care of it.
Diseases and pests
In general, this species of ficus is not very susceptible to “attack” pests, but if this happens, it can often be a spider mite, shield and thrips. In this case, the plant can be washed under a warm shower or wiped with a wet sponge, and treated with special chemicals, including soap solution. But diseases are much more common, but they all come from improper care. In order to help your ficus, you should track the mistakes in care:
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- If the air temperature is lower than the previously mentioned limits, the ficus may begin to wither leaves.
- The plant lacks light – the leaves may become smaller.
- Pour in the ficus – yellow spots appear on the leaves.
- If there is a lack of fertilizer, the ossification slows down and the leaves lose their color.
- Fever and dry air can cause brown spots on the edges.
So we got acquainted with another representative of flora – Ficus Benghalensis and made sure that even such an unusual plant can easily grow at home.
