Description of ficus Benjamin Daniel
It is the ficuses that hold the palm among indoor plants, and the most popular of them is Benjamin Daniel's ficus. In its natural habitat, namely in South Africa and Australia, it is considered a tree and grows up to 25 m in height, while at home its growth is limited to 2 m. There are several varieties of the overseas handsome.
Ficus Benjamina Daniel
What are
According to one of the various versions, the flower received its name from the name of the famous English botanist Benjamin Jackson, and the second version - benzoin contained in it, gave rise to the appearance of such a name. On the windowsills of apartments, various subspecies of Benjamin ficus are often found.
- Daniel, with his characteristic dark green leaves.
- Nicole, characterized by longer foliage with light edges.
- Monique, whose branches are extremely delicate and noticeable with light waviness along the entire perimeter of the leaf.
- Safari cannot be confused with others because of its tricolor speckled leaves.
Almost all of them need similar conditions for growth and care. But our goal today is ficus Daniel and everything connected with it. Thanks to its 8 cm large, shiny leaves, a Benjamin variety like Daniel always looks healthy and attractive.
All about the plant
The main requirements of ficus Daniel, which will help it grow and develop rapidly, are diffused light and heat. The necessary natural lighting can be achieved by placing a pot with a plant on a well-lit window, but where there is no direct sunlight. Another option is to shade too bright light. However, in the hottest time of the year, it is advisable to find a place on the balcony.
Like all brothers, Benjamin Daniel's ficus is afraid of drafts and cold. If any of this happens, leaf fall cannot be avoided.
The optimum temperature at which a flower can grow is 20 ° C. Assuming a decrease in this indicator, one must not forget to cover the ground with polyethylene. When it comes to soil, preference should be given to neutral, water-absorbing and air-permeable options. The easiest way is to buy a ready-made mixture for ficuses, which is sold in any flower shop. Have you decided to do it yourself? Then you need to mix leafy soil, turf and sand.
Main conditions
Ficus Daniel home care involves several stages.
- Watering, the amount of which depends on the air temperature. Warm and settled water will do. How to know when to pour water? On the top layer of the earth: if it's dry, then it's time. Notice water in the pan of the pot? Be sure to pour it out. If on warm days the procedure will need to be carried out about 2 times a week, then once every 2 weeks it will be enough with a cold snap. It is clear that the drying out of the soil indicates the need to add life-giving moisture to an exotic tree, and it is also useful to spray the foliage with water. In addition, at least once a month, it is good to carry out bath procedures with the help of a warm shower.
- A necessary attribute that the ficus Benjamin Daniel needs is care in the form of top dressing.This should be done from spring to winter. Any universal remedy will do for this, but it also makes sense to use in turn different mineral fertilizers of organic origin. It is advisable to use fertilizing agents in accordance with the instructions, without exceeding the dosage. It happens that the leaves turn yellow or darken. This suggests that it is necessary to replace this feeding complex with another. A drug such as Epin, which accelerates the growth of the root system, has proven itself perfectly.
- The formation of a tree by pruning will not cause trouble, because in this matter everything depends only on the desires of the person. You can safely create the desired shape and not worry: this does not harm the plant at all. You can plant several young ficuses in one pot and even weave their trunks. The main thing is to take into account that it is safe to carry out the pruning procedure only in the spring.
- Dealing with the issue of transplantation, you need to pay attention to the choice of capacity. The pet needs drainage holes, so that to release excess moisture, you can pour a layer of small pebbles or expanded clay from below, which will also facilitate the passage of water outside. If the ficus Daniel is young, then when transplanting, you need to provide for a support for him. How to know when to transplant? Focus on the roots: if they become noticeable in the drainage holes or crawl up from the ground, it is time to move the overseas guest to a larger pot. The main thing is not to overdo it with the size, since in a very large container all the growth force will go to the root.
Plant propagation
Ficus Benjamin Daniel reproduces in three ways.
- Cuttings taken from the top of the plant along with the buds. They must be cut off, placed in water until the roots appear, after which they can be safely planted in a permanent place of growth. In this case, do not forget to change the water every few days.
- For reproduction by air vents, woody shoots are used. It is required to carefully cut the bark and remove it from the tree branch. This place should be kept moist, and after a month, roots will become visible on it. They will need to be cut and transplanted.
- The longest time to breed ficus with seeds. But to do this, you need to sow them in the ground, water them, cover them with foil and place them in a warm place. It is important to take care of good light and humidity. If everything is done correctly, sprouts will be visible in 2 weeks. When they grow up, they are placed in separate pots.
If the leaves of the ficus began to crumble sharply, it means that a change in the conditions for caring for the plant is required:
- it is necessary to protect it from drafts, and if the flower is on the floor, be sure to build at least a small stand under the pot;
- it is important to control soil moisture and water only when necessary, to prevent overdrying or excess moisture;
- do not allow direct bright light, only diffused;
- do not rearrange the plant from place to place: it is stress for him;
- spray the leaves with warm water every day.
If you adhere to all the above tips, no problems with your pet should arise. True, there is a risk of the appearance of enemies of the plant - pests, such as aphids, scale insects, mealybugs and mites. Some diseases are also dangerous, the appearance of which can be noticed on the inside of the leaf. First, try washing them off with soapy water and warm water. But if it does not help, you will need the use of appropriate drugs.
All this is natural and happens to any houseplant. This does not mean that it is not worth breeding them. You just need to provide proper care, and if we talk about such a chic tropical guest as ficus Benjamin Daniel, whose splendor is noticeable even in the photo, then this tree is worth the time and effort spent on it. Your work will not remain in vain, the plant will complement any interior and will become the pride of every owner.