Care for Ficus Benjamina
Ficus Benjamina - the plant you love to hate! The most common complaint is that the leaves turn yellow and fall off, leaving you with bare branches - not very attractive to look at! Here are a few tips to keep your ficus healthy and thriving.
Instructions
1. Avoid overwatering your ficus! The most common mistake people make is to add more water once the leaves begin to turn yellow. This is the opposite of what you should do. Always feel the surface of the soil with your finger tip. If it feels dry to the touch one inch below the surface, it is time to water. If the soil still feels moist, withhold water for a day or two.
2. Provide ample humidity, especially for new plants. Mist ficus plants at least twice daily.
3. Make a humidity tray by filling the plant saucer with gravel. Runoff water will collect in the saucer, which has two benefits: the roots will not sit in standing water - the most common cause of root rot; and the surplus water will evaporate through the plant, providing additional humidity.
4. Select a site with bright, filtered light. To determine if the light is bright enough for a ficus, you should be able to see your shadow on the wall behind the area you select. Early-morning or late-afternoon sun is fine, but avoid an area that gets direct sun all day.
5. Find a location free from drafts. Place your ficus benjamina away from opening doors or heater vents. Also avoid large windows that change temperature throughout the day.
6. Fertilize your ficus monthly throughout the growing season with half-strength liquid fertilizer or slow-release fertilizer according to label directions. Withhold fertilizer in the winter months.
Tags: your ficus, most common, Care Ficus, Care Ficus Benjamina, Ficus Benjamina, turn yellow, water will
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