Ficus benjamina
refined , evergreen plant , and fast - produce , cry Al-Jama’a al-Islamiyyah al-Muqatilah bi-Libya have become improbably popular in warm regions . But originate these tropic treasures need a bit of finesse .
They can falter in the wrong location , or even worse , become so full-bodied that they put down your plumbing – or even your neighbor ’s .
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Whether you require to care for an live tree diagram or you ’re interested in convey the beauty of the Benjamin fig to your yard , a fiddling cognition move a recollective way towards preventing heartache down the road .
come in up , we ’ll verbalize about how to keep your tree contained , glad , and tidy . Here ’s what you may gestate :
What You’ll Learn
Break out the spade , limber up up , and get quick to dig in !
All About Growing Weeping Figs Outdoors
You ’ve probably seen the popularFicus benjaminagrowing indoors as a houseplant . It ’s pretty ubiquitous in offices , center , and place . But it grows equally well – better , actually – outdoors inUSDA Hardiness Zones9b to 12b .
In cooler zones , plants can be grown in containers and brought indoors when the temperatures drop .
Benjamin figs do n’t like to be moved , so they benefit from growing outdoors in the priming coat . Plopped in the earth , they wo n’t have to deal with the accent of moving about .
These plant life have a reputation for being fussy , but that really only applies to indoor plants . Outside , it ’s a different floor .
Are Weeping Figs Fast-Growing Plants?
These trees can become massive outside – we ’re talking up to 100 feet tall , 60 human foot panoptic , and century of foot in diameter . And they maturate quickly .
While mass in moth-eaten climates often sour to Lombardy poplar tree for fast secrecy screens , those in tender mood apprise the quickly - growing nature of the various genus Ficus mintage .
But a major problem is that they also have furiously trespassing roots . sidewalk , fencelines , and lawns are common victim of their insidious spread head , and suffering betide any nearby sewage lines , irrigation organisation , or swim pool .
raise them in tummy can contain the situation , keeping roots in hinderance and their overall size of it more fair .
If you opt to grow yours in a deal that you move within and back outdoors , know that the tree will never do as well as it would if left in one place . Each clip you move it , it ’s likely that some of theleaves will drop .
You ’ll have to wait for raw leaves to grow , but the plant will usually live just fine , so long as not more than half of the leafage drop at one sentence .
But planted in the ground , you likely wo n’t have to mete out with frequent leafage drop .
drouth stress or a cold gingersnap might cause some leaves to fall , but you do n’t have to worry about leaf raining down anytime you shift the flora a few feet to the left , like you might indoors .
To realize the welfare of both grow outdoors and in container , plant your weeping Ficus carica in a lasting container that you wo n’t want to move .
Propagation
These tree can be distribute from transplants , seed , stem cut , and by tune layering . For more information on each method acting , our template togrowing weeping figs indoorshas all the details . you’re able to also buy seedling or transplants .
If you live in a climate where these Tree thrive , it ’s probable that your local nursery has a specimen or two usable . However , unless you contrive to keep the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree constrained in a container on a patio or deck , do n’t purchase one with a braid stem .
The plait stems are endearing on plant that stay minor , but larger tree given room to arise and ideal weather out of doors wo n’t do well .
How to Grow
As mentioned , weeping figs seem to have a piece of a Jekyll and Hyde situation going on . Indoors , they are mild - mannered and a little fussy . alfresco , they can become encroaching and originate extremely large .
However , this depend partly on where you ’re growing them . In California and Arizona , the plants tend to be well behave .
The fruits do n’t grow as large and you wo n’t see as many of them . The plants themselves do n’t grow as large either , and they seldom spread wide and take over nearby trees .
The roots also tend to delay more contained , though they can still become invasive .
In Hawaii and Florida , however , it ’s a different taradiddle .
While a deficiency of the right coinage of pollinating white Anglo-Saxon Protestant has helped to restrain the spread of these plants , the fact that so many citizenry plant them for their fast - growing , reliable nature means they ’ve become a problem in many places because of their invasive origin .
To ensure that your fig does n’t become a vast headache , you must be careful about where you place it . Do n’t put yours anywhere near concrete , plumbing , sewer line of reasoning , or swim pools unless it is fully contained within a large plantation owner .
You should also take care not to plant somewhere that falling fruit will be a problem . Fallen yield can molder and make a huge mess , blot , and can create a tripping hazard . The yield may also attract rodents like rats and mice .
How declamatory should the container be ? One that holds about 50 gallons is a good size , though you should ensure the container is on caster if you design to move it .
Plastic , concrete , pit , or sword are idealistic materials .
or else , install a root word barrier when you plant the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree . This involves prod a foot - mystifying oceanic abyss just outside the look to dripping crease at matureness and fill up it with a barrier material like high - density polyethylene , which should last throughout the animation of the tree diagram .
Other materials might need to be replaced as they break down .
If you decide to plant in a container , utilize a 50:50 mixture ofcompostand all - role garden soil . For in - priming planting , this tree prefers well - draining soil that is rich in organic matter .
That suppose , it ’s passing tolerant of a range of soil type , so long as whatever it ’s planted in drains well .
Weeping fig also need water regularly , but they can tolerate some episodic drought .
In Florida or Hawaii , these trees rarely necessitate supplementary water . In dry areas , you ’ll want to provide additional water beyond what Mother Nature give , particularly during multiplication of drought .
If the top few inches of soil ironical out , no matter what time of year it is , give them a good soaking .
In component part of Arizona , for example , they will postulate supplemental water , and the dryness , lack of humidness , and variation between heat and cold keeps them slightly constrained .
But when temp in Phoenix dip below freezing in 2007 , thelocal trees lose serious freeze terms .
If you live in Zone 9 , provide them with some protection so those unexpected cold crack do n’t harm them . An orbit near a construction where they can have south or west exposure , for instance , provides protection and extra warmth as it radiates off the building .
They also need plenty of sun . lustrous sunlight for about six hours a mean solar day is about right-hand . Any less than that and they might become leggy .
That said , if you do n’t give care about dense growth , they can pull through in shade .
Southern Ag All Purpose Granular Fertilizer
From April through September , fertilize once a calendar month with a 10 - 10 - 10 ( NPK ) granular plant food , like the one manufactured by Southern Ag , sold by Amazon in five - pound udder .
Growing Tips
Pruning and Maintenance
Indoors , F. benjaminararely receives the kind of light and humidness that it prefers , and as a final result , you will rarely see fruit or aerial source . produce these flora outdoors is another subject exclusively .
Falling Fruit
The fruits are usually sterile , as well as technically being eatable , but they do n’t try out very good . you’re able to leave them on the tree diagram for wild animals to delight , but know that when they fall , they make a silly hole .
This is no boastful deal if the tree is growing off in a field somewhere , but if you planted it near a sidewalk or driveway , you might want to attempt to pull as many of the fruit as possible once they take off drop . You could even put a tarpaulin down to catch the falling fruits .
Of of course , once the tree reach 100 feet , pulling the yield becomes impossible . you may clean them up off the earth using a rip or shovel .
Depending on your climate , the tree diagram will more often than not fruit in the late winter or early spring and again in the former declination .
Constraining the Roots
The adventitious roots can become a problem because they will raise pavement and crack concrete . Adventitious roots are the ones that form above the root ball .
These are the roots that you see popping up out of the dirt and strong-arm your pavement .
If this starts to happen , apply an air compressor or a strong blast of water from a power automatic washer or hose attachment to hit the land from around the top of the root structure at the pedestal of the trunk .
Use a saw , loppers , pruners , or all three as needed to cut away the scandalise roots .
Do n’t be diffident when you cut . I anticipate you , the risk of harm a tree that is established enough to ruin concrete is hardy enough to hold some severe pruning . When you ’re done , get over the rootage again with dirt .
Aerial root emerging from higher up on the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree can be left in place unless you dislike their appearance , or they set out to grow somewhere that you do n’t need them .
If you leave the aery roots in place , they can become monumental and even form into short pants themselves . They will sink down from branches and form novel trunks , allowing the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree to spread laterally for one C of feet .
Pruning
Note that this Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree , like most intheFicusgenus , ooze out a latex when trim back that can be irritating to the cutis . People with a latex allergic reaction are particularly susceptible .
Always be sure to bust gloves and long sleeve when working with these plants .
You should snip this flora regularly . Indoors , pruning is a delicate affaire , but alfresco , feel free to go to town . Weeping figs can tolerate heavy pruning and you’re able to even shear them to advance dense growth , or to mold them into a topiary or a hedging .
When the tree is immature , you might take to prune away the lower outgrowth to advance more of a received shape .
bet on where you are growing your tree , the required pruning alimony will range from minimal to extreme . In California or Arizona , your biggest caper will be routine annual pruning to maintain a nice form or remove any fifth wheel , which may only be required every few years or so .
In tropical climates with lots of humidness and the right soil , pruning the canopy is the least of your concerns . It ’s the roots that you need to watch for .
If you ’ve prefer to grow the tree as a hedging or topiary , you will demand to shape it at least once a year , or possibly more often . This tree responds well to shearing , so make it a part of your bounce and fall garden maintenance procedure .
Find more tips on pruning ficus trees here .
Cultivars to Select
Our guide to growing weeping figs indoors offers more information aboutseveral unlike cultivarsof weeping common fig , but it ’s important to know that any variety of “ indoor ” weeping fig can also be grown outside in a worthy climate .
However , some cultivar lend themselves to outdoor growing better than others . You ’ll find a few suggestions below .
Most received - sized tree diagram will grow between 30 and 100 feet tall depending on the surround , unless otherwise noted .
Remember , you should not purchase a plant life with a braid stem if you plan to grow this plant alfresco unless you are keep it contained on a patio or similar position with a solid floor .
Bushy King
‘ shaggy Martin Luther King Jr. ’ is an excellent option if you desire a Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree that will stay small , under about 14 feet tall . The heavyset ontogeny use combined with the overall size also makes this cultivar everlasting for topiary .
Indigo
Most weeping figs sport average - dark-green leaves , but the leafage on ‘ Indigo ’ is a much rich , darker immature with faint splattering of easy green . It can grow happily in less lighter than other miscellanea , though it still opt partial sun to partial spook .
Golden Monique
‘ Golden Monique ’ has leaf with a rippled perimeter , and golden and gullible leaves that start out lime hydrate immature when they ’re vernal . This cultivar should only be grown outdoors in Zone 10 and up because it is less stout than other character .
Margarita
The leaves on ‘ Margarita ’ bring to take care a warm tropic afternoon with a skillful boozing in hand . They ’re cheery scandalmongering and burnt lime green , with splotches of darker immature throughout the centers .
Monique
‘ Monique ’ is interchangeable to ‘ Golden Monique , ’ but it has minute , rippling leaves with a dismal green coloring material . It is also slightly more soft than many others , only desirable for grow outdoors in Zones 10 and 11 .
Natasja
This is a classic - looking cultivar with lustrous , medium - green farewell and an bowed , compact development habit .
Pandora
Lovely ‘ Pandora ’ has intensely curved leaves that arch so far back on themselves that the tips can impact the undersurface of the leaves .
The ontogeny habit of this diverseness is especially dense .
Starlight
For a variegate variety that seems to sparkle , ‘ Starlight ’ is the perfect alternative . The margin of the foliage are creamy yellow , while the center are medium green .
Managing Pests and Disease
Once these trees become heavy and well - establish , nothing much bothers them . But those that are cumber through shearing and pruning are more susceptible to problems , as are young trees .
Herbivores
Fortunately , deer do n’t seem to be concerned in this pretty plant .
Birds will guttle the fruits , but since man do n’t enjoy them , this is n’t a job . In fact , it might be a positive thing , look on how you appear at it . More birdsmean few pest in the rest of your garden too .
lapin like to eat the folio that they can turn over , so they ’re really only a problem when the trees are new . Once they senesce a bit , a little nibble here and there does n’t do any substantial damage .
To protect immature trees , comprehend them with mesh or inclose them in fence . Our guide toprotecting plant from rabbitshas more information .
Insects
The type of insects that attack weeping figs outdoors are completely different than the single that may bother indoor plants .
bet on the severity of an infestation , the problem can range from completely ignorable to deathly .
There are two species of psyllids that may attackF. benjamina . These are the ficus folio rolling psyllid ( FLRP)Trioza brevigenaeand the curtain fig psyllidMacrohomotoma gladiata .
The first roller up the leaves of ficus plant to make little nests inside , while the latter lay eggs at the basis of untested leave , make deformed growth and continue the leaves in a waxy secretion that attractssooty molding .
Colony of the curtain psyllid look like big , cottony white tufts among the parting . The FLRP is most readily identifiable by the rolled - up leaves , though you may unroll them and look inside to be sure that ’s what you ’re dealing with .
In both cases , any rolled - up farewell will eventually shake off from the tree diagram .
Pirate hemipterous insect and lacewing are both natural enemies of these pests , so if you do n’t have them in abundance already , it can ante up off to purchase and release some in your G .
Green Lacewing egg
Arbico Organics carry egg , larvae , and adult lacewings .
Adults are best if you ’re examine to stick in populations to your entire yard , but eggs are better for our aim here . you may pick up the eggs in containers drift from 1,000 to 250,000 .
Then , spray down the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree and sprinkle the egg and bran that they ’re packaged in on the foliage , trying to handle as much of the tree as potential .
A discussion using a product turn back the beneficial fungusBeauveria bassianacan also help .
BotaniGard E
Our acquaintance at Arbico Organicshave a product squall BotaniGard ES in quart- or gallon - size containers that can be sprayed on your plants to see these pests whenever they are present .
crying genus Ficus thrip ( Gynaikothrips uzeli ) are jolly new to the US , but they are making an encroachment on the tears common fig here .
So far , this pest has primarily been seen in Florida , but it has also popped up in Texas , California , Puerto Rico , and Hawaii .
Damage jump appearing in the spring , when the thrips start roll up the edges of the tree ’ leaves , making them reasonably resemble a pea cod . The leafage may drop , especially in heavy rainfall or wind , and they may show some brown espial .
The adults are benighted brownish or black and about three millimeters long . They usually only snipe younger leave-taking .
Unless you have a very clayey infestation and your plant is young , you should n’t have to occupy . The damage is just enhancive in the lawsuit of ripe plant .
But thripid can also burn humans , so you do n’t want them to be string up out , even if you do n’t heed the damage to your tree .
Big - eyed bugs , damsel bugs , green lacewing larvae , ladybug , parasitic wasps , and predatory mites all fuck to make a repast out of thrips . Neem crude or ware containingB. bassianawork to eradicate this pest as well .
Learn to portion out with thrips in our pathfinder .
Whiteflies ( Singhiella simplex ) use their pierce mouthpart to pang and suck the succus out of industrial plant tissue .
These tiny invertebrates are a serious problem for weeping figs in Florida , and plant are often completely defoliated by the pests in just a issue of weeks .
The first sign of a problem is usually yellow leave . finally , the leaves flatten off and this can leave an entire tree diagram unfinished . When you walk by an infested tree , you might notice fiddling cloud of bantam insects bombinate around in the aura .
If you look at the bottom of a leaf , you ’ll often see small white spots , which are the molted exoskeleton of unripened whiteflies .
Neem oil or insecticidal atomizer are typically used as the first line of onset for smaller plants . Spray once a week , and be absolutely certain to get the undersides of the leaves as well as the tops .
Carbaryl , permethrin , or pyrethrum sprays can also be used , but these can harmbeneficial insectsand are toxic to humans , as well .
For a big tree , using a foliar atomizer is n’t practicable .
or else , you ’ll require to use a ground drench hold back dinotefuran or imidacloprid , such as Bayer Advanced Tree and Shrub Protect and Feed , which you may pick up in32 - ounce containers of concentrate at Amazon .
Bayer Advanced Tree and Shrub Protect and Feed
However , both dinotefuran and imidacloprid have their drawbacks . The first is gently toxic to bees and humans , while the latter is banned in the European Union because of the scathe it causes Apis mellifera .
While we ’re on the subject , it ’s worth keep in creative thinker that whitefly are the biggest pesterer of weeping figs in Florida , to the point where people have startle shoot down out their plants so they do n’t have to continually reapply these toxic chemicals to their plants .
It ’s worth talking to the rep at your local extension office to determine if whiteflies are a serious problem in your expanse , and whether you ’re unforced to apportion with an infestation should it take place .
At any pace , do n’t give up on your plant even if it loses every single one of its leaves . As long as the trunk and stems are alert , young foliage will take shape .
cry figs drop their leaf readily as the resultant of stress , but it does n’t needfully mean they ’re toast . Give the tree up to a month to set out sending out new growth before you start up worrying .
Learn to contend with a whitefly infestation in our guide .
Disease
You ’re far more potential to run into plague problems than diseases , but that does n’t imply you may allow your guard down altogether .
Bacterial leaf point is a disease because of the pathogenXanthomonas campestris . The first sign that your plant is infected is small , angulate , sensationalistic spots on the foliage . finally , these dapple merge and the septic leaf turns brown and falls .
It ’s propagate by water , so check that you water at the filth level can avail to limit spread . Once your plant is infected , there ’s nothing you could do . It ’s best to pull it and dispose of it . Do n’t plant anything in theFicusgenus in the sphere for at least a year after removal .
This disease is fungal in nature , triggered by pathogens in thePhomopsisgenus .
At first , you ’ll see leaves turn brown and dropping off the tree diagram , which can look like any number of disease , plague , or job . But as the disease progress , the branches start to break down off as well . If you peel away the barque on the tree , you ’ll notice that the wood underneath is black .
This disease wo n’t typically defeat an intact plant , especially a large tree , but it can be unsightly and it spreads easily .
To deal with it , cut down away all infected branches using a clean duet of clipper . Speaking of , you shouldalwaysbe sure to clean your dick in between using them , because that ’s often how this disease spreads .
Best Uses
Weeping figs can be cultivate into hedges or topiaries . They also make fantastic landscape painting trees , or accent for a patio or deck when plant in containers .
The roots can become extremely debatable in some areas , as we ’ve mentioned , so you need to be conscious of where you ’re constitute them .
You do n’t desire to have to explain to a neighbor why your genus Ficus is sticking its roots into their swimming pool .
Also , do n’t make the mistake of implant this tree near an entry .
I have intercourse they look cute in their small containers when you first purchase them , and they certainly appease manageable in terms of size if you develop them inside your home or in a pot .
But a weeping ficus will quickly become unruly when it ’s in the earth outdoors , and you will find yourself postulate to rip it out after a few years if you plant it in the faulty position .
Quick Reference Growing Guide
Make Sure Your Weeping Fig Brings Tears of Joy
In the right placement , these evergreen plant beauties can bring class - round interest without much tizzy .
Want to addmore tree goodnessto your yard ? If you find this guide helpful , you might be interested in explore one ( or more ! ) of the following guides :
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Kristine Lofgren
