Benjamin's Ficus , popularly known as Benjamin, is a very decorative indoor plant. Its beautifully shiny leaves are densely overgrown with dangling twigs. Unfortunately, it happens very often thatficus leaves start to falland every day we find more and more of them around the pot. Why isBenjamin's ficus losing leaves ? Here are the most commoncauses of ficus leaf falland proven ways to prevent it!
Benjamin's Ficus Loses Leaves
1. Benjamin's ficus loses leaves because he lacks light
Benjamin's Ficus requires a lot of diffused light.He should stand in a well-lit place all year round. Otherwise, it starts shedding leaves.
Benjamin's Ficus does not tolerate direct sunlight , however, especially in summer on the southern window sill. Sunlight deficiencies are most common in December and January, when the days are short. During this period, the south window will be the perfectplace to grow Benjamin's ficus
To improve the condition of the plant from June to August, it is worth putting it on the balcony. Place the pot in a place sheltered from direct sunlight. Trim the bare twigs. After some timethe plant will start to sprout new leaves .
2. Benjamin's ficus loses leaves because it is not watered properly
Ficus Benjamin's water requirementvaries depending on the temperature and intensity of the lighting. In spring and summer, water the plant more often, while in autumn and winter, watering should be limited.
Inadequate irrigation results in ficus sheddingFicuses should be watered regularly to prevent excessive drying of the root ball. In this case, the ficus leaves begin to dry out and fall off massively. The plant should be watered abundantly immediately, preferably by immersing the entire pot in water. After about 15-20 minutes, remove the plant and pour out the water that has not been taken up by the roots.
Flooding due to too frequent and abundant watering is definitely worse than drying out, which meant that the ground was constantly wet for a long time. Thenficus reacts initially by yellowing and then throwing leavesThe water remaining in the ground prevents oxygen from reaching the roots, which in turn causes them to rot. To help the flooded ficus, gently dry the substrate. Watering is limited to a maximum of 2 times a week, and in winter to 1 time a week. The pot must have holes in the bottom so that excess water can drain out.
3. Benjamin's ficus loses leaves because he is exposed to drafts
Anothercause of Benjamin's ficus losing leaves are draftsTherefore, avoid placing the plant near frequently opened windows, especially in the autumn and winter season, and in the hall where the door is opened outside. Ficus is also very sensitive to air pollution from tobacco smoke and fumes from gas cookers.
4. Benjamin's Ficus is losing leaves because it has been moved
Frequent changes in the place and conditions of cultivation, transplanting, turning and moving the potcauses severe stress in the ficus, which results in the loss of leavesand the release of the milk spike. Therefore, give him as much peace as possible. A similar reaction is caused by jolting branches, e.g. when rubbing against them while passing a plant.When deciding to buy Benjamin's ficus, we must be aware that it is a long-lived plant and reaches a considerable size It is best to choose a permanent place for him, where he will have peace and appropriate conditions.
5. Benjamin's ficus loses leaves because he has to acclimatize
SinceBenjamin's ficuses react with strong stress to even the slightest change in growing conditions , we must prepare for the fact that after buying it and bringing it home, our Benjamin will have to get sick a bit.
The acclimatization of Benjamin's ficus can take from 3 months to even up to 2 years. During this time,despite best care, the plant will lose leavesThis is not a cause for concern unless accompanied by other disturbing symptoms such as yellowing or leaf blotch. It is enough to provide the ficus with peace and let him get used to the climate in our apartment.
MSc Eng. Agnieszka Lach
