- Weg fig: properties and origin
- The most beautiful varieties
- Planting Benjamin: location, soil and co.
- Wintering
- Propagating Weeping Figs
- Is the Benjamini poisonous?
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We already know the birch fig as a common office plant, because it is very popular due to its easy-care and air-purifying properties.
The birch fig (Ficus benjamina) is an eye-catcher with its shiny foliage. The leaves can even be patterned in some varieties. It is closely related to the fig tree (Ficus carica), from which you can harvest edible fruits.
Note: Another common name of Ficus benjamina is "Bejamini". Due to a mixture with the Latin name, it is therefore often called Ficus bejamini, which, strictly speaking, is not correct.
Weg fig: properties and origin
The birch fig (Ficus benjamina) is an evergreen woody plant of the mulberry family (Moraceae). It can grow as a tree or as a shrub and forms slightly overhanging branches. It occurs naturally in Asia and northern Australia, but is a popular houseplant for us. In tropical areas it is also used outdoors as an ornamental tree and unfortunately behaves invasively there. It impresses with its shiny green foliage, which can be admired all year round. The leaves are entire, oblong-ovate and short-stalked. At first they are light green and later turn darker. The smooth, light gray bark also looks pretty. The different varieties of the Benjamini, as the birch fig is also called, are available in a wide variety of colors and patterns.
While the Benjamini grows to a height of around three meters as a houseplant, it can grow up to 18 meters in the wild. The stately specimens in the wild form numerous aerial roots. Smaller varieties of the birch fig can even be kept as bonsai. Here the Benjamini rarely flowers between August and September. However, these are very inconspicuous and only appear when ideal conditions prevail. From this arise later the fruits, which are not like typical oneslook like figs, but are spherical and orange. The milky sap of the birch fig contains allergens that are similar in structure to latex allergens. Anyone who has a latex allergy should be particularly careful, as a cross-allergy with the birch fig can often occur here. The allergens can even reach the surface of the leaf and thus get into the air. In return, the Benjamini reduces the level of pollutants such as formaldehyde in the air to a small extent.
How old does a birch fig get? It's not so easy to say how old a birch fig gets. Of course, the right care is also important. In the tropics there are specimens that are several hundred years old, and indoor plants are also not uncommon to be 70 years old.
The most beautiful varieties
The Ficus benjamina comes in many forms, some get bigger, others stay small. Foliage can be solid green or come in color variations of yellow, green, and white. Varieties with light-colored leaves usually need more light, completely green plants can also stand in semi-shade.
- Ficus benjamina 'Natasja': The birch fig 'Natasja' remains rather small, grows bushy and reaches a height of about 80 cm . The leaves are a beautiful, rich green.
- Ficus benjamina 'Barok': The leaves of this variety are rolled up and remind a little of a curly head of hair. The plant grows compact.
- Ficus benjamina 'Golden King': The foliage of this variety is golden yellow-green or creamy white variegated. It will grow to over 1m, although pot size may limit growth.
- Ficus benjamina 'Twilight': Here you get light green leaves with a white border. This variety can also grow larger and should be in a particularly bright spot so that the brightly patterned foliage can develop well.
Planting Benjamin: location, soil and co.
So that the birch fig grows well and stays he althy, some site requirements should be considered. The Benjamini feels most comfortable in warm temperatures above 20 °C, and the temperature should never drop below 16 °C. A high level of humidity is also good for the birch fig and can lead toexample, can be achieved by spraying the leaves regularly. A bright bathroom is therefore a good place, but the birch fig is also popular in the bedroom. Above all, high humidity must be ensured there. A wind-protected place is also advisable, since the Benjamini does not like drafts.
The question remains, how much light does the birch fig need? The Benjamini can tolerate direct sunlight in the morning or evening hours, otherwise the plant needs a bright spot with indirect light. Varieties with green leaves generally need less light than those with variegated patterns. Once you've found your Wee Fig location, leave the plant there. She often reacts stressed to a change of location and sheds her leaves.
The soil for the birch fig must be particularly permeable. A high-quality potting soil, such as our Plantura organic universal soil, already has good drainage properties and can be made even more permeable by adding 30% sand. Our biological soil remains structurally stable for a long time and consists of natural ingredients. To plant the Benjamini, start by sprinkling a drainage layer of coarse material such as pebbles into the pot. Put a layer of substrate on top and place the birch fig in the pot. Then fill in any gaps with soil and lightly compact the soil.
Tip: In summer you can put the Benjamini outside. The temperature should then no longer fall below 16 °C. Here, too, the plant needs a bright spot with sufficient light.
Wintering
Since the exotic birch fig is not hardy, it must be brought back indoors when the temperature drops. In order to overwinter the Benjamini, the plant is placed in a bright place at 16 to 20 °C. Watering is only done occasionally when the soil feels dry. There is no fertilizer at all during the winter break. Once a week the Benjamini can be sprayed with a little water. Because of the dry heating air, pests such as spider mites and scale insects appear on the birch fig in winter. It is therefore advisable to regularly check the plants for infestation.
Propagating Weeping Figs
In order to get more specimens of the easy-care houseplant, you can propagate the birch fig. Young, largely unwoody shoot cuttings are best suited for this. Cut off the shoot tips in springUsing a sharp knife, cut off pieces about 15 centimeters long and remove the bottom leaves except for two or three at the top. The cuttings are now placed in a container with growing substrate, such as our Plantura organic herb and seed soil. It is perfect for growing young plants, as the lower nutrient supply promotes root formation. Our earth does not need any peat at all. Slightly moisten the substrate and put a plastic bag over the pot to increase the humidity. Place the jar in a bright place without direct sun at a temperature of around 25 °C. If new leaves form, the propagation was successful and the small birch figs can be repotted.
Tip: You can also place the birch fig cuttings in a glass of water for rooting. After planting, however, the humidity must be kept particularly high, since the roots are usually weaker when they emerge from the water and are not yet as productive.
You can also grow the birch fig from seed. However, you have to buy the seeds because the Benjamini rarely produces fruit as a houseplant. The seed is distributed on the growing substrate and only very lightly covered with soil. With this method, too, put a plastic bag over the pot and keep it warm at 75-85°F (21-26°C). Germination occurs after 10 to 42 days.
Is the Benjamini poisonous?
As is typical for the genus Ficus the birch fig is also slightly poisonous. This is due to the milky sap that escapes when the plant is injured. If you have a latex allergy, you should be particularly careful when handling the birch fig. Be sure to wear gloves when cutting and repotting. Also, make sure that children and pets do not develop undue interest in the leaves. For animals, consumption of large amounts of the plant can cause symptoms of poisoning such as vomiting and diarrhea.
After successful planting, it is now a matter of proper care of the Ficus benjamini. You can find out how to do this in our special article.