All the plants that are distributed throughout the planet earth have unique and remarkable characteristics that make them be considered as plant species with many types of applications, in this case the Ficus Benjamina stands out, a plant widely used as decoration in interior areas and also allows set the green areas with its striking colors and peculiar leaves. In the following article we will learn about the diseases of the Ficus Benjamina and the possible options to combat them.
ficus benjamina
Plants are known as plant organisms that can adapt to any climatic condition, environment, ecosystem and land surface, this fact has led to the existence of a wide variety of species, enriching the planet with a diversity of flora. Coming to have great importance for participating in important biochemical processes for the survival of living organisms and represent one of their main sources of food.
In this case, the Ficus Benjamina stands out, known for being one of the plants used for interior decoration in homes; standing out for its great beauty and care. Its main elegance lies in the way it has joining its internal leaves and degrading in shades of green until it reaches the most intense, giving beauty to any room where it is found.
The Ficus Benjamina is known by various names depending on the region in which it has been developed, such as boj or karel de la india in Costa Rica, amate in Mexico, in other regions it is known as matapalo in the American continent. It belongs to the Moraceae family that spread worldwide, but it is a type of fig tree that originates in southern Asia and northern Australia, therefore its popular name as ficus spread.
This type of plant reaches fifteen meters in height and even up to thirty meters, having leaves from 6 to 13 centimeters long and with a pointed tip, that is, it has a drooping and oval appearance. Its bark is grayish brown, being planted in a pot they are located inside homes and have a great visual and decorative appeal in rooms.
The ficus Benjamina supports low temperatures but does not tolerate frost in winter, due to this it can be grown inside homes with the intention of protecting it from environmental difficulties, and it can also easily adapt to interior spaces, even favoring its growth. appropriate. Its season of greatest flowering is in spring when it starts the new shoots, keeping with very striking specimens until the beginning of autumn.
Diseases
All plants are exposed to environmental and natural conditions that can affect their cells and plant tissues where certain pathogenic microorganisms found in the environment adhere to it, altering the health of the plant species and causing the change of its form or integrity of the plant until it leads to its death or loss of its parts.
The Ficus Benjamina plant represents a type of plant that is very prone to attacks by parasites due to its great green color, referring to the high concentration of chlorophyll such as red spider, mealybugs, aphids and mites that feed on the sap of plants, weakening it to the point of wilting. These parasites can settle on the leaves of plants as a sticky liquid very similar to honey, the damage is quite significant in the plant.
The parasites that attack the Ficus Benjamina can be combated by broad-spectrum insecticides and herbicides, first of all it must be confirmed how widespread the plague is in all the areas where it is planted, being avoided with water and neutral soap. They can also develop diseases that can completely deteriorate it, among them the following stand out:
Yellow sheets
The presence of yellow leaves can have various meanings such as excess water or the presence of infertile soil without any nutrients. It is common to see this type of condition in the ficus benjamina since it is part of its natural cycle, sometimes long periods of yellow leaves that constantly evolve are observed, normally it is attributed to the influence of humidity which should be moderate, the ideal is Check this factor every time you run an irrigation.
Moisture is influenced by the local climate, where the presence of dryness or high moisture content is highlighted by the seasons. During the time of spring and summer, the increase in the abundance of rainfall is observed, which favors the humidity of the earth, the amount of liquid must be controlled so as not to kill the plant. In this case, the plant is harmed by the close presence of devices such as air conditioning or heating, causing the leaves to dry, turn yellow and wither.
Yellow leaves can also be seen due to the stress caused in it, associated with regular changes of location. Therefore, it is not recommended to move or change the plant's location, it is convenient to choose a specific location and avoid hustle and bustle in the Ficus, guaranteeing that it grows healthy and strong.
Leaf Spot Fungi (Cercospora)
Also known as blackened leaves caused by the presence of a fungus that generates small black dots on the back of the plant's leaves. It is a type of plague that regularly affects this type of plant, being harmful because it infects all neighboring plants, causing them to get sick first, they acquire a yellow coloration on the edges of the leaf and little by little it is distributed throughout it until it falls off. .
This factor is caused by the excess of cold or humidity in the environment in which it is located, sometimes the ideal is to change it to a more ventilated area, this type of problem can only be seen in spring and summer, it is a time that It presents many problems with fungi and bacteria that proliferate throughout the place. Another method to correct this lack is by the application of sulfur or fungicide sprays that are made from copper, highlighting that the fungicides do not stain or harm the leaves of the Ficus.
Anthracnose
This type of plague affects the plant with the appearance of rusty spots on the stems and leaves, it is usually very common in this species and its greatest difficulty. In this case, it is recommended to remove diseased leaves and maintain a stable location for them. It can be located in a sufficiently illuminated area, avoiding flooded places and having fertile land. Fertilizers are used that allow the plant to grow healthy and not be vulnerable to possible fungal attacks.
Tips to avoid Ficus Diseases
The Ficus Benjamina is a type of plant that is not susceptible to diseases, it is considered resistant and the most influential are the fungi and spores found in the environment. Coming to present brown and yellow spots on its leaves, being a sign of the presence of fungi, causing the excessive fall of the leaves of the plant. Initially there will be no health and development problems but over time the plant will weaken and die.
It is advisable to keep the plant clean and dry, sprinkle it with water when necessary, because the abundance of water is one of the main causes of fungi, in case of suspecting the presence of any pest, it should be quickly moved away from the rest of the plants to prevent its spread. In case of moving it outside during the summer, it is advisable to check it before placing it inside again to avoid developing diseases inside the house.
Preferably, the affected leaves and branches should be removed, cleaning them with cotton moistened with water and soap, then spraying them with pesticides to protect them from other pests that may affect them. This type of practice must be carried out regularly to reduce the condition of the plant and prevent its possible spread, maintaining strict care to purify the utensils used for it.
Cultivation and Care of Ficus Benjamina
The Ficus Benjamina needs simple and easily applied care, which is why they are widely seen on terraces, gardens and indoor areas. Therefore, it is applied as an ornamental species that comes to bloom very easily and provides a fresh environment, therefore they are located in strategic points that are protected from sunlight but with enough contact to stay healthy. The relevant factors for the cultivation of Ficus Benjamina will be highlighted below:
Temperature and Ventilation
Plants need environmental conditions that allow them to grow and develop properly, in the case of Ficus Benjamina it stands out for being a plant native to tropical and subtropical regions, where the environments are of outstanding temperatures and notable humidity. The requirement of this type of species is high temperatures, therefore it must be taken into account in the area where it will be located.
The leaves of the ficus Benjamina are quite sensitive to the cold, falling completely in this season, therefore it is necessary to keep it indoors in winter. In addition, you should be aware of the fresh air currents that are very common at this time, affecting the plant mainly if they are cold or very strong, therefore it should be located in an area that is not affected by them.
In summer times it is a time with very low night temperatures, regularly below 15 ºC; Therefore, it is preferable to keep the plant in external areas such as terraces or gardens, as well as place it near windows that are regularly ventilated and maintain control of the sun's rays. Emphasizing that green areas can collaborate for its effective development and growth, becoming much more lush and striking. This species can be kept and cultivated in external areas (terrace, garden, patios, among others), from mid-spring (March) to the end of summer, approximately August, taking control of direct exposure to the sun that can cause burns. in the leaves of plants.
Irrigation
Irrigation is a technique that consists of adding water to crops or fields to meet the needs of the liquid, normally with rainfall this factor can be covered. Highlighting the importance of water for the growth of plant species, allowing the transport of minerals and nutrients throughout their system and transforming the original sap into one made by the entire plant. In addition to participating in the biochemical process known as photosynthesis.
In the case of the Ficus Benjamina, watering should be moderate, mainly in times of high temperatures, in winter times the minimum amount of water should be added. Regardless, it is recommended to alternate days of application or the time necessary for it to assimilate all the liquid before watering again, avoiding the accumulation of water and puddles.
Excessive irrigation can be very harmful for the Ficus Benjamina, because they are exposed to fungi that are the main cause of diseases that attack the root system, seriously affecting stagnant water. The ideal humidity levels for the maintenance of this plant is approximately 70% to 80%, so it is recommended to have the pot saucer with enough clay, it will be in charge of keeping the humidity level regulated.
Another method used is to spray the plant specifically the branches and the trunk with distilled water, this last factor is very important since it will avoid contact with unwanted minerals or nutrients in the plant that can generate any condition or difficulty or possible formation of scale. .
Substrates
The substrates refer to the soils used to plant the plants, it corresponds to the entire terrestrial surface that allows their root growth, it is also responsible for providing the nutrients and minerals necessary for the healthy development of plant species, also granting stability. and strength.
The Ficus Benjamina is a type of plant that will grow properly in soils with great fertility and minerals for its good development, the appropriate pH for it is between 5 and 6, having a slight acidity for its effective radial growth, although this type of The plant can adapt to soils with neutral and alkaline pH. It is necessary to add organic fertilizer throughout the year, such as humus, peat or compost, in charge of enriching the surface on which they are planted.
Transplantation should be considered after the development of its stem and roots, if it is located indoors, the pot should be changed to allow its proper development. Transplants are recommended in spring time, specifically in March and April, before executing this action it is recommended to fill the pot with a layer of clay or gravel that allows water circulation, adequate drainage and prevents stagnation of the liquid. . In the event that the plant is cultivated in outdoor areas such as the garden, terraces or patios, only the fertilizer will be necessary.
Fertilization
It consists of a type of organic or inorganic substance that is made based on a set of nutrients that are assimilable by plant species, favoring the fertility of the soils in which the plants are grown. Allowing a stimulation of plant growth and improving the quality of the substrate for the greater development of plants, normally consumed by humans and for agricultural purposes, therefore it is a substance widely used in agriculture.
In the case of Ficus Benjamina, it is recommended that they be fertilized at least once a month in the warmer seasons, also favored by increased irrigation. The application of this substance should be in small amounts, preferably liquid ones for plants with green coloration, being diluted in the water to irrigate. In winter times it is not necessary to fertilize the plant, because the plant enters a period of rest and storage of the already assimilated nutrients.
Pruning
Pruning consists of the technique applied by man to maintain the aesthetics and cleanliness of the plant, by removing dry branches, cutting diseased or affected areas and reducing those branches that break the desired shape of the plant. This type of practice is ideal for agriculture and gardening as it can increase the quality of crops and improve their ornamentation, highlighting that they are applied carefully to avoid damage to the plant.
Because the Ficus Benjamina is highly sought after to grow inside homes and closed places, a pleasant aesthetic must be maintained, this type of plant can grow very fast and take on a leafy appearance; so it must be pruned regularly so that it can adapt properly to internal spaces, in the same way in case it is planted in external areas together with other plants.
There are areas of the plants that must be pruned at specific times, especially those where the main organs of the plant are located, such as the apices that correspond to the section with important tissues of the species; They must be pruned in spring when the branches are dead or very thin to be able to eliminate them correctly.
Multiplication
The multiplication of plants is related to the reproduction of plants, which is carried out by two main methods, the first is sexually where the female cells of the plant are fertilized with male cells of another plant, which They come into contact due to the effect of pollination and the action of the wind. In case of being asexual, it develops by the presence of male and female organs in the same plant, allowing shoots to be born and reproduce with their cuts.
The Ficus Benjamina is a type of plant that develops through asexual reproduction, the procedure to follow for this is as follows:
- Make an incision in the stem, avoiding at all times hurting possible shoots.
- Cover the incision with humus (compost) and topsoil
- Then it must be covered with a plastic film, keeping the substrate and the fertilizer firmly.
- The added substrate must be kept moist, so it must be watered regularly.
- The plant will produce spontaneous roots
- Once this stage begins, the branch must be cut and transplanted to the soil in which it is desired to reproduce.
Once you have the new shoot of the plant, its propagation by cutting should be considered, where at the end of spring or at the beginning of summer it is recommended to cut the young branch and plant it in a pot with the appropriate substrate, keeping it moist for its healthy growth. Fertilizers can be applied to accelerate its development and stimulate the emission of its roots.
Considering at all times the ideal conditions for the emergence of the new shoot, so lighting must be taken into account, so it is recommended to turn the pot every three or four days to prevent the lighting from falling on one side and grow more in one area, in this way the homogeneous growth is guaranteed
Common Species of Ficus Benjamina
The Ficus Benjamina is very popular as an ornamental species, so it is seen as part of interior decorations, some are even appreciated to be developed as bonsai and crop art, highlighting a wide variety of specimens sought regularly. The most popular are highlighted below:
- Golden King: Known for having leaves with white margins, giving it elegance and beauty, in addition to having green spots at the base of the leaf.
- Mini Gold: Popular for its pale, fairly small leaves, it has a prominent white, green, and ivory coloration.
- Exotic: This species lives up to its common name because it has ribs on the leaves from green to brown tones.
- Nuda: it has leaves with a corrugated appearance that have narrow margins and are very unique among its specimens.
- Danielle: It is a type of species that has an intense green color, in addition to being known for its wavy margins; It presents resistance to low temperatures and strong currents, this is attributed to its robust texture.
- Too Little: well known for being an ideal miniature version for bonsai cultivation techniques, making it quite suitable for indoors.
- Kinky: It is a very striking species due to its wide range of colors and its varied shapes.
- Natasja: It consists of a popular species for its small leaves and flexible branches, but it needs special and delicate care for its proper development.
Difference with Other Species
There are very similar species among themselves, highlighting the Ficus Benjamina Variegata, standing out for requiring the same crop care; coming to have a difference of plants that have various colorations of leaves. One of its main characteristics has an irregular edge of a yellowish hue and the center has a very intense green color, reaching up to eighty centimeters in height, highlighting its peculiar leaves that are ideal for being part of decorations.
It is recommended to keep away from strong and intense currents where they are caused by air conditioners or heating devices, and it is recommended that it be located in a space with contact with sunlight. This type of tree has become an object of research by the United States space agency located at NASA.
Through scientific studies carried out in 1985, they were in charge of demonstrating that the Ficus Benjamina can filter the toxic substances that are contained in the environment that they are located, for which they are considered as purifiers of closed spaces. Due to the fact that it belongs to the Moraceae family, it can produce a substance that acquires a whitish, thick and sticky color in the plant tissues. All this with the intention of protecting the plant from other parasites and herbivores and also creating irritation in the eyes and skin.
We hope this article has been helpful, we leave you others that will surely interest you: