Ficus benjamina 'Columnar' - Weeping Fig - Waringin

The Ficus Benjamina Columnar, also known as the Weeping Fig, is a beautiful columnar plant that is distinguished by its majestic trunk and abundance of short oval leaves. Originally from tropical parts of Asia and Australia, this plant can grow up to thirty meters tall in the wild as a faithful housemate. In an indoor environment it grows at a more leisurely pace, but retains its unique appearance and air-purifying properties.

With its tree-like appearance and elegant leaves that hang down like tears, the Ficus Benjamina Columnar is a popular houseplant that fits perfectly in a bright spot in the home. Although it needs some water, caring for this plant is easy thanks to its dedication to purifying the air and its charming appearance.

The Ficus benjamina 'Columnar' - Weeping Fig - Waringin likes a sip of water

The Ficus Benjamina Columnar has a reasonable water requirement and should be watered about once a week. It is important to check the soil before watering, so that you are sure that the top layer is dry. This houseplant likes regular but controlled watering, although it is good to remember that the plant prefers slightly drier soil than too wet. In winter, the Ficus Benjamina Columnar needs less water than in summer, so it is wise to adjust the watering to the season. Make sure that you always place the plant in a bright spot and that the water is preferably lukewarm, because the Ficus Benjamina Columnar does not like lime and cold roots. Give this columnar beauty the right amount of water and it will reward you with its green splendor and air-purifying properties.

Summer

During the summer it is very important that this plant, when it is outside, is kept well moist. Especially during the warm days it should be watered every day, so that the root ball is well moist. On the less warm days this can sometimes be skipped for a few days. This is so important because otherwise the plant 'drinks' moisture from its leaves, causing it to become dry and eventually die. This should of course be prevented.

Winter

When winter is just around the corner, the rules are reversed! If the Ficus benjamina 'Columnar' - Weeping Fig - Waringin is outside, it must remain dry so that the moisture does not freeze and damage the plant. The Ficus benjamina 'Columnar' - Weeping Fig - Waringin does not suffer from a dry root ball during this period, it is in a kind of hibernation!
When the plant is kept indoors during the winter it should be kept slightly moist, so not soaking wet (as in summer), but just so that the root ball feels slightly damp.

General rules

In addition to the above guidelines, it is best to follow these rules:

First, give the plant a little water. If the soil is dry within 2 days, it means it needs a little more water. Adjust the amount of water until it still feels slightly moist between 2 and 5 days after watering, and almost dry after 5 days. If it feels very wet after 5 days, wait until it is almost dry and water again, but reduce the amount.

Spraying

We recommend that you spray the Ficus benjamina 'Columnar' - Weeping Fig - Waringin with water every week. However, we do not recommend this during warm summer days, so that you do it either in the evening after sunset, or on days when the sun shines little, because the water droplets bundle the incoming sunlight into small points that become very hot. These cause the leaves to dry out, or even burn through.
Apart from the detrimental effect of bright sunlight on wet leaves, misting has beneficial effects for your Ficus benjamina 'Columnar' - Weeping Fig - Waringin . Namely, it removes dust from the leaves, allowing them to better absorb sunlight and look more beautiful, and it prevents certain types of pests.

Where is the best place to place the Ficus benjamina 'Columnar' - Weeping Fig - Waringin?

For the perfect placement of the Ficus Benjamina Columnar, it is important to take into account the light requirements of the plant. This columnar beauty thrives best in a spot with indirect light to partial shade. Direct sunlight can burn the leaves, so avoid this exposure. In addition, it is ideal to place the Ficus in a location where the temperature is constant and to avoid exposing the plant to drafts. In terms of humidity, the Ficus Benjamina Columnar has no special requirements, but it is important to ensure normal household humidity for optimal growth and health of the plant. With a good location, this plant will let its elegant leaves shine in your living space for years.

Light

The Ficus benjamina 'Columnar' - Weeping Fig - Waringin is a plant that likes a fair amount of sunlight. It likes to be in full sun or half shade, taking in all the light. Is it indoors? Then it wants a spot near a window or where light does come in. The Ficus benjamina 'Columnar' - Weeping Fig - Waringin requires at least 1 to 3 hours of direct sunlight per day

Wind

Make sure that the Ficus benjamina 'Columnar' - Weeping Fig - Waringin experiences as little wind as possible. Wind can damage the leaves, causing them to die off more quickly. A little wind is no problem.

Temperature requirements

Minimum temperature 18 ℃ during the day
At night minimum 18 ℃

Repotting, why and when?

Repotting the Ficus Benjamina Columnar is an important aspect of caring for this beautiful columnar plant. It is advisable to only repot the plant when it is clearly in need of renewal, for example when the roots have grown through the entire pot and there is little space left. The best time to repot is in the spring, when the plant starts a new growth period.

When repotting, it is important to ensure that the Ficus has enough space to continue growing, but a pot that is too large can actually cause stress to the plant. Therefore, choose a pot that is slightly larger than the previous one, so that the roots have enough space to continue growing comfortably. Using nutrient-rich potting soil can give the Ficus extra stimulation during this period of renewal.

It is good to keep in mind that the Ficus Benjamina Columnar does not like change, so a calm and gradual approach to repotting will contribute to the well-being and healthy growth of this beloved houseplant.

General rules

When the Ficus benjamina 'Columnar' - Weeping Fig - Waringin has taken root (often every 2-3 years) we recommend repotting it in the spring. If it is always indoors, it does not matter. If it is outdoors, it is not a problem to repot it in the summer, but we advise against it in the autumn and winter, because it will not grow and take root optimally then. This can make it somewhat weak, and possibly suffer damage from frost.

When you choose to repot your Ficus benjamina 'Columnar' - Weeping Fig - Waringin, choose a nice pot that is twice the size of the root ball. Place a layer of hydro grains at the bottom of the new pot, for better moisture control. It will be grateful for that. Fill this layer with some Mediterranean potting soil. This type of soil ensures that the Ficus benjamina 'Columnar' - Weeping Fig - Waringin roots optimally and is fed. Then you can place the root ball on the ground. Make sure that the top of the root ball is slightly below the edge of the pot. Aim for a difference of 2 to 6 cm. This difference ensures that the water does not run off the root ball when you water it.
Every year you should replace the top layer of soil, because it hardens and 'wears out' in nutrients, due to regular watering and because of the sunlight on the upper edge of the root ball.

Diseases and pests

When it comes to diseases and pests that a Ficus Benjamina Columnar can encounter, it is important to know that this beautiful plant, despite its strong character, is not completely immune to potential problems. To ensure that your Ficus remains healthy and happy, it is essential to be alert to signs of diseases and pests, and if necessary, take appropriate measures to combat them.

A common problem with the Ficus Benjamina Columnar is spider mites. Spider mites are small, reddish-brown insects that nestle on the underside of leaves and feed on plant juices. You can recognize spider mites by fine webs and yellow spots on the leaves. To combat spider mites, you can regularly spray the leaves with water and a mild soap solution. If the infection is more serious, insecticides based on, for example, neem oil can be used.

Another common problem that can affect Ficus Benjamina is aphids. Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on plant juices and can lead to deformed leaves and a weakened plant. To combat aphids, you can spray them off the leaves with a strong jet of water and use insecticidal soap. It is also important to regularly check the plant for the presence of aphids and remove them manually if necessary.

In addition, the Ficus Benjamina Columnar can be susceptible to fungal infections, such as leaf spot disease. This disease is often caused by too much humidity and can lead to brown spots and dying leaves. To prevent fungal infections, it is important to keep the plant in a well-ventilated place and not to make the leaves too wet when watering. If signs of fungal infection do occur, fungicides can be used to stop the spread.

Finally, it is important to keep an eye on the general health of your Ficus Benjamina Columnar. Look for discolored leaves, leaf loss, or other abnormal symptoms that may indicate underlying health problems. Regular inspection and proper care, such as maintaining an optimal location, proper watering, and gradual changes, can minimize the risk of disease and pests in your beloved Ficus and allow it to flourish in your home environment. Remember that loving attention and care are essential to maintaining a healthy and happy Ficus Benjamina Columnar.

How and when should you prune the Ficus benjamina 'Columnar' - Weeping Fig - Waringin?

The leaves of the Ficus benjamina 'Columnar' - Weeping Fig - Waringin will eventually wither. If this is the case with a leaf, you can simply cut the stem near the trunk. It is not a problem to prune an entire leaf with the stem of the plant. This is the way the plant forms its trunk.

How can I propagate the Ficus benjamina 'Columnar' - Weeping Fig - Waringin?

Ficus Benjamina Columnar can be propagated by cuttings. This means that you can grow new plants by cutting off a part of the existing plant and placing it in water or moist soil. Make sure that the cutting gets enough light and warmth, but avoid direct sunlight. Keep the soil moist and wait patiently for roots to grow. Another option is to create air layering, where you cut a part of the stem and cover it with moist soil. This stimulates root growth and leads to a new plant. Propagating Ficus Benjamina Columnar is a fun and beautiful way to get more of these beautiful columnar plants.