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Ficus benjamina natasja

Ficus benjamina natasja

This ficus is a botanical species plant belonging to the Moraceae family. It has erect stems with smooth bark with a gray – beige color, thin branches and elliptical leaves. Its leaves are light green in color but, as they age, they become darker. In the country of origin, in the open ground, the Ficus even reach 30 meters in height; if instead they are grown in pots they reach 2 – 3 meters. This type of plant also develops aerial roots. Various quality types are grown, including: Ficus Benjamina Golden King (the leaves have ivory contours), Ficus Benjamina Exotica (the leaves are shiny and dark in color), Ficus Benjamina Nuda (the leaves are narrow and wavy) and Ficus benjamina Mini Gold (the small leaves are light green with white outlines).

Cultivation

Ficus Benjamina natasja adapt to hot climates, in fact it is advisable to grow them at a temperature above 14 – 15 ° C. It does not need direct sunlight but grows best in environments where the light is intense and diffused. Poor lighting could cause leaves to fall. The soil must be light and full of organic substances, and to ensure good drainage, it is advisable to place expanded clay, gravel or pot shards on the bottom of the pot. The soil should be kept moist during the plant’s development period, but make sure it is dry between one watering and another. In cold periods, watering must be reduced, but it is advisable to keep a saucer with water because the ficus need about 70 – 80% humidity.

Diseases and parasites

The parasites that can affect this type of plant are: the red spider and the Cochineal. As for the first parasite, we notice its presence from the yellowing of the leaves; in the second case, however, brown spots form on the lower part of the leaf. But it is not always parasites that make the plant sick. If we notice that the leaves are starting to become dry or burned, it means that the plant has been exposed to direct sun and therefore it would be advisable to change position by moving it elsewhere. Even wrong watering can lead to a weakening of the plant, for example, excessive watering can cause the leaves to yellow or sag. One trick is to avoid the formation of water stagnation, they could lead to rot at the roots.

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