Consulta Plantas

Care of the indoor plant Ficus binnendijkii or Long leaf fig

The genus Ficus, family Moraceae, includes 900 species of trees, shrubs, and climbing plants. Some species are: Ficus binnendijkii, Ficus deltoidea, Ficus elastica, Ficus salicaria, Ficus benjamina, Ficus lyrata, Ficus radicans, Ficus pumila, Ficus ingens, Ficus retusa, Ficus carica, Ficus cyathistipula, Ficus rubiginosa.

Common names: Long leaf fig, Narrow leafed fig. This species is native to South East Asia.

They are evergreen trees with long and narrow leaves 20 cm (7.87") long; They are dark green or bronze in color when young. They can reach 20 meters (65.6 feet) in height but when grown in pots they reach 4 meters (13.12 feet). The logs can be welded together on contact.

They are used as indoor plants because they are tropical plants that do not resist the cold. In tropical or subtropical climates they can be grown outdoors.

Ficus binnendijkii can grow in full sun or semi-shade exposure. They do not resist temperatures below 10 ºC (50 ºF).

The soil must be very well drained and contain plenty of organic matter. The transplant is done in early spring.

Water frequently in spring and summer (2 times a week waiting for the substrate to dry); in winter water once a week. In summer it's advisable to spray the leaves with lime-free water from time to time.

Fertilize every 15 days with mineral fertilizer during spring and summer.

Prune in spring to control growth.

They are plants resistant to pests and diseases; they are sensitive to excess moisture.

They propagate by cuttings in summer or by seeds sown in spring.

Images of the indoor plant Ficus binnendijkii or Long leaf fig