Native to India, the Ficus benjamina is a tree with evergreen leaves that is, they do not fall in winter. In its original environment, it can reach up to 30 meters in height. However, in our latitudes this plant is grown indoors. Under these conditions, it will not exceed 3 meters in height but it can still grow strongly if it is well maintained. Pruning limits this development but also easily gives the plant a nice shape. If you are interested in knowing how to prune a Ficus benjamina, you have come to the right place!
Why prune a Ficus benjamina?
While pruning is not mandatory, it is often performed by the owners of a Ficus benjamina. It slows down the development of the plant and gives it a beautiful appearance. This is all the more important if you want to prune your Ficus benjamina in the form of bonsai. Pruning also helps breathe new life into the plant. It regenerates the Ficus benjamina and gives it new stems. These can then be cuttings.
Ficus benjamina is appreciated for its ease of maintenance, for its beauty and for its elegant appearance. This apartment shrub will not reach more than 3 meters in your living room. However, it will sometimes tend to wither and lose its luster. Regular size keeps fit compact.
If your Ficus benjamina is damaged or if its appearance is not harmonious, do not hesitate to provide it with a strict size. Thus, he will be able to start afresh without any problem. The damaged branches pump energy from the plant, which then cannot properly feed the fitter parts. By removing them, your Ficus benjamina will once again be able to concentrate all of its energy on developing new branches and leaves.
When to prune a Ficus benjamina?
The pruning of Ficus benjamina is done in spring or at the end of winter, when it is in a pot. This must always be done before the new shoots emerge. Leaving winter is still the recommended period because the sap is less present in the plant. Thus, you will have less difficulty when pruning because the sap of Ficus benjamina is particularly sticky and it can therefore interfere with the course of the action.
The Ficus benjamina is still very resistant and can survive without problem if it is pruned at another time of the year. If you have no choice but to prune it in summer or fall, the plant should put up with it. However, try, as far as possible, to prune the Ficus benjamina always at the same time of year so that it can get used to this frequent act as well as possible. Pruning will therefore be done regularly, at least once a year, to preserve the compact form of the plant.
How to prune a Ficus benjamina?
For maintenance pruning, you should shorten each branch a few inches, just above a pretty leaf. Remember to always remove dead branches or those that no longer have leaves in order to concentrate the plant's energy on the healthy parts. Thereby, pruning dead branches at their base, as close to the stem as possible, will often save a dying Ficus benjamina.
To give Ficus benjamina a more balanced appearance, you can use pruning shears. It is important to always start at the bottom of the plant and let the sap flow little by little. Going up to the top, you will then prune the plant to give it the desired shape. Before putting your Ficus benjamina back in its place, wait until all the sap has finished flowing.
Always be careful when handling Ficus benjamina. Indeed, its sap is toxic and it can cause severe irritation to the skin and eyes. When you prune your plant, we recommend that you always wear gloves. This sap is also extremely sticky. For more convenience, you can practice pruning outside or on a balcony. Indoors, we recommend that you place a support on the ground, which will prevent it from being stained.
The Ficus benjamina is an indoor shrub that appreciates regular pruning. Whether it's to give it some energy at the end of winter or to give it a nice shape, pruning allows the plant to be at its best. To prune the Ficus benjamina you will simply need a secateurs and a pair of gloves. Thus equipped, you will be able to show your gardening talents by enhancing your indoor plant.
