Ficus benjamina (Ficus benjamina) many lovers of indoor plants grow at home. This is due to its decorative qualities and the ability to adapt to any conditions. But for the plant to have a presentable appearance, you need to provide him with proper care. Part of it is the periodic transplant of ficus Benjamin at home. The growth and development of the plant in the future depends on how correctly this procedure is carried out.
When do I need a transplant?
The need for transplantation can be judged by the state of the plant. It is necessary to carry out the procedure in such cases:
- the pot became too small and roots appeared above the surface of the earth or in the drainage holes;
- growth slowed down, and the size of young leaves decreased, indicating a depleted substrate;
- the root system of the plant is completely enveloped by an earthen lump;
- insects pests wound up in the substrate;
- propagation of seedlings;
- the soil began to sour in a pot and an unpleasant odor appeared.
Ficus Benjamina is particularly popular among gardeners
How often to transplant Benjamin's ficus
Young seedlings of this houseplant should be replanted annually. This is due to the fact that they are actively developing in the nutrient substrate. And in a year the soil in the pot becomes poor and therefore it should be replaced.
Adult Benjamin ficus does not need a frequent transplant, so it must be done once every 2-3 years. And to replenish nutrients in the soil between procedures, fertilizers are regularly used.
The most favorable period for transplantation is spring and early summer. At this time, biological processes in the tissues are activated, which allows you to quickly recover from stress and grow.
Important! A transplant in the fall and winter is carried out only in rare cases when the pot is broken or it is urgently necessary to save the plant.
How to choose a pot and soil
Ficus Benjamin does not need a large space, since the plant develops better in a tight container. Therefore, you should pick up a new pot 3 cm wider and higher than the previous one.
The plant feels good in a pot of any material.
This houseplant can be transplanted into plastic or clay containers, as well as into wooden tubs.
Each of these options has its own characteristics:
- Plastic pots are better suited for small seedlings of ficus Benjamin that will grow on the windowsill. This material can protect the roots of the plant from hypothermia and overheating at any time of the year. Their disadvantage is that often manufacturers use low-quality plastic, which, when interacting with moisture and soil, begins to release toxins.
- Clay pots are used for large Benjamin ficuses, which are placed on the floor. This material has a porous structure, therefore, it is able to absorb excess moisture and thereby prevents root decay. The disadvantage is the increased cost and ability to break.
- Wooden tubs are more suitable for large-sized plants that are grown in the conservatory. The material is able to protect the roots of the plant from overheating, hypothermia and overflow. The disadvantage is that pests often start in the wood and fungus develops.
Note! The pot for Benjamin's ficus needs to be selected high, since at the bottom you need to put a layer of drainage 2-6 cm thick, depending on the age of the plant.
You should also prepare for the transplant and the correct substrate. It should pass moisture and air to the roots well, and also be nutritious. Soil is purchased in a store marked "For Ficus" or prepared independently. To do this, combine sod, sand, leafy soil, peat and humus in a ratio of 2: 1: 1: 1: 1. Additionally add a little perlite, which is a baking powder.
Ficus Benjamin is demanding on the acidity of the soil. The optimal level for this plant is 5.5-6.5 pH. If the acidity is above this mark, the plant will not be able to absorb nutrients from the soil, which will negatively affect its growth and decorativeness.
Soil disinfection
When transplanted, the substrate is treated to disinfect it. To do this, fry the earth in the oven and microwave for 20-30 minutes. It is recommended to spill the substrate with a saturated solution of potassium permanganate, and then slightly dry.
Preparation for the transplant of ficus Benjamin
At the stage of preparation for the transplant, the plant must be abundantly watered 2 days before the procedure. This will help soften the soil. Also, lightly loosen the soil to improve breathability.
On a note! These events will help to quickly and painfully remove Benjamin's ficus from the old pot.
Transplant Methods
Ficus transplant can be carried out in various ways. Which one to choose depends on the situation. It is advisable to consider each option and features of the procedure.
Transplantation is an integral part of care.
The simplest and most painless transplant is the transplant method. This means that the procedure is performed without disturbing the earthen coma on the roots. Ficus is simply transferred into a new pot, and only the voids formed are filled with nutrient soil. With this method, the plant receives minimal stress, is quickly restored and goes to growth.
A complete transplant option is possible. This means that during the procedure, the old soil is removed from the roots, and completely replaced with a new one. This method is used for beginning rotting of the roots or when dangerous pests are found in the ground. In this case, not only the infected soil is removed, but also the affected areas of the root system.
Additional Information! After a complete transplant, Benjamin's ficus is sick for a long time due to the stress, so this method is used only in extreme cases.
Another option may be partial soil replacement. It is used for tall ficuses, the height of which is more than 1.5-2 m. The procedure is to replace the top layer of earth in a pot. To do this, carefully remove the top layer of soil with a garden spatula without damaging the roots. After this, the formed space is filled with a new nutritious substrate and the plant is abundantly watered.
Care after replanting a plant
It is important not only transplantation, but also care for Benjamin's ficus at home after the procedure. Within 3-4 days after the procedure, the plant is shaded from sunlight. Therefore, the flower should be put in partial shade until it recovers. It is recommended to create a greenhouse effect to minimize stress. To do this, put a transparent plastic bag on the crown. Periodically remove it and ventilate so that condensation does not accumulate inside.
Watering the ficus after planting is necessary as the top layer dries. During this period, it is important to control the humidity, preventing overflow and drying out of the roots. Since both of these options can lead to the death of the plant.
Ficus Benjamin after transplantation often discards leaves, which is typical of this home flower. As soon as the plant adapts, new foliage will appear on it. The main thing is to ensure proper care.
Important! It is impossible to top dress after transplantation, since the roots of the plant are not able to absorb nutrient components. Fertilizer should be applied no earlier than 1 month.
Transfer pot transfer after purchase
Also, a transplant is recommended when buying a plant in a store. In this case, the transport substrate and the pot are replaced. They do this 2-4 weeks after the purchase so that Benjamin's ficus has time to adapt in a new place.
After a purchase, a new flower must be transplanted
Transplant Algorithm:
- Lay a layer of expanded clay 1.5 cm thick at the bottom of the pot.
- Sprinkle it with earth on top.
- Remove Benjamin's Ficus from the shipping container.
- Remove a little soil from the roots.
- Place the plant in the center of the new pot without deepening the root neck.
- Sprinkle the roots with earth and fill in the voids.
- Water the plant abundantly.
After the procedure, care for the plant is necessary in standard mode.
Important! Often you can find a small plastic pot near the purchased ficus in the center of the roots, it must be removed so that the plant can fully develop.
Common transplant errors
Many novice growers when transplanting ficus Benjamin make mistakes. As a result, this leads to the death of the plant. To prevent this, you should familiarize yourself with typical situations.
Possible mistakes:
- Deepening of the root neck, which leads to decay of shoots at the base.
- Insufficiently compacted soil, leading to the formation of voids and provokes drying of the roots.
- Ignoring the terms of transplantation, as a result of which the plant does not have time to take root in a new pot to the dormant stage and eventually dies.
- Placing a flower on the windowsill. Direct sunlight after transplantation has a detrimental effect on the ficus.
- Feeding with a high nitrogen content, this component inhibits the roots and stimulates the fasting of shoots, which is undesirable during this period.
Following all the recommendations, you can transplant Benjamin's ficus at home without much difficulty. The procedure is necessary for the full development of the flower.
