We will need to prune our Ficus Benjamina periodically to keep it healthy, full and attractive.
We may need to prune to...
1.-remove dead branches. Dead branches are not only unsightly, but will interfere with new growth.
2.-reduce the size of the houseplant. The ficus benjamina or weeping fig, can grow rather large in both height and spread. If left unchecked it can demand more and more space until it needs more space than we are willing to give it.
3.-get rid of weaker growth to produce a stronger plant. The weeping fig produces many thin branches that bend under the weight of the leaves. This is an attractive feature of the houseplant. Pruning will be needed however to encourage stonger growth to produce a shaplier plant as it matures.
4.- create a bushier, more shapely plant. Pruning will encourage the branches to divide producing a thicker, fuller houseplant.
5.- make room for new growth.
We should remove dead growth any time it appears. Cut away all of the dead material.
Pruning for other reasons should be carried out in the spring when the new growth begins to appear.
We should always use sharp tools to make the cuts as the will cause less damage to the branches. The cuts will heal faster and allow less time for disease to attack the open wound.
Cuts should be made just above a node on a branch, as that is where the new growth will begin.
Ficus benjamina can withstand removing up to 1/3 of the plant if needed. This is referred to as a hard pruning.
The new growth will fill in the areas where branches have been cut away making a fuller bush.
The ficus benjamina shown in the images had not been pruned in 2 or 3 years. It was pruned to remove some dead branches and weaker growth and to reduce its spread. It was claiming more of my living room than I was prepared to give it.
Regular pruning of your ficus benjamina will control its size and shape and improve its appearance.
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