The Ficus Black is a variety of the Ficus Benjamina, which is also known as the Weeping Fig. The Ficus Black has dark green, glossy leaves with a blackish hue. It is a fast-growing tree that can reach a height of up to 30 feet. The tree is native to tropical regions of Asia and Australia.
How to care:
The Ficus Black is a relatively easy tree to care for. It prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate lower light levels. The tree needs to be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between watering. The tree can be fertilized once or twice a year with a general-purpose fertilizer.
Water requirement:
The Ficus Black needs to be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between watering.
Fertilizing:
The Ficus Black can be fertilized once or twice a year with a general-purpose fertilizer.
Type of Soil:
The tree prefers a well-drained, sandy soil.Although ficus trees are somewhat drought-tolerant, they do best with moderate soil moisture as well as rich, fast-draining potting soil. Weeping Figs do not necessarily need soil with heavy amounts of organic matter.
Light requirement:
The Ficus Black prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate lower light levels.
Pruning:
Pruning is not necessary, but can be done to shape the tree.Pruning is an essential part of any care routine for Ficus Benajmina when growing this plant as a bonsai. Because the Weeping Fig grows quickly, pruning also helps to limit the size of this plant. As when taking cuttings for propagation, cut branches at least 1/4 inch down from a leaf node (where leaves join a branch). The best time to prune a Weeping Fig is in colder months, when it’s dormant.
Remove dead branches and leaves at any time of year to direct the tree’s energy to its living limbs and leaves.
Propagation:
The tree can be propagated from seed or cuttings.The easiest way to propagate Weeping Fig is by taking stem cuttings. Do this in the Spring when there is ample warmth and humidity to increase the likelihood that your cuttings will take root.
Landscape uses:
The Ficus Black makes an excellent indoor or patio tree. It can also be used in mass plantings or as a hedge.