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Ficus benjamina 'Natasja'

Ficus benjamina 'Natasja' – Care and Information

Ficus benjamina 'Natasja', a charming and compact variety of the well–known Ficus benjamina, stands out with its delicate, arching branches and lush dark green foliage. This dwarf cultivar has become a popular choice among plant enthusiasts due to its manageable size and adaptability to various indoor environments.

Native to Southeast Asia and Northern Australia, Ficus benjamina has long been admired for its resilience and versatility. 'Natasja' inherits these qualities, making it a wonderful addition to homes and offices alike. Its graceful form and elegant leaves add a touch of tranquility to any space without demanding extensive care.

Key Features of Ficus benjamina 'Natasja'

  • Compact Growth Habit: Unlike the typical Ficus benjamina, 'Natasja' remains compact, reaching a mature height of around 40 to 60 cm, making it ideal for small spaces.
  • Arching Branches: Its slender branches elegantly arch downwards, creating a graceful, weeping appearance.
  • Shiny Dark Green Leaves: The glossy, pointed leaves are slightly smaller than those of the standard species but retain the same vibrant green hue.
  • Tolerance to Low Light: While it thrives in bright, indirect light, 'Natasja' can adapt to lower light conditions.
  • Air Purification: Like many members of the Ficus genus, 'Natasja' contributes to indoor air quality, though this should be considered a secondary benefit.

Caring for Your Ficus benjamina 'Natasja'

Keeping Ficus benjamina 'Natasja' healthy is straightforward with the right care. Here’s a quick guide to ensure your plant remains in top condition:

Light Requirements

  • Prefers bright, indirect light.
  • Can tolerate lower light levels but avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves.

Watering

  • Allow the top 2–3 cm of soil to dry out between waterings.
  • Water thoroughly until excess water drains out from the bottom.
  • Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.

Humidity

  • Appreciates moderate humidity.
  • Using a humidifier or placing it in a naturally humid area will promote healthier growth.

Soil

  • Use a well–draining potting mix with peat, perlite, and pine bark.
  • A mix designed for tropical plants works well.

Temperature

  • Keep between 18°C and 24°C.
  • Avoid exposure to drafts or sudden temperature changes, which can cause leaf drop.

Fertilization

  • Feed with a balanced, water–soluble fertilizer every 4–6 weeks during the growing season.
  • Avoid fertilizing in winter when growth slows down.

Ficus benjamina 'Natasja' – Common Issues and Solutions

Leaf Drop

  • Cause: Sudden changes in light, temperature, or humidity.
  • Solution: Gradually acclimate your plant to any changes and maintain consistent care.

Yellowing Leaves

  • Cause: Overwatering or poor drainage.
  • Solution: Allow soil to dry between waterings and check the pot for proper drainage.

Spider Mites

  • Cause: Dry air and dusty leaves.
  • Solution: Regularly wipe the leaves with a damp cloth and increase humidity.

Mealybugs

  • Cause: Infestations in overcrowded conditions.
  • Solution: Isolate the plant and treat affected areas with a neem oil solution or insecticidal soap.

Extra Tips for Ficus benjamina 'Natasja'

Optimal Placement

  • Choose a spot with bright, indirect light, away from drafts or direct sunlight.
  • East– or west–facing windows are ideal.

Pruning

  • Prune in early spring to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth.
  • Remove any dead or yellowing leaves.

Repotting

  • Repot every 2–3 years in early spring or when the plant has outgrown its pot.
  • Use fresh potting mix and ensure the new container has proper drainage.

Understanding where Ficus benjamina 'Natasja' and its relatives originate can help replicate ideal growing conditions. The species naturally grows in the humid forests of Southeast Asia and Northern Australia. By mimicking these conditions—bright, filtered light, moderate humidity, and well–draining soil—you ensure your plant not only survives but thrives.

Etymology of Ficus benjamina

The genus name, Ficus, dates back to around 1400 and comes from the Latin word for fig, ficus. This name was selected by Carl Linnaeus in 1753 when he classified a large genus of trees and shrubs under this term. The specific epithet benjamina refers to the Arabic word for fig, bunjamin. This species is one of the most recognized members of the genus, known for its elegant weeping form and versatile nature.

Ficus benjamina 'Natasja'

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  • Ficus benjamina 'Natasja' is approximately 40 cm tall and comes in a ⌀ 12 cm pot.


  • Name: Ficus benjamina 'Natasja' – a  cultivar of Ficus benjamina L. .
  • Common Names: Weeping Fig, Benjamin Fig, Ficus Tree.
  • Type: Evergreen tree; maintains lush foliage year-round.
  • Form: Phanerophyte; perennial plant with buds growing well above ground level.
  • Family: Moraceae; includes many ornamental tropical trees and shrubs.
  • Native Range: Tropical and Subtropical Asia and Northern Australia; thrives in diverse tropical environments.
  • Habitat: Grows naturally in humid, shaded areas of rainforests, often as a canopy tree.
  • Zone: USDA hardiness zones 10–12; ideal for indoor cultivation in cooler climates.
  • Height: Can reach up to 3–4 meters indoors; taller in natural habitats.
  • Spread: Spreads up to 2–3 meters; forms a broad, bushy canopy with proper care.
  • Growth Habit: Upright and graceful growth with a strong central trunk and dense branching.
  • Light: Prefers bright, indirect light; tolerates lower light but may lose panaschierte patterns.
  • Watering: Water when the top 2–3 cm of soil is dry; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
  • Humidity: Thrives in high humidity levels above 60%; higher humidity supports vibrant foliage.
  • Temperature: Ideal temperature range between 18–24°C; avoid temperatures below 15°C to prevent leaf drop.
  • Soil: Well-draining, rich potting mix; a blend of peat, perlite, and pine bark ensures optimal aeration.
  • Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; reduce watering in lower light conditions.
  • Maintenance: Moderate; prune to shape and remove yellowing or damaged Blätter to maintain appearance.
  • Foliage: Glossy, dark green leaves
  • Tolerance: Tolerates lower light and occasional neglect; sensitive to overwatering and cold drafts.
  • Fertilizing: Feed every 2–3 months during the growing season with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength.
  • Propagation: Propagate through stem cuttings; best done in spring or early summer with rooting hormone and moist soil.
  • Common Pests: Susceptible to scale insects, spider mites, and mealybugs; inspect regularly and treat infestations promptly.
  • Flowering: Rarely flowers indoors; primarily valued for its elegant foliage.
  • Growth Rate: Moderate to fast growth; can reach full size within 2–3 years under optimal conditions.
  • Toxicity: Toxic to pets and humans if ingested; contains calcium oxalate crystals—handle with care.
  • Ideal Placement: Place in a bright area with indirect light and stable temperatures; avoid cold drafts and direct sunlight.
  • Repotting: Repot every 1–2 years or when root-bound; use a pot with good drainage to accommodate growth.
  • Special Care: Maintain high humidity and consistent temperatures; ensure good airflow to prevent fungal issues and avoid overwatering.
  • Taxon identifiers (Ficus benjamina L.): NCBI taxonomy ID : 182105 ITIS TSN : 19083 Freebase ID : /m/03b6m9 Tropicos ID : 21300598 IPNI plant ID : 852486-1 PlantList-ID : kew-2809661 Encyclopedia of Life ID : 594918 Flora of North America taxon ID : 200006350 Flora of China ID : 200006350 USDA PLANTS ID : FIBE GBIF taxon ID : 5361932 New Zealand Organisms Register ID : a3540a71-730a-4d83-bbc9-9db06b2b3d39 Catalogue of Life in Taiwan ID : 204832 EPPO Code : FIUBE iNaturalist taxon ID : 50996 TAXREF ID : 445805 Encyclopædia Britannica Online ID : plant/weeping-fig Plants of the World online ID : urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:852486-1 IRMNG ID : 11233251 GND ID : 4836803-9 Invasive Species Compendium Datasheet ID : 24065 APNI ID : 90406 Plant Finder ID (Missouri Botanical Garden) : 282745 Atlas of Florida Plants ID : 2002 Library of Congress authority ID : sh2009006562 Flora of Australia ID (new) : Ficus benjamina African Plant Database ID : 234755 ATRF ID : Ficus_benjamina OmegaWiki Defined Meaning : 1704320 Flowers of India ID : Weeping Fig IUCN taxon ID : 145362709 French Vikidia ID : Figuier_pleureur Microsoft Academic ID : 2776867501 Observation.org ID : 341434 eBiodiversity ID : 209648 World Flora Online ID : wfo-0000687511 ZOBODAT taxon ID : 62329 Open Tree of Life ID : 272174 Queensland Biota ID : 19858 Dutch Caribbean Species Register ID : 178420 Calflora ID : 12510 NatureServe Explorer ID : 2.158584 Den Store Danske ID : birkefigen Portal to the Flora of Italy ID : 11707 Catalogue of Life ID : 6HVXP National Library of Israel J9U ID : 987007545354105171 Reflora ID : FB603276
  • Synonyms (Ficus benjamina L.): = = Ficus benjamina f. warringiana M.F.Barrett = Ficus benjamina subsp. comosa (Roxb.) Panigrahi and Murti = Ficus benjamina var. benjamina = Ficus benjamina var. bracteata Corner = Ficus benjamina var. bracteata T.Yamaz. = Ficus benjamina var. comosa (Roxb.) Kurz = Ficus benjamina var. comosa King = Ficus benjamina var. haematocarpa (Blume ex Decne.) Miq. = Ficus benjamina var. lehuntei F.M.Bailey = Ficus benjamina var. nuda (Miq.) Barrett = Ficus comosa Roxb. = Ficus cuspidato-caudata Hayata = Ficus dictyophylla Wall. = Ficus exotica ≡ Ficus haematocarpa Blume = Ficus haematocarpa Blume ex Decne. = Ficus lucida Aiton = Ficus neglecta Decne. = Ficus nepalensis Blanco = Ficus nitida Thunb. ≡ Ficus notobor Buch.-Ham. = Ficus notobor Buch.-Ham. ex Wall. = Ficus nuda (Miq.) Miq. = Ficus papyrifera Griff. = Ficus parvifolia Oken = Ficus pendula Link = Ficus pyrifolia Salisb. = Ficus reclinata Desf. = Ficus retusa f. nitida (Thunb.) King = Ficus retusa var. nitida (Thunb.) F.M.Bailey = Ficus retusa var. nitida (Thunb.) Miq. = Ficus striata Roth = Ficus umbrina Elmer = Ficus waringiana = Ficus xavieri Merr. ≡ Urostigma benjamina (L.) Miq. = Urostigma benjaminum var. nudum Miq. = Urostigma haematocarpum Miq. = Urostigma neglectum Miq. = Urostigma nitidum (Thunb.) Miq. = Urostigma nitidum Gasp. = Urostigma nudum Miq.

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