Ficus Benjamin: signs and superstitions, how to grow

Benjamin's domestic ficus is one of the most popular indoor plants, having a large number of varieties, each of which is insanely beautiful and graceful. Reminiscent of the form of a weeping ficus tree is widely used in the greening of offices, is the original decoration of any home.

Description of the ficus of Benjamin

The birthplace of the ficus of Benjamin - subtropical and tropical forests of China, India, Southeast Asia. Also this evergreen is found in the north of Australia and the Philippines. In nature, the ficus of Benjamin is a tree, reaching a height of about 20 meters. At home, the dimensions are more modest - up to 2 meters with quality care. The lush crown of the indoor specimen is formed by flowing shoots, strewn with numerous oval leaves with wavy or even edges. The top of the smooth leathery leaf is drawn and pointed. The color is green, with a glossy shade.

To give the plant a decorative form, it is often planted in a pot for 2-3 pieces, and the trunks, flexible enough at a young age, are intertwined with a pigtail.

How to care for the ficus of Benjamin?

The plant in care is quite unpretentious, loves well-lit, regularly ventilated places, does not tolerate drafts and direct sunlight. Irrigation recommended moderate, well-kept, warm water. To increase the humidity periodically it is necessary to arrange an impromptu warm shower. After all, the birthplace of the ficus of Benjamin - the tropics, so the increased humidity for him is very comfortable. Optimum for a room flower is a temperature of +25 degrees. It is recommended to make permanent loosening of the soil, ensuring its uniform drying after watering and providing access of oxygen to the root system of the plant. Top dressing is done with liquid mineral fertilizers for ornamental plants. To rearrange the ficus of Benjamin, signs and superstitions about which often bear the opposite meaning, is not recommended, otherwise it may lead to the fall of the leaves.

During the rest period, occurring during the cold season, all measures to stimulate flower growth (watering, fertilizing, spraying) should be reduced or stopped in order to avoid the formation of elongated weak shoots.

Ficus transplantation is made by transplanting into a large container: a young plant - every spring, a mature one - every 2-3 years.

Beneficial features

In favor of the establishment of the ficus of Benjamin, the following facts speak for themselves: saturation of the room with oxygen, purification of air, absorption of such harmful substances as phenol, benzene, formaldehyde, trichlorethylene. This plant is revered in Thailand; It is a symbol of the state, considered sacred, bringing good luck and driving away evil spirits. Love him and in Cyprus; There the ficus is responsible for fertility.

Ficus Benjamin: signs and superstitions

Like any plant, ficus carries a certain energy, which everyone explains in his own way. Some specially plant this flower in the house, believing in the luck brought by it, others bypass it by the tenth road, afraid to bring trouble to their house.

People in China consider Benjamin's ficus a family plant. It is passed down from generation to generation, given to birthdays, especially to older people: to maintain physical health and mental strength. It is a symbol of luck, harmony, light energy in the house.

The Slavic peoples perceive the ficus of Benjamin differently. Signs and superstitions for the most part are of negative importance, so not everyone risks starting such a plant in their home, fearing adverse consequences. So, Benjamin ficus, like ivy, is considered a muzhegon, because it prevents a single woman from finding her soul mate. He simply "expels" all potential suitors. Perhaps this opinion was formed in the post-war years, when men did not return to the majority of families from the front. Also, the ficus of Benjamin is accused of family quarrels, scandals, gossip.

Ficus Benjamin to help childless couples

Not everyone believes in these prejudices. Many believe that the ficus of Benjamin brings good luck, promotes the establishment of relationships between the household and promotion on the career ladder. And the plant helps childless couples to become parents. To do this, the Benjamin ficus, preferably his young sprout, should be placed in the matrimonial bedroom. The messengers of the accomplished miracle will be new shoots of a houseplant.

Therefore, it is up to you to decide whether it is worth starting a Benjamin ficus in your home. Signs and superstitions play, of course, not the last role in the implementation of the right choice, but it is still necessary to rely on your own intuition and believe only in good qualities of the plant. And then in your home there will be peace and quiet.