Ficus binnendijkii aka Sabre Leaf Ficus

Taxonomy

Ficus binnendijkii, also known as an elegant evergreen tree, can reach up to 3m tall when grown as a houseplant. Its glossy leaves, which point downwards, have a beautiful bronze tint when they are young. Interestingly, all plants in the Ficus genus produce figs, which is why the word "Ficus" literally means figs. These figs serve as a safe haven for tiny wasps to raise their young, as they pollinate all figs. It's worth noting that Ficus plants contain latex, a milky sap that emerges when twigs are broken. This latex makes them toxic, so caution should be taken if you have children or pets. While F. binnendijkii can grow up to 30m in the tropics, it remains much smaller when cultivated as a houseplant. It features arching branches and glossy, narrow leaves that are pointed and can grow up to 25cm long. In spring, mature plants may produce inconspicuous green flowers, followed by small red fruit in the autumn.

Common names

Sabre Leaf Ficus, Ficus Binnendijkii

How to care for Sabre Leaf Ficus

Difficulty

Caring for Sabre Leaf Ficus is a breeze, as it is highly adaptable and forgiving to minor neglect.

Water

Sabre Leaf Ficus should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Sabre Leaf Ficus loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

To ensure optimal growth, the Sabre Leaf Ficus prefers bright indirect light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

Dormancy

During the cold period, it is common for Sabre Leaf Ficus to go dormant, resulting in a slowdown of growth. To accommodate this, waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

Ploi lacks confirmed information on the toxicity of this plant. If you, a relative, or your pet accidentally consume plant material with unknown toxicity, it's best to consult a medical expert.

Humidity

The Sabre Leaf Ficus does not need extra humidity. Plants primarily absorb water through their root system, making soil watering the best way to provide humidity to your plants.

Fertilizer

The Sabre Leaf Ficus should be repotted when it has doubled in size or annually, whichever comes first. Providing fresh potting soil with all the essential nutrients each year ensures the plant's well-being, eliminating the need for fertilizer. Remember, plants derive their energy from the sun and not fertilizer.

Region of origin

Sabre Leaf Ficus’s native range is worldwide Tropics.


More info:
Wikipedia