Ficus Benjamin (Lemon)

Botanical Name and Family:
Botanical Name: Ficus benjamina ‘Lemon Lime’
Family: Moraceae

Botanical Characteristics:
Height: Can grow up to 6-8 feet tall indoors.
Leaves: Variegated leaves with a striking mix of green and lemon-yellow, glossy and oval-shaped.
Fruit: Occasionally produces small, round fig-like fruits, although rare indoors.
Trunk: Smooth gray bark, often multi-trunked.

Natural Habitat:
Native Range: Native to tropical and subtropical regions of Asia and Australia.

Growth Requirements:
Light: Prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate moderate light conditions.
Water: Needs regular watering, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings.
Soil: Well-draining potting mix rich in organic matter.
Temperature: Thrives in average room temperatures (65-75°F or 18-24°C); avoid cold drafts.

Cultivation Methods:
Soil: Use a well-draining potting mix suitable for indoor plants.
Watering: Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry.
Lighting: Provide bright, indirect light for optimal growth.

Care Recommendations:
Propagation: Propagate through stem cuttings or air layering.
Fertilization: Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.
Pests and Diseases: Monitor for pests like spider mites and scale insects; prone to leaf drop if conditions are not ideal.

Special Contents:
Chemical Compounds: None significant beyond standard care considerations.

Various Uses:
Applications: Valued as an ornamental indoor plant for its attractive variegated foliage and air-purifying qualities.

Challenges and Limitations:
Issues: Sensitive to changes in watering and light conditions; may drop leaves if stressed.