Unexpectedly it happened outside: too quickly cleared out in spring or too late in autumn - the birch fig is already exposed to frost. Now there is the question of the frost tolerance of a Ficus Benjamini. Here you can read a comprehensible answer with tips for the right overwintering.

Ficus Benjamini must be brought inside before the onset of winter

Tropical origin signals zero tolerance for zero degrees

The birch fig is native to the tropical belt of our planet, where temperatures rarely drop below 20 degrees Celsius. Consequently, the evergreen ornamental tree has no winter hardiness. In fact, the exotic plant shivers at temperatures below 16 degrees Celsius. If the mercury column falls to freezing point for just one night, a Ficus benjamina will die.

This is how you overwinter your birch fig correctly

If your Benjamini was able to enjoy the summer under the open sky, put the plant away in good time in the fall. With the following care program you can accompany your evergreen roommate through the cold season unscathed:

  • The ideal winter quarters are bright and warm with temperatures above 18 degrees Celsius
  • High humidity of more than 50 percent is desirable
  • Water less compared to summer time
  • Fertilize every 6 weeks from October to March

The sunnier the location in winter, the warmer the temperatures can be. So that the birch fig can hibernate in the well-heated living room, it should sit on the south-facing window. The warm, bright bedroom is recommended as winter quarters, as the cooler temperatures here better compensate for the lack of light. The minimum temperature must not be fallen below.

Is my birch fig still alive after a frosty night

A well cared for Ficus benjamina of advanced age can have a robust constitution that can survive a night of freezing temperatures. Although the leaves are all falling off, the branches can still be vital. Scrape off the bark a little. If the tissue is green, there is a good chance that it will sprout again.

tips

The birch fig rarely suffers frost damage during the day. Rather, it is the nocturnal temperature drops that mean the end for the exotic plant. Before you clear out your Ficus benjamina on the balcony in spring, simply check the temperature level with a minimum-maximum thermometer. This shows you in the morning how cold it was during the night.

Category:

Indoor plants