When it comes to adding greenery and elegance to indoor spaces, ficus trees are a popular choice among plant enthusiasts. Two varieties that often find themselves in the spotlight are the Ficus Benjamina 'Wintergreen' and the Ficus Florida 'Spire'. While both belong to the ficus family, they exhibit distinct characteristics that appeal to different preferences and environments.
Leaf Drop:
One of the primary distinctions between the Ficus Benjamina and the Ficus Spire lies in their leaf retention tendencies. Ficus Benjamina, commonly known as the weeping fig, is notorious for its sensitivity to environmental changes, often resulting in leaf drop when conditions fluctuate—such as changes in light, temperature, or watering routines. On the other hand, the Ficus Spire, a newer cultivar bred specifically for indoor environments, tends to be more resilient against leaf drop. It retains its slightly larger matte green, lance-shaped leaves more consistently, making it a preferred choice for those seeking a low-maintenance indoor plant.
Watering Needs:
Regarding watering needs, both varieties share a preference for evenly moist soil during the growing season. However, the Ficus Benjamina is more sensitive to overwatering, which can lead to root rot—a common issue among ficus plants. It requires a delicate balance of moisture without becoming waterlogged. In contrast, the Ficus Spire is more forgiving in its watering requirements, tolerating occasional drying out of the soil between waterings better than its counterpart.
Light Conditions:
Light plays a crucial role in the health and growth of ficus trees. Ficus Benjamina thrives in bright, indirect light but can 'adapt' to lower light conditions. However, his can increase the chances of potential leaf drop. It prefers consistency in light exposure and may need acclimatization when moving to a new spot. Conversely, the Ficus Spire is more adaptable to varying light conditions, including medium to bright indirect light and even some periods of direct sunlight in the morning or evenings when the direct sun is not so intense. This versatility makes it easier to integrate into different indoor settings where lighting might vary throughout the day.
Plant Growth Habit:
One of the biggest differences between these to cultivars is the growth habit. The Ficus Benjamina often grows in an upright spreading shape and can be pruned into that classic lollypop shape as standard tree form. While the Ficus Spire growth is much more upright and columnar. The Ficus Spire does not freely branch with codominant leaders making for a very upright narrow tree. Some branching can be encouraged with pruning. However, this plant will always want to revert to its upright form. This growth habit can be rather beneficial for smaller spaces in apartments or offices where plants are desired but space is limited.
While both the Ficus Benjamina and Ficus Spire share similarities as ficus plants, they diverge significantly in terms of leaf drop tendencies, watering needs, light requirements. and growth form. Choosing between them ultimately depends on your specific indoor environment and your ability to meet their care preferences. Whether you opt for the classic elegance of the Ficus Benjamina or the resilient charm of the non space intrusive Ficus Spire, both plants bring a touch of natural beauty to any indoor space.
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