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(Thread: Beginner needs help with ficus benjamina)
Hi all! Thought I'd let you know how my baby is doing! I had it outside for the summer here in Wisconsin; it LOVED it. But I never did put in in complete full sun; it was "patterned sun" through trees for most of the day (although it did get some steady morning sun). Then, in September, I put it on the north side of the house for a couple weeks. And when the forecast got to the lower 60's, I brought it in.

It is right by our hot tub, and I have a (non-flourescent) grow light on it daily. It's under the skylight (which doesn't bring in direct sun, but does offer some light. I mist it daily. And ya know, it didn't drop a SINGLE LEAF. OK, maybe one or two over the last few months. It even has put out a new leaf or two. It sure doesn't care much about being watered; I just poured some water on it; the first watering for--heck, it must have been about a month. It is also quite pot-bound, but my understanding is FBs like that.

It likes me! It really likes me!

I may be moving in January. Not sure to where yet. Wish me luck. But I get the feeling that as long as I offer consistent conditions (and a warm vehicle when moved!), it will be OK.

Thank you all for your advice and encouragement. I really thought I wouldn't be able to handle such a picky species, but we're doing OK!

5-Dec-2006	#22
wendyjcs bonsaiTALK Neophyte Join Date: Jun-2006 Location: Menash, Wisconsin Country: USA Posts: 5	The ficus benjamina is doing well INDOORS! (Thread: Beginner needs help with ficus benjamina) Hi all! Thought I'd let you know how my baby is doing! I had it outside for the summer here in Wisconsin; it LOVED it. But I never did put in in complete full sun; it was "patterned sun" through trees for most of the day (although it did get some steady morning sun). Then, in September, I put it on the north side of the house for a couple weeks. And when the forecast got to the lower 60's, I brought it in. It is right by our hot tub, and I have a (non-flourescent) grow light on it daily. It's under the skylight (which doesn't bring in direct sun, but does offer some light. I mist it daily. And ya know, it didn't drop a SINGLE LEAF. OK, maybe one or two over the last few months. It even has put out a new leaf or two. It sure doesn't care much about being watered; I just poured some water on it; the first watering for--heck, it must have been about a month. It is also quite pot-bound, but my understanding is FBs like that. It likes me! It really likes me! I may be moving in January. Not sure to where yet. Wish me luck. But I get the feeling that as long as I offer consistent conditions (and a warm vehicle when moved!), it will be OK. Thank you all for your advice and encouragement. I really thought I wouldn't be able to handle such a picky species, but we're doing OK!