How to stop Ficus benjamina from bleeding sap?

frenchy_1951

Hello, I'm sort of new here. I had plants most of my life. I cannot stand it when I visit someone's house and their plants are dying due to lack of water. The only plants I wasn't successful with were African Violets. I didn't have the right window in the apartment I lived in. I was wondering if anyone would be kind enough to tell me how to stop a plant (ficus benjamina) from bleeding. I treat all my plants as if they were family. It was such a pleasure finding this website. I wish you all the best.
Frenchy

Advertisement

thejimmyrigger

Odd place to post ficus question, take a lighter and burn the sap till it boils. The sap dries quick, I can't gaurantee long term scar covering, I've only done it once or twice recently.

Edit: some how this was or appeared to be under the jade questions thread hmmm...am I crazy or is bonsaitalk?

__________________
Jimmyrigging is much like jerryrigging, just go a bit lighter on the duct tape and wire coat hangers, and hit said broken item more. Remember: if it isn't broke don't kick it.

pootsie

Frenchy, do you mean bleeding, oozing sap, after a cut?
.. or does your tree just keep dripping sap through bark?

pootsie

__________________
p.s. My cat is a bonsaiTALK Master.
Columbus Bonsai Society

jorgitocr

I have worked with ficus benjamina and the only way the bleed less is if you cut then when you are in first quarter moon and that tip was given to me by somebody who has been dealing with Figs all his life pretty much, I hope it helps!!!

RonMartin(deceased)

Don't worry about it. The cut will stop bleeding all by itself. The tree wont die or even get a little bit sick ;o)

Paul Phillis

My experience with Ficus rubiginosa is to spray the fresh cut with water and it seals the cut immediately. I wouldn't think that F. benjimina would be much different. Won't hurt to try anyway.

Paul

Skipsan

Cold water works best and fastest to seal the wound.

Will_Heath

Ron Martin is right on here.

Bleeding latex is a survival mechanism for these figs. They will seal themselfs, no water, full moon, flame throwers, siily putty or anything else is needed. Unless of course you make a major cut.

Check my gallery, I have some small experience with figs. I also have some bennies and never worried about stopping the latex flow. They do quite well all on their own.

Jerry could explain this better than I...


Good luck,

Will Heath

Skipsan

Who said anything about flame throwers, or silly putty? Actually, I used to cut and just let it ooze, but I didn't like looking at this white riverlet running down the branch or pooling on the leaves. A year ago I joined the local bonsai club and the president of the club told me that cold water would help dilute the stuff and the wound would seal quicker. To take it step further I have even been known to daub the sap with the corner of a paper towel. To me it just matter of not wanting to look at the dried sap on the leaves and branches, I have a hard time wiping it off after it's dried.