Moving F. Benjamina outside

Globalist1789

Hi all,



I have a number of F. Benjamina that I’m going to move outside during the warmer part of the year, but I have a few questions.



1) What is the minimum temperature that they need before I start hardening them off?

2) How important is it that ficus be hardened off?


and

3) F. Benjamina are notorious for leaf-drop when moved. How much of the foliage am I likely to lose when I move them out and then when I move them back indoors in the fall?


Thanks folks, and any other tips you have would be greatly appreciated.

Advertisement

malik

I've had success with a couple of these guys and this is what I can offer. I wouldn't move them outside until night temps are consistently above 60F. Ficus are fussy and it will drop leaves when you move it, but don't worry about it. It could drop up to a third of it's leaves, but will put new growth as soon as it is settled. It is simply the way they react to suttle changes. I've moved mine around and not have them drop leaves before. I wouldn't worry about it too much.

__________________
"History will be kind to me for I intend to write it" -Winston Churchill

Repotter

They will only drop their leaves if they do not like where you move them to.
So just be aware of the temps and the chill of wind. Above 60 like malik says.

__________________
http://www.tellys.com

http://www.Fourseasonsbonsai.com
The original Four Seasons Bonsai Club of Michigan.
Guest master Pedro Morales visit was a huge success.
Tellys Greenhouse, 3301 John R road, Troy Mi. 48083

Four Seasons Bonsai Club meetings monthly.
Troy, Michigan

"Anything is possible when you don't know what you are doing"................someone famous I think.