Ficus Snowstorm
Ficus ‘Snowstorm’ (a variegated cultivar of Ficus benjamina or Ficus microcarpa, depending on the grower). Its striking green-and-white leaves make it beautiful but also a bit more sensitive than all-green ficus varieties.
🌱 Light
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Best: Bright, indirect light. Variegated leaves need more light to maintain their color.
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Tolerates: Some morning direct sun if acclimated, but protect from harsh afternoon sun to avoid leaf burn.
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Avoid: Low light — leads to leaf drop and loss of variegation.
💧 Watering
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Water when the top 1–2 inches of soil are dry.
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Use room-temperature water and pour until it drains out the bottom; discard excess.
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Overwatering is a common issue — ensure good drainage.
🌡️ Temperature & Humidity
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Ideal temperature: 60–75 °F (15–24 °C).
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Keep away from air conditioners, and heaters.
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Humidity: Average indoor humidity is fine (40–60%), but higher humidity helps reduce leaf drop.
🌱 Soil
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Use a well-draining potting mix — standard houseplant soil mixed with 20–30% perlite or sand works well.
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Ficus like slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH ~6–7).
🌸 Fertilizer
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Feed every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength.
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Reduce or stop feeding in winter when growth slows.
✂️ Pruning & Maintenance
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Prune in spring or early summer to shape and control size.
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Always cut just above a node.
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Regularly rotate the plant so it grows evenly.
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Wipe leaves with a damp cloth to remove dust and keep the variegation looking bright.
🪴 Repotting
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Repot every 2–3 years, ideally in spring, or when roots circle the bottom of the pot.
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Ficus dislike being disturbed too often, so size up gradually.
🍃 Leaf Drop Note
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Ficus plants are notorious for leaf drop when moved or when conditions change. This is normal, and new growth will emerge once it adapts.
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Maintain consistent watering, light, and temperature to minimize stress.
🐛 Pests
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Watch for spider mites, scale, and mealybugs. Treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil if needed.
⚠️ Toxicity
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Ficus plants are mildly toxic to pets and humans if ingested and may cause skin irritation from the sap.
Size: 20cm, comes in nursery pot