Hello,

A friend recently gifted me with a handful of Ficus benjamina seed pods collected from an indoor specimen. Internet research has offered little useful information on how to germinate these seeds, only the possibility that the seeds may be infertile. As an amateur plant enthusiast eager to learn and always up for a challenge, I will be most appreciative of any germination advice offered from a kindly professional.

Regards,
Marilyn Glass

Referring to "A Grower’s Guide- Tropical Foliage Plants," the chapter on F. benjamina mentions that the seeds of "stock plants" are often not viable. I would venture that extends to plants propagated from those plants, so the seeds probably won’t sprout. However, if you want to try it for gigs and giggles, soak some in a mild acid solution for several hours- this often expedites seed germination. FYI, ficus are easy to propagate from cuttings- without rooting hormone, no less.
Good luck! Lynnae.

I’m not sure about whether F. benjamina is included in this group, but some Ficus species are pollinated by ants, wasps or other insects that sometimes even take up residence inside the "flowers" (the little balls that eventually turn into the larger balls that comprise the fruit in which the seeds are contained). Some species, such as F. nuda, have very conspicuous and even decorative fruits (nuda’s fruit resembles a kumquat or Calamondin orange fruit), which are probably evolved to attract a fruit-eating animal (bird, bat, monkey, etc.) that returns the favor by spreading the tree’s seeds in its scat.

Don’t tell anyone, but a few years back I had picked up a few dropped fruits of the Banyan tree off the ground at a botanical garden in Florida and planted the entire fruit (which was about the same size as a benjamina "fig") in a 4" pot filled with soilless mix. A few months later, I had a handful of Ficus seedlings, one of which took off and grew into what is now a 6-foot-tall, beautiful, branching young tree. So it can be done, but the chances of a Ficus in an interiorscape being successfully pollinated are slim. I’m sure there were plenty of whatever pollinating insect is necessary to fertilize Banyan flowers around in Florida when that tree was in its most recent flowering/fruiting cycle, so my seeds were "nature-empowered".

Clem

Thank you, Lynnae and Clem, for such prompt responses.

Clem, your explanation of Ficus pollination requiring certain insects is consistent with what little information I gleaned from my research but stranger things have been known to happen than stray wasps seeking refuge from summer’s heat entering an atrium, so I will give it a go and sow the seeds forewarned about the slim possibility of success and not hold my breath waiting for a positive outcome. If the seeds do germinate, it will be a delightful surprise! And your Banyan story is both heartening and encouraging. How you came into possession of the fruit especially gave me a chuckle as I’ve been known to use similar acquisition methods. (Shhh!!)

A follow-up question for each of you, if I may:

Lynnae, do you recommend a specific mild acid to presoak the seeds? Would white vinegar do the trick and if so, straight or diluted? And yes, germinating from seeds is for "gigs and giggles". I have successfully propagated a F. benjamina from green tip cuttings; now I look forward to the challenge of seeds!

Clem, did you use bottom heating or any special techniques to expedite germination of the Banyan seeds?

Again, thanks for your generosity in sharing your knowledge with an amateur. Much appreciated!

Regards,
Marilyn

Marilyn: we itinerant "plant collectors" should always respect the sanctity of the botanical garden’s property...however, "hobo etiquette" permits one to pick up debris that has fallen onto the ground and "dispose" of it in an appropriate manner, so picking up the odd stray Ficus fruit probably falls under that exemption, no?

I used no special germination techniques other than placing the pot in a sunny east window...I’m sure the warmth generated by the sun’s rays striking the pot was enough to help the process along.

Clem

Marilyn,
Yes, vinegar is fine. Two hours should do it, but definitely no more than 4. You can also gently scrape or abrate the surface of the seed as well. Most seeds sprout well without needing those two tricks, but even for those seeds that don’t "need it", the germination tricks may increase your germination rate.

By the way, I meant to say kicks and giggles- wonder what was on my brain! Anyway, happy germinating. Email me and let me know how it turns out!

Yours in benevolence, Lynnae.

Again, thank you both for your advice. I’ll keep you posted how my efforts turn out.

Marilyn

P.S. Clem, I agree, fallen fruit is definitely exempt under "hobo etiquette".