topic Re: Is this normal on a ficus tree? in Garden

Is this normal on a ficus tree?

Snicks1 — Tue, 25 Sep 2018 18:02:25 GMT

My granddaughter sent me this pic of her ficus tree, which she has kept outside this summer. It has about 4-5 of these "balls" growing on it. She is wondering if this is ok or is it something that will hatch once she brings it inside. Anyone have any ideas? Thanks so much.

Re: Is this normal on a ficus tree?

ValuSkr — Tue, 25 Sep 2018 18:09:48 GMT

Apparently, ficus benjamina will bear fruit occasionally, especially if kept outside in a warm, humid climate. Could the balls be the fruit? The fruit are edible, if they are still fresh.

http://tipsplants.com/community/growing-plants/4-main-ways-using-ficus-benjamina-fruit

Re: Is this normal on a ficus tree?

Sweetbay magnolia — Tue, 25 Sep 2018 18:11:11 GMT

Loos like a gall. It happens. I'd probably cut it away at this point. They can be fungal or bacterial in origin.

Re: Is this normal on a ficus tree?

Lilysmom — Tue, 25 Sep 2018 20:31:11 GMT

@Snicks1, I don’t know anything about ficus trees but my oaks have gall and it is not harmful to them. I would snip one off and open it to see what is inside before I brought it inside. LM

@Snicks1, check this out...http://www.plant-care.com/ficus-tree-they-have-gall.html

Re: Is this normal on a ficus tree?

Snicks1 — Tue, 25 Sep 2018 21:07:46 GMT

Thanks to all for the responses. I have forwarded the info to my granddaughter. Much appreciated.

Re: Is this normal on a ficus tree?

JustJazzmom — Wed, 26 Sep 2018 04:29:01 GMT

Fruit would appear after a flower has gone to seed. I think it’s a gall too. Could even had been caused by a wasp that irritated the plant tissue.