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weeping fig (Ficus benjamina)

Ficus benjamina is a perennial evergreen broadleaf shrub or tree that can develop into a tall, broad-crowned tree in its natural environment and is also commonly grown indoors as a potted foliage plant.

LightSources differ somewhat, but Ficus benjamina prefers bright light; indoors, bright indirect or filtered light is suitable, and it can also tolerate shadier conditions. A sudden increase in direct sunlight may scorch the
WaterFrom spring through autumn, water thoroughly after the surface of the growing medium has dried; in winter, reduce watering and keep conditions somewhat drier without allowing the medium to dry out completely or the plant
HumidityFicus benjamina is generally reported to prefer high humidity and needs little air movement.
TemperatureFew sources report temperature figures; an ideal range is about 20–25 °C, with a reported minimum of about 10 °C. It is generally reported for a warm hardiness range and is frost tender; keep above freezing.
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Overview

Ficus benjamina is a perennial evergreen broadleaf shrub or tree that can develop into a tall, broad-crowned tree in its natural environment and is also commonly grown indoors as a potted foliage plant.

Origin and habitat

Ficus benjamina is native from South and Southeast Asia through the Malay Archipelago to northern Australia and the southwestern Pacific, including India, Nepal, Myanmar, southern China, Indochina, Malaysia, the Philippines, Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, and Australia. In its native range it occurs in low- to middle-elevation forests, moist mixed woodland, and near rivers and streams. It is native to warm regions from Asia to Australia and the Pacific, is suited to warm, frost-free environments, and is widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical areas.

Characteristics

Sources differ, placing mature height at about 1500–3000 cm and mature spread at about 760–1000 cm. Growth is reported to be moderate to fast. The simple, entire, petiolate leaves are ovate to ovate-lanceolate with pointed tips; mature leaves are green and smooth, ranging from glossy to slightly dull, while new leaves are lighter green. The plant is monoecious, with spherical to ovoid fig-like inflorescences containing male, fertile female, and sterile female flowers; the flowers themselves are inconspicuous, while mature figs are orange to orange-red, and small fruits may be eaten by birds.

Light

Sources differ somewhat, but Ficus benjamina prefers bright light; indoors, bright indirect or filtered light is suitable, and it can also tolerate shadier conditions. A sudden increase in direct sunlight may scorch the leaves, while changes in light conditions may cause leaf drop.

Watering

From spring through autumn, water thoroughly after the surface of the growing medium has dried; in winter, reduce watering and keep conditions somewhat drier without allowing the medium to dry out completely or the plant to become water-stressed. The growing medium should drain well.

Humidity and airflow

Ficus benjamina is generally reported to prefer high humidity and needs little air movement.

Temperature and dormancy

Few sources report temperature figures; an ideal range is about 20–25 °C, with a reported minimum of about 10 °C. It is generally reported for a warm hardiness range and is frost tender; keep above freezing.

Growing medium and mounting

Use a well-drained growing medium; a loam-based potting medium is suitable, and the plant adapts to a broad range of soils, including clay, loam, sand, and chalk, under acidic, neutral, or alkaline conditions.

Feeding

Sources differ on feeding guidance; fertilizer may be applied from early summer to early autumn, including the use of slow-release fertilizer at intervals.

Propagation

Ficus benjamina can be propagated by cuttings, layering, or seed; cuttings root readily, and its slender branches make this method particularly suitable, with warm conditions in early summer making management easier.

Common problems

It is generally reported to be susceptible to pests including two-spotted spider mites, thrips, aphids, and scale insects. The plant is sensitive to environmental changes: moving it into different light conditions may cause substantial leaf drop, while cold conditions with wet potting medium or overly dry air may also cause leaves to fall; sudden strong direct sunlight may scorch the leaves. It does not tolerate cold, frost, or cold winds and is best kept in a warm, sheltered environment.

Identification

Ficus benjamina has conspicuously drooping branches and a dense, spreading crown, with relatively small, pointed leaves that are often glossy; mature plants can develop aerial roots.

Photos

Ficus benjamina
📷 KENPEI · CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
Ficus benjamina
📷 no rights reserved, uploaded by 葉子 · CC0 · source
Ficus benjamina
📷 Matt B, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Matt B · CC BY · source

Sources