Ficus benjamina
Ficus benjamina
Weeping Fig
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Description
Ficus benjamina, the classic Weeping Fig, is a graceful indoor tree with arching branches and glossy leaves. It’s adaptable and long-lived, but sensitive to change—give it steady light, warmth, and a consistent routine for best results.
Common Names
Weeping FigBenjamin FigBenjaminaJava Fig
Context
nativeRegion
Tropical Asia to northern Australia; widely naturalized in the tropics.
usdaZones
10–12 outdoors (frost-free); commonly grown indoors elsewhere.
companionPlants
Dracaena, Schefflera (Umbrella Plant), Pothos (Epipremnum), Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum), Aglaonema, Philodendron
culturalUses
Popular indoor specimen and office lobby tree; trained as bonsai; used as a hedge or street tree in tropical landscapes.
Care
Care Requirements
LightBright, indirect light; a few hours of gentle morning sun is fine. Avoid deep shade or harsh afternoon sun.
WateringWater when the top 1–2 inches of soil are dry. Thoroughly soak, then drain. Reduce in winter. Avoid soggy roots.
SoilWell-draining, peat/coir-based mix with perlite or bark. Slightly acidic to neutral (pH ~6.0–7.0).
FertilizerBalanced liquid (e.g., 10-10-10 or 20-20-20) at half strength every 4–6 weeks in spring–summer; pause or reduce in fall–winter.
HumidityPrefers moderate to high humidity (40–60%+). Mist, group plants, or use a humidifier in dry rooms.
TemperatureIdeal 65–80°F (18–27°C). Avoid drafts and temps below ~55°F (13°C).
Growth & Life Cycle
HabitEvergreen tree with arching, pendulous branches and dense, glossy foliage.
Mature SizeIndoors 3–10 ft (0.9–3 m); outdoors 30–60+ ft (9–18+ m) with broad spread.
Growth RateModerate to fast in warm, bright conditions.
BloomingProduces small, inconspicuous syconia (figs); rarely noticeable indoors.
DormancyNo true dormancy; growth slows in cooler, lower-light months.
Propagation
MethodsStem cuttings, Air layering, Seed (uncommon)
DifficultyEasy to moderate (cuttings and air layering are reliable).
Best SeasonSpring to early summer for strongest, quickest rooting.
Maintenance & Notes
PruningPrune in late winter to early spring to shape and control size; tolerates hard pruning. Sticky latex sap may ooze—protect surfaces and skin.
RepottingEvery 2–3 years in spring or when roots circle the pot. Step up 1–2 inches in diameter with fresh, well-draining mix.
Pests & DiseasesWatch for spider mites, scale, mealybugs, and thrips; treat early with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil. Overwatering can cause root rot; environmental change can trigger leaf drop.
ToxicitySap contains latex; may irritate skin. Mildly toxic if ingested by pets (GI upset). Keep out of reach of pets and children.