Ficus benjamina or Weeping fig

Care of the indoor plant Ficus benjamina or Weeping fig

The genus Ficus, family Moraceae, includes 900 species of trees, shrubs and climbing plants native to the Mediterranean region and tropical regions around the world. Some species are: Ficus benjamina, Ficus salicaria, Ficus rubiginosa, Ficus pumila, Ficus lyrata, Ficus ingens, Ficus deltoidea, Ficus carica, Ficus binnendijkii, Ficus elastica, Ficus radicans, Ficus retusa, Ficus cyathistipula.

Common names: Benjamin fig, Ficus tree or Weeping fig. This species is native to Southeast Asia and Australia.

They are evergreen trees with slightly arched branches that reach 30 meters (98.42 feet) in height. The leaves are oval and pointed; they can be bright green or variegated, depending on the variety. They do not usually produce flowers.

These easy-to-grow plants are used as indoor, greenhouse, terrace and patio plants, as isolated specimens in the garden and in public streets and parks.

The Ficus benjamina prefers a semi-shade exposure receiving direct sun in the early hours of the morning; young and variegated plants need more light. It's important that they have good ventilation avoiding drafts. The adult specimens resist occasional very light frosts.

The soil can be a normal garden substrate or a commercial indoor plant substrate with a little peat and coarse sand to improve drainage. The transplant is done in early spring.

Water regularly in spring and summer so that the substrate never dries out completely (never flood). In autumn and winter water waiting for the substrate to dry.

Fertilize once a month in spring and summer with liquid fertilizer. In winter, fertilize with organic powder fertilizer. The surface of the substrate must be removed from time to time to facilitate drainage.

Prune lightly in early spring or fall to keep it compact.

They are quite resistant plants to the usual pests and diseases.

They are propagated by air layering and by semi-woody cuttings.