| Weeping fig (ficus) | Information |
|---|---|
| Common names: | weeping fig, benjamin tree |
| Botanical name: | Ficus benjamina AGM |
| Family: | fig (Moraceae) |
| Type: | evergreen houseplant |
| Height: | 75cm to 3m (2.4 to 10ft) |
| Spread: | 50cm to 2m (1.6 to 6.5ft) |
| Aspect: | bright indirect light |
| Humidity: | average to high |
| Temperature: | 13 to 25°C (55 to 77°F) |
| Hardiness: | H1C |
| Difficulty: | Easy |
The weeping fig (Ficus benjamina) is the princess of indoor plants – having a very feminine, graceful habit, it stands out amongst the more architectural-looking houseplants and adds softness to a room. Even better, it is a doddle to grow in the right conditions.
Introduced here from India in 1759, this evergreen shrub or tree is native to tropical and subtropical Asia (including India, Nepal, and Thailand) and north Australia. Weeping figs can grow into large, enchanting trees in the wild, sometimes reaching 30 metres. Because the small, glossy leaves are similar to those of the bay tree, F. benjamina is often referred to as tropical laurel; outdoors, the leaves move on the breeze, catching the light. Eventually, when mature, the trees form wide, dense cloud-shaped crowns, and, for this reason, they are widely planted in parks in Asia, to provide shade. Rather like the banyan tree, the weeping branches create a huddle of trunks. The trees also bear small red-orange figs that are eaten by birds.
As a houseplant, it will not fruit, but provides beautiful foliage and shape. The branches are slender and arching, making it very elegant. The variegated forms are particularly covetable, since they inject a space with light. In poorly ventilated rooms, F. benjamina helps to reduce pollutants, especially formaldehyde. Eventually, it can grow into a fabulous housetree, 3-metres tall or more, and – in its preferred conditions, can live a long time.
Which weeping figs to grow
There are several good varieties of Ficus benjamina to enjoy as houseplants.
Green leaves: 'Exotica' has glossy emerald leaves, while 'Danielle' is a richer, darker shade of green. Weeping figs are sometimes sold as standards, if you like the lollipop look. 'Green Kinky' is a dwarf form that reaches around 70 centimetres.
Variegated leaves: 'Twilight' is a gorgeous variegated weeping fig with ivory and green leaves that add a lot of light in a room.
Where to put a weeping fig
Ficus benjamina enjoys lots of bright indirect light, such as an east or west-facing window, but will also grow in light shade. It prefers average to high humidity, and a fairly consistent temperature, so avoid homing it near to a window or outside door that is regularly opened, and don't sit it near a radiator or heater. Take time choosing the best position because weeping figs resent being moved. For this reason, don't be alarmed if the plant drops leaves for a week or two after you bring it home.
How to grow a weeping fig
Indirect light: a position in bright indirect light is best. Avoid shade or a south-facing room that receives direct sunshine.
Watering: water regularly during the growing season, when the upper layer of compost feels dry; water less in winter.
Food: add liquid feed when watering, every 2 to 4 weeks, during spring and summer.
Humidity: weeping figs like humidity, so fare well in kitchens and bathrooms. If the room has a low level of humidity, regularly mist the leaves or sit the plant on a tray of water and pebbles.
Standstill: weeping figs loathe being moved, so try to water the plant in situ. If you must move it, be prepared for it to protest for a week or so afterwards by dropping leaves, after which it will recover. The plant may also shed leaves if you turn it in situ.
Consistent temperature: disliking extreme changes in temperature, keep your weeping fig well away from draughts and radiators.
Pruning: over time, weeping figs will grow into beautiful housetrees. Select branches or branchlets can be removed using secateurs, either to reduce its size or improve its shape. This is best done in early spring. Take precautions by wearing gloves (especially if you're allergic to latex) because the sap in the stems is toxic.
Similar houseplants to grow
There are several species of ficus that makes excellent houseplants, including the rubber fig (Ficus elastica) and the fiddle-leaf fig (Ficus lyrata), which both have large, leathery dark-green leaves and an architectural presence. The long-leaved fig (Ficus binnendijkii 'Alii') achieves a similar height and habit as the weeping fig, but bears long, slender willow-like leaves. All three enjoy the same position and care as the weeping fig.
Mealybugs, red spider mites, and scale insects can affect the plants, especially in a conservatory.
Toxic to humans and pets, if eaten. The plant can be a problem to people suffering from allergies, especially latex allergy, if exposed to the sap contained in its stems; symptoms can include allergic asthma.
