Description: The ficus family is composed of hundreds of different species. As a houseplant, one of the most popular is the weeping fig (ficus benjamina). This very graceful plant has curving, slender branches with shiny, pointed dark green leaves. New emerging leaves are a very bright lime green. There are also attractive variegated forms that have white or yellowish blotches. Ficus benjamina can be grown as a small tree or as a multi-stemmed bush. Creative growers have added even more interest to this already beautiful plant with unusual techniques like braiding together the stems of three small seedlings or winding the stem of a young tree around a support, which results in a corkscrew-like trunk. Because the trunks of young trees are very flexible they tolerate this treatment with no ill effect.
How to Grow: Light Indoors provide bright, indirect sunlight. During the summer weeping figs can be placed outdoors in a shady spot.
Temperature Daytime temperatures should be maintained near 18-24° C (65-75° F). Warm or cold drafts should be avoided.
Fertilizer In spring, sprinkle time-release fertilizer granules over the soil. Or, you can feed the plant monthly with a balanced houseplant food (20-20-20). Do not feed during the winter months.
Watering Needs Allow the soil to dry out to within 5 cm (2 inches) of the soil’s surface between waterings. Water less frequently in the winter months when light levels are low.
Soil Any good potting soil that drains well will do.
Propagation By air-layering, but this is difficult, requiring up to 4 months. The small stems or branches may be used to create new plants by simply inserting them in moist sand and keeping them close (warm and humid). However, it is more practical for home gardeners to buy a new plant.
When to Grow Weeping fig are available year round.
Tips: Ficus benjamina are known for their habit of dropping their leaves and this can be the cause of alarm for novice indoor gardeners. However, in late summer and fall a loss of up to 20% of their leaves is quite natural. The plants are sensitive to changes in their environment and often drop leaves in protest. For example, a sudden drop of healthy leaves after moving the plant to a new location is a normal response that can last for several weeks.
Wash leaves occasionally with mild, warm soapy water. Never use leaf shine products on any plants. Insects to watch for include spider mites, mealy bug and scale insects.
A little annual pruning may be required to maintain the tree’s shape and to thin out centre branches so as to allow light to enter the centre of the tree.
Recommended Varieties: A few cultivars to look for are:
- ‘Amstel King’ - upright, long leathery banana-shaped leaves
- ‘Citation’ - curled leaves
- ‘Florida Spire’ - narrow upright, green leaves
- ‘Golden King’ ('Jaqueline') - grey-green centres, lighter or golden irregular borders
- ‘Indigo’ - compact, thick dark green leaves, good for low light
- ‘Mini Midnight’ - dwarf and compact
- ‘Monique’ - small plant, dark green leaves, narrow, rippled along edges
- ‘Natashja’ - light green leaves, often used for braiding and bonsai
- ‘Variegata’ - leaves with white and grey-green along edges