Houseplant Spotlight: Ficus Benjamina “Weeping Fig”

Ficus Benjamina “Weeping Fig” Features

Ficus houseplants are among some of the more popular indoor plants. They offer a lot of variety from low ground cover to tall growing trees. Each Ficus is just as beautiful as the next and they’ll give any room the perfect amount of texture and interest in any room. One of the most elegant Ficus plants is the Ficus Benjamina or Weeping Fig. Weeping fig has slender branches that arch gracefully from a light gray trunk and features dense, glossy dark leaves. The weeping fig is often grown as a houseplant in homes, offices, and is a popular feature in interior commercial landscaping.

Growing Ficus Benjamina “Weeping Fig”

The Ficus Benjamina comes in many different sizes and varieties. There’s the green leaf type and variegated, also miniature sized trees, which may only grow up to 3ft tall. A few other cultivars exist that have various leaf colors and patterns. The one thing that most Ficus houseplants have in common is they can be very finicky. However, once you get the right care down, you’ll have a happy and healthy Ficus for many years!

Light

The Ficus Benjamina prefers to be placed in bright indirect light. It’s best to be sure the sunlight isn’t hitting directly on the leaves unless it’s in the morning. Morning sunlight tends to be less intense and won’t damage the leaves. The key with a Ficus Benjamina is to find the perfect spot the first time. They are kind of fussy and if moved around, it might drop leaves. It’s important to find a nice bright spot with little air movement and keep it there.

Water and Soil

The Ficus Benjamina must be planted in good, well-draining potting soil. They don’t generally require a soil that is high in organic material. Look for a potting soil that contains perlite or vermiculite that will improve drainage. Keeping the plant consistently moist it what it likes the best, but not soaked. It is best to put them in a pot that allows the water to drain out, so the roots aren’t getting waterlogged and cause root rot. Also, make sure you are on a consistent schedule with watering.

Fertilizer

Ficus Benjamina plants like to be feed often to keep them going strong. At the beginning of the growing season, it’s best to start them with a slow-release pellet fertilizer. Once they get going in the spring and summer feed them monthly with a well-balanced water-soluble fertilizer like Schultz Plant Plus or Bonide Liquid Plant Food.

At City Floral Garden Center, we carry Denver’s largest variety of Ficus Benjamina and houseplants. Come check out our Ficus houseplants and take one of these beauties home.

Which houseplants are your favorite and what would you like to see City Floral carry? Share with us on Instagram or Facebook and tag @cityfloralgardencenter or in the comments below!