Ficus benjamina aka Weeping Fig
Taxonomy
The Ficus benjamina, commonly known as weeping fig, benjamin fig, or ficus tree, is an evergreen tree native to southeast Asia and Australia. It is the official tree of Bangkok, Thailand and is often sold in stores as just ficus. In its native range, its small fruit are favored by some birds. In the West Indies and states of Florida and Arizona in the United States, it is naturalized. Weeping figs make impressive additions to any living space and can grow up to 100 feet tall in their natural habitat, providing food for local bird species. Inside, they are usually kept pruned to 6 feet in height or less. In a 1989 NASA Clean Air Study, weeping figs were found to remove pollutants from the air. Care should be taken when handling the plant, as some people may find the sap a skin irritant, and the plant should not be consumed.
Common names
Weeping Fig, Ficus, Benjamin FigHow to care for Weeping Fig
Difficulty
Weeping Fig requires a bit more attention and knowledge to thrive, making it a suitable plant for those with some gardening experience.
Water
Weeping Fig should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Soil
Weeping Fig loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.
Lighting
To ensure optimal growth, the Weeping Fig prefers bright diffused light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.
Dormancy
During the cold period, it is common for Weeping Fig to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more during this period.
Toxicity
Weeping Fig is poisonous if ingested. We suggest keeping this plant out of reach if you have children, cats, or dogs in the home.
Humidity
The Weeping Fig is not in need of supplementary humidity. Most water is taken in by plants through their roots, thus soil watering is the most efficient way to provide humidity to your plants.
Fertilizer
The Weeping Fig should be repotted either when it doubles in size or annually, whichever comes first. Providing new potting soil with all the vital nutrients annually is enough to support the growth of the plant, and thus, there is no need for fertilizer. Remember that plants derive their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.
Region of origin
Weeping Fig’s native range is worldwide Tropics.
More info:
Wikipedia
More Species in Ficus Genus
Ficus pumila Climbingfig
Ficus sarmentosa Pu Jing Rong
Ficus umbellata Umbrella Tree Fig
Ficus lutea Dahomey Rubbertree
Ficus maclellandii Banana Leaf Ficus
Ficus petiolaris Petiolated Fig
Ficus retusa Indian Laurel
Ficus racemosa Cluster Fig
Ficus binnendijkii Sabre Leaf Ficus
