Ficus benjamina (Weeping Fig Plant)

Ficus benjamina (Weeping Fig Plant) Details

Ficus benjamina, commonly known as the Weeping Fig Plant or Ficus benjamina tree, is a popular indoor plant in NZ owing to its fantastic foliage. It has a short trunk that supports a dense canopy of dark green leaves held on pendulous branches. New foliage is light green and often results in the plant having two-tone colouring. It typically grows to 1 m tall and 60 cm wide and can be trimmed and trained as necessary. Small, cream-white flowers are borne in summer which result in small, orange fruit in autumn but these are rarely produced when grown indoors. Best results with this Weeping Fig Plant are achieved when it is planted in full sun or partial shade on a well-drained site, protected from frost and wind. Ficus benjamina is an ideal plant for growing indoors and is often used for topiary or bonsai. The Weeping Fig Plant is also well suited to planting around outdoor living areas, maintaining in a container, or for bordering an entrance where the climate allows.

How do I grow Ficus benjamina in NZ?

Growing a Ficus benjamina, also known as a Weeping Fig, requires an appreciation of its tropical preferences. Growing this Ficus indoors is the most common way to grow it in NZ due to its sensitivity to frost. It is possible to grow this Ficus outdoors in frost-free areas like Northland or coastal regions. In such situations be sure to plant it full sun or partial shade in well-drained soil that is sheltered from both wind and frost. When growing it indoors, choose a warm, brightly lit spot with indirect sunlight. Avoid drafty positions or those where sudden temperature changes can occur. The plants should only be watered when the top 5 cm of soil has dried out but be careful not to overwater the plant. Overwatering is a major cause of leaf drop and can lead to a slow death of the plant. Be sure to use a well-draining potting mix for indoor plants and feed the plants with a liquid fertiliser each month through spring and summer. They do prefer a humid environment, and this can be achieved indoors by sitting the pot on a try filled with pebbles that is filled with water. Temperatures between 18-25°C are perfect for Ficus benjamina, hence why a lounge or bedroom are generally ideal. Try and avoid moving Ficus benjamina around too much as they can start to drop leaves as they react to subtle changes in their environment. Finally, repot your Weeping Fig Plant every 2-3 years and enjoy this beautiful plant.