Ficus benjamina
Weeping fig, Benjamin tree, Tropic laurel, Java tree, Waringin
- Height × spread
- 22m × 30m
- Position
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Heated greenhouse 5C & above (RHS H1c)
Availability
Generally available in Spring & Autumn
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
Normally seen as a container plant in the UK, and generally grown in variegated forms. It is well-behaved in domestic conditions where it makes a good foliage houseplant with a graceful habit. In tropical regions this becomes a huge tree which starts off as an epiphyte growing in the crown of another tree. It sends down aerial roots that strangle the host plant. The tree has grey to white bark and neat dark green leaves, shiny and held on slender often pendulous branches. The leaves quiver and move in the breeze. They will gradually make a tree that is wider than high and can reach a height of 22 metres. When grown in a container they need plenty of sunshine and should be fed monthly with a high nitrogen feed. They like plenty of moisture whilst growing and the compost should be kept just moist in winter.
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Fruit colour
- Brown
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Bell
- Height
- 22m
- Spread
- 30m
- Height in 10 years
- 2.5m
- Spread in 10 years
- 1.5m
- Season of interest
- Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter
- Evergreen
- Evergreen
- Garden style
- Indoors, Exotic garden, Conservatory
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun, tolerates part shade
- Soil type
- Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil, Well drained soil, Dry soil, Drought resistant
- Hardiness
- Heated greenhouse 5C & above (RHS H1c)
- Borders & containers
- Borders and containers
- Indoor light
- full light at all times
- Indoor temperature
- 15C minimum temperature
- Use for
- Structural
- Maintenance
- Easycare – low/no maintenance
- Hazards
- Yes, potentially harmful; Humans: Skin allergen
Spring
Spring-Summer · Indoors
Feed with high nitrogen feed
Give the plant a feed monthly from May until August using a houseplant fertiliser that is high in nitrogen.
Where food elements are listed as three numeric values on the label representing in order Nitrogen(N)-Phosphorus(P)-Potassium(K), choose one where nitrogen has a high value.
Spring-Autumn · Indoors
Water regularly during growth
Water regularly while in growth.
Adopt a regime that means the plants are thoroughly watered every week so that they do not become dessicated. In hot weather watering may need to be more frequent, but less often in cool or moist conditions.
Winter
Winter · Indoors
Water moderately in winter
Water moderately.
Give a small amount of water so that the plant doesn't become flaccid (leaves lose their firmness and may droop or look lifeless), or dessicated, but do not saturate the compost or leave it standing in water.
Planting & general
Compost · Planting
Loam based compost for repotting
Repot using any good quality standard compost.
Alternatively prepare a special compost that is best suited to the plant's needs: mix equal amounts of loam (John Innes no. 2 or 3), leaf mould, and fine bark.
Indoor temperature · Planting
15C minimum temperature
This plant requires a minimum temperature of 15 Centigrade.
Indoor plant · Planting
Position in a sunny spot, close to window
Give this plant a position where there is as much light and sunlight as possible, within 2-3 metres of a sunny or bright window (one that is south, east, or west facing).
Found in
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