Ficus Benjamina

Plant Overview

• Botanical Name: Ficus benjamina

• Common Names: Weeping Fig, Benjamin Fig, Ficus Tree

• Family: Moraceae

• Origin: Southeast Asia, India, Northern Australia

• Type: Evergreen ornamental tree/shrub

• Appearance: Slender trunk with smooth gray bark, dense, glossy green leaves, and elegant arching branches. Indoors, often grown as a decorative tree or bonsai.

 Care Guide

1. Sun Light

• Prefers bright, indirect sunlight.

• Tolerates some direct morning sun.

• Low light → causes leaf drop.

2. Watering

• Water when top 2–3 cm of soil feels dry.

• Avoid overwatering → root rot risk.

• Reduce watering in winter.

3. Soil

• Best in well-draining potting soil with peat moss, perlite, and compost.

• Slightly acidic to neutral pH (6–7.5).

4. Fertilizer

• Use a balanced liquid fertilizer every 3–4 weeks in spring–summer.

• Stop fertilizing in winter when growth slows.

5. Pruning & Repotting

• Prune to maintain size and shape.

• Repot every 2–3 years (spring) when rootbound.

• Can be shaped into bonsai.

 Flowers & Fruits

• Flowers are tiny and inconspicuous.

• Produces small fig-like fruits outdoors in tropical climates (rare indoors).

Uses & Benefits

1. Indoor Ornamental Plant – Popular as a decorative houseplant and office plant.

2. Air Purifier – Filters toxins such as formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene.

3. Bonsai & Landscaping – Can be trained into beautiful shapes or used in gardens as hedges/shade trees (in tropical regions).

4. Stress Reliever – Indoor greenery helps improve mood and concentration.

 Note:

• Toxic to pets (cats & dogs) if ingested → causes vomiting, irritation