Wisconsin's Tropical Gardens

FICUS Benjamina - Weeping Fig

This member of the ficus family is most commonly found as a standard tree or a bush type. It has large dark green, shiny, pointed oval leaves on woody branches. They make an excellent specimen plant in the right environment. There are several improved varieties including Monique (wavy edged leaf); Indigo (dark, blue-green leaf); and Midnight (also a dark green leaf), to name a few. (These varieties acclimate easier and suffer far less leaf drop than the original benjamina.)

One notable trait of these plants is their tendancy to drop leaves as they acclimate to a new  environment. This is normal. With patience and careful watering, the plant will pull through and be even better for it.

LIGHT: One of the most important needs for the Ficus is bright light. Not enough light will cause leaf loss. An east, west, or southern window with a sheer curtain is ideal. Some leaf loss is normal as your plant acclimates to it's surroundings. Once placed, refrain from moving this plant unless you see that it needs more light.

TEMPERATURE: Provide average household warmth with a minimum of 55° in the winter. Mist occasionally to elevate humidity in dry environments.

WATER: Allow soil to dry to the touch before thorough watering. Do not allow plant to stand in water. With a larger plant you must make sure you give it enough water to reach the bottom of the pot. If you do not you will loose leaves. A suggestion is to give it enough water until you see it run out the bottom of the pot.

GROOMING: An occasional shower and strategic pruning will keep your ficus happy,healthy and beautiful. Prune back to hard wood to shape, tip prune to stimulate branching and new growth.

On a semi-regular basis, these plants are available in 6", 8", 10", 12" and even larger pot sizes. They come in bush form as well as tree from with single trunks or braided.