Ficus benjamina

Common Name:
Weeping Fig

Description:
Ficus benjamina, commonly known as the Weeping Fig, is a graceful and versatile indoor tree with slender, arching branches and glossy, deep green foliage that gently cascades, creating a soft, flowing silhouette. Native to tropical Asia and northern Australia, this classic houseplant is beloved for its elegant appearance and adaptability. In Melbourne, it performs best as an indoor feature, although it can also be grown outdoors in a sheltered, frost-free position. It thrives in bright, indirect light and prefers stable conditions—frequent movement or sudden changes in temperature or light can cause leaf drop. When kept in a consistent position, it grows steadily and can be shaped as a small indoor tree, used in topiary, or even trained as an espalier. Ficus benjamina is drought-tolerant once established and requires only moderate watering, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between drinks.

Form:

• Tree - Small

• Indoors / Well lit

Mature Size:

• Height: 2–3 m (in pots)

• Width: 1.5–2 m

Aspect:

• Full Sun (if outdoors in sheltered position)

• Part Shade

• Indoors / Well lit

Flowering:

• Does not flower under Melbourne's weather conditions

Flower Colour:

• N/A

Key Attributes:

• Suitable for Pots

• Suitable for Indoors

• Suitable for Topiary

• Suitable for Espalier

• Air Purifying

• Evergreen

• Drought Tolerant once established (outdoors or in large pots)

Toxicity:
Toxic to cats, dogs, and humans if ingested. The milky sap can also cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

Companion Plants:

• Schefflera actinophylla

• Dracaena marginata

• Aspidistra elatior

• Philodendron 'Xanadu'

• Chamaedorea elegans (Parlour Palm)