Evergreen houseplants are real all-rounders in the interior. On the one hand you refresh the room air, on the other hand you bring a green note into your four walls. They often turn into real eye-catchers in the room and attract everyone’s attention. And rightly so. Because their appearance is graceful and they score with their green foliage. As you can see, we have thousands of good reasons to report on various indoor plants here on our website. Today we take a close look at the Ficus Benjamini and give you useful information and important care tips for this popular houseplant. Stay tuned to find out more.

 We also call Ficus Benjamini weeping fig.

Ficus Benjamini beautiful decoration at home lush green leaves can grow up to 2 m

  • Origin and general information about the Ficus Benjamini

In this country, the Ficus Benjamini is often found, because it is one of the most popular decorative indoor plants among Germans. Its German name is weeping fig and is also known colloquially as Ficus benjamina. The plant originally comes from the Far East, its home countries are India, Nepal, Burma and Malaysia, the plant can also be seen everywhere in Bali and Java.

There the weeping fig usually grows outside and decorates parks and gardens. With us, the Ficus Benjamini is a typical houseplant that can also be placed outside on the balcony or terrace in summer. This type of Ficus is a mulberry plant, but there are different varieties that differ depending on their growth and leaf shape. The dense, lush foliage is characteristic of all varieties. The leaves are light or dark green sometimes marbled yellow or white and have a slight sheen. The leaves of some varieties are slightly wavy.

 A white and green variegated Ficus Benjamini is always very attractive.

Ficus Benjamini white-green variegated leaves are very attractive

A weeping fig has numerous, rod-like branches that can be interwoven to give the plant an interesting look. The crown of the Ficus Benjamini that forms is very noticeable. Plant experts claim the plant can grow very tall, reaching 10 meters outdoors. For decorative purposes, however, preference is given to low-growing varieties that develop well at home and are up to 2 meters high.

The plant places high demands on its location.

Ficus Benjamini high demands on the location

 It needs a lot of light, but not a bright sun.

Ficus Benjamini a lot of light, no glaring sun

  • Location, light and earth – the Ficus Benjamini is considered to be easy to care for

Although the Ficus Benjamini is considered easy to care for, some varieties are really demanding. For example, the location is a very important factor in its good development. Therefore, it is better to choose a bright place at home for the weeping fig, where direct sun only comes in the morning, because it does not like the blazing sun at all. Multicolored varieties of the plant require more sunlight than the lush green ones to keep their pretty coloring. The temperatures preferred by the ficus are between 22 and 28 degrees C in summer and around 18 degrees C in winter. If the room temperature falls below 15 degrees C, the plant feels uncomfortable. Potting soil with a pH value of 6.0 to 6.8 would be ideal for the attractive weeping fig, so it is advisable to pay attention to the soil pH value before planting or repotting it.

 When changing location, the plant can shed its leaves.

Ficus Benjamini no change of location desired

Extra tip: The Ficus Benjamini is very sensitive to changes of location. Even with slight changes or drafts, it begins to shed its leaves. That is why the choice of its location is particularly important. Moderate leaf shedding is only common in winter. In the other seasons this is a clear sign of poor care.

You need a lot of space at home for your Ficus Benjamini.

Ficus Bejamini a lot of space is required

  • Further care tips that you must absolutely observe

In order to have a beautiful weeping fig at home, whose lush green foliage delights and calms you every day, you have to observe and follow the following important care tips:

Watering and fertilizing: The Ficus Benjamini needs moderate watering. You can only water when the top layer of the potting soil has dried. Be careful with the individual waterings, because too much water can lead to waterlogging. This is also a reason for leaf loss. The plant prefers water with as little lime as possible, which is not cold or comes straight from the pipe, but is lukewarm. Also fertilize your ficus moderately, once every two weeks from March to September.

 The young leaves are a little lighter than the old ones.

Ficus Bejamini young leaves a little lighter

Overwinter: The weeping fig has a dormant period in winter. During the cold months you only have to water them sparingly and fertilize them moderately once every 6 weeks. It is recommended to spray the leaves with lukewarm, lime-free water.

Repot, multiply and cut: Frequent repotting is not desirable with Ficus Benjamini. If your roots are really restricted, you can repot. The best time for this is spring.

 The weeping fig can be propagated by cuttings.

Ficus Benjamini Propagation by cuttings

The weeping fig can be propagated by cuttings. This is also done in spring by cutting head cuttings, approx. 15 cm long, and immediately planting them in the substrate mixture. After the young ficus has taken root, it is planted in a larger pot.

A cut back is used to shape the crown of the weeping fig. This is possible in late spring or summer, but not mandatory at all.

 Beautifully shaped crown and intertwined branches increase the aesthetic value of the plant.

Ficus Benjamini beautifully shaped crown with intertwined branches

caution! The Ficus benjamini is slightly poisonous, and all of its parts of the plant. You have to keep this in mind if you have small children and pets at home. Consumption of a single leaf can cause nausea, diarrhea and stomach cramps. In such a case, contact your family doctor immediately!

You can care for a weeping fig at home for many years.

Ficus Benjamini great decorative houseplant with good care for years

Conclusion: A Ficus Benjamini is the perfect green decoration in every home. With good care, you can actually get more of the weeping fig, but it is important to follow the care tips outlined above.

 If your Ficus Benjamini sheds its leaves, then you will know you have made mistakes in caring for it!

Ficus Benjamini sheds leaves when it is carelessly incorrect

 The white-green leaves of the Ficus Benjamini are always noticeable.

Ficus Benjamini white-green marbled leaves stand out

With good care, the weeping fig can grow up to over 2 meters.

Ficus Benjamini will grow tall with proper care

 If you are propagating the plant yourself, you can create such an arrangement.

Ficus Benjamini great arrangement four plants