How to Care for a Ficus Monique

Ficus benjamina, commonly known as Weeping Fig, is a species of fig tree native to Asia and Australia. In nature, they can grow up to 100 feet tall; in the United States, Ficus benjamina is most commonly grown indoors as a small ornamental tree. The small Ficus benjamina cultivar 'Monique' has deep green leaves with rippled edges; its no-fuss growing requirements make it a popular choice for homes and offices.

Things You'll Need

• Cool mist humidifier
• Watering can
• Evergreen houseplant fertilizer
• Pruning shears

Instructions

1. Place the Ficus Monique near a window where it can receive a minimum of four hours of filtered sunlight per day during spring, summer and fall. Move the Ficus Monique into direct sunlight during cold winter months. Position the ficus at least six feet away from soil-drying air conditioners and heaters.

2. Keep the room's temperature between 70 and 85 degrees F. during the day for best growth. Lower the temperature to between 65 and 70 degrees F. at night to simulate cooler nighttime temperatures.

3. Place a cool mist humidifier in the room with the Ficus Monique to provide the tree with adequate humidity. If you don't have a cool mist humidifier, fill a draining tray with pebbles and cover the pebbles with water. Set the Ficus 'Monique' on top of the tray, but don't allow the water to touch the bottom of the planting container. Maintain the water level in the tray; as the water evaporates, it provides the Ficus with humidity.

4. Water a Ficus Monique regularly during spring, summer and fall to keep the soil consistently moist. In the winter, when a Ficus Monique is not actively growing, allow the surface of the soil to dry to the touch and then wait two additional days before watering.

5. Fertilize a Ficus Monique once a month during spring, summer and early fall with a half-strength solution of a liquid houseplant fertilizer formulated for evergreen houseplants. Follow the application instructions on the product label.

6. Prune a Ficus Monique as needed to maintain the desired size and shape. Remove discolored, diseased, damaged or dead foliage or branches with sharpened and sterilized pruning shears. Make clean cuts when pruning to minimize stress on the plant.

Tips & Warnings

• Dust the leaves of a Ficus Monique as needed with a soft cloth dampened in warm water to wipe the dust from the leaves.

• Do not allow a Ficus Monique to become waterlogged or the plant could develop root rot.

References

• Clemson University: Weeping Fig
• University of Minnesota: Weeping Fig and Other Friendly Ficus
• University of Arkansas: Weeping Fig

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• University of Vermont: Ficus benjamina