How to Care for a Ficus Benjamina Plant

Ficus benjamina, also known as weeping fig, is an elegant indoor plant with shiny green leaves and pale gray bark. Ficus benjamina is a versatile plant that can be grown in a tree shape or can be pruned to appear compact and bushy. Adventurous indoor gardeners can tie a knot in the trunk or train the trunk to grow in a corkscrew shape. Plant three young ficus benjamina in the same pot if you want to braid the slender, flexible trunks.

Things You'll Need

• General purpose fertilizer for indoor plants
• Pruners

Instructions

1. Place your ficus benjamina in bright light. The light should be indirect during most of the year, as too much sun can burn the leaves. A window facing south or west works well. However, the plant will benefit from direct light from your sunniest window during the darker winter months.

2. Water your ficus benjamina deeply and slowly so the water penetrates the root ball. Allow the water to drain freely through the hole in the bottom of the container. Discard any water remaining in the container after five to 10 minutes, and never allow the pot to stand in water. Don't water the plant again until the top of the soil feels slightly dry. Water lightly during the winter months, as soil that remains constantly damp will cause root rot.

3. Feed your ficus benjamina every month during the growing season. Use any general-purpose fertilizer for indoor plants. Apply the fertilizer according to the specifications on the label. Continue the regular fertilization schedule during the winter if the plant is under a grow light and is displaying active growth.

4. Prune your ficus benjamina as needed to preserve the desired shape and size. Make each cut about 1/4 inch above a leaf scar or a leaf node, which is the point where a leaf or stem grows.

References

• University of Nebraska: Weeping Fig, Ficus benjamin
• University of Illinois Extension: Ficus
• University of Minnesota Extension: Rubber Trees, Weeping Figs, and Other Friendly Ficus