Weeping fig (Ficus benjamina)

Weeping fig (Latin: Ficus benjamina) — a species of plant in the genus Ficus of the fig family (Moraceae). An evergreen tree or shrub, in the wild it can grow up to 25 м in height. It is distributed in India, China, Southeast Asia, the Philippines, and northern Australia.

The weeping fig is extremely popular in indoor floriculture, phytodesign, and interior landscaping. With good care at home it grows quickly, reaching heights of 2-3 м.

Leaves are glossy, smooth, thinly leathery, oblong-oval with a pointed tip, 6-13 см long and 2-6 см wide. Leaf arrangement on the branches is opposite, leaves are formed in one plane. Leaf margin is entire. Venation is reticulate, the midrib is weakly expressed, with 8-12 pairs of lateral veins. The petiole is about 2 см long.

Bark is gray, with rare brown streaks. Crown is broad, branches pendulous. Fruits — syconia — round or oblong, paired, up to 2 см in diameter, red or orange, inedible.

Ficus benjamina is a symbolic tree of Bangkok — the capital of Thailand.

Today there are many cultivars of Ficus benjamina, including: ‘Naomi’, ‘Danielle’, ‘Exotica’; small-leaved cultivars — ‘Natasja’, ‘Wiandi’, ‘Too Little’ — also used for bonsai. There are variegated cultivars as well, including ‘Starlight’, ‘Twiligh’, ‘Safari’ and others.

Location: the optimal temperature for keeping the fig is 25-30 °C in summer and 16-20 °C in winter. Ficus benjamina with variegated leaves needs good lighting; cultivars with green leaves tolerate diffuse light and partial shade. The temperature should not be below 14 °C, and it is important that the soil does not become too cold.

Care: water as the top layer of the soil dries out using warm, settled water. The fig likes and responds well to increased air humidity, frequent misting, and rinsing under the shower. In the spring and autumn period it is necessary to fertilize with a fertilizer for ornamental plants. Ficus benjamina should be protected from excessive watering, drafts, and sudden temperature fluctuations. Otherwise, care for Ficus benjamina is similar to that for other ficus species.

Propagation: by cuttings, which are rooted in water or in a greenhouse with a light potting mix, and by air layering

Source: www.wikipedia.org