6″ Ficus Benjamina

Ficus benjamina, commonly known as weeping fig.

This elegant plant has slender branches that arch gracefully from a light gray trunk, with dense, glossy dark leaves. When the Ficus benjamina tree is grown indoors, the plants are normally pruned to keep them about 3 feet to 6 feet tall, and their trunks are sometimes braided for decorative appeal. It is a fast grower and may need to be repotted up to once per year, but do so in the early spring for best results. Weeping fig is toxic to humans and pets.

The weeping fig needs a bright room with plenty of indirect sunlight, and perhaps even a little direct sun in the morning. In its native habitat, it is often grown in semi-shady conditions, but indoors it needs good light to thrive. You must find a good, bright spot for it and keep it there. Note that this plant has a high intolerance for being moved, even if it is to find better lighting conditions, so it’s best not to experiment with trying to find the right spot.

Keep the plant steadily moist, but do not allow it to sit in water or it will drop leaves and may develop root rot. In their native environment, plants typically drop leaves at the beginning of the dry season, which makes them acutely sensitive to changes in moisture.

This lovely is upgraded into a sweet pastel ceramic shown.