Botanical Name: Ficus benjamina
Common Names: Weeping Fig, Benjamin Fig, Java Fig, Small-Leaved Rubber Plant

📌 Product Description

Ficus benjamina is a graceful evergreen ornamental tree or large shrub prized for its glossy green leaves, elegant weeping branches, and dense leafy growth. Its soft cascading habit and lush appearance make it one of the most popular plants for indoor décor, patios, courtyards, and warm-climate gardens.

This versatile plant can be grown as an indoor specimen, patio container plant, screening shrub, or small landscape tree in frost-free areas. Its neat foliage and naturally shapely form bring structure, greenery, and a refined tropical feel to both modern and traditional spaces. In South African conditions, it performs especially well in warm, protected positions with good light.

Elegant, reliable, and highly decorative, Ficus benjamina is an excellent choice for adding year-round greenery and a polished leafy presence to homes and gardens.

📏 Size When Fully Grown

Height: 2–10 m, depending on growing conditions and whether planted in the ground or in containers
Spread: 1.5–6 m
Growth Habit: Upright, rounded to weeping evergreen shrub or tree
Growth Rate: Moderate to fast

🌱 Best Growing Conditions

Light: Bright indirect light to partial sun; outdoors full sun to partial shade in mild climates
Soil: Well-draining, fertile soil enriched with compost
Water:
• Water regularly during establishment
• Keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged
• Allow the top layer of soil to dry slightly between waterings for container plants
• Reduce watering slightly in cooler months

Feeding: Feed in spring and summer with a balanced fertiliser to encourage healthy leafy growth.

Maintenance:
• Prune lightly to maintain shape or size
• Protect from cold winds and sudden temperature changes
• Can drop leaves if stressed by movement, cold, or inconsistent watering
• Wipe leaves occasionally on indoor plants to keep them clean and glossy

🌦️ Planting & Growing Season (South Africa)

Best Planting Time: Spring to early summer
Active Growth: Spring and summer
Climate Suitability: Best suited to warm, frost-free or mild frost regions in South Africa
Frost Tolerance: Sensitive to frost
Wind Tolerance: Best in sheltered positions away from strong, drying winds

🌼 Additional Benefits

• Elegant weeping growth habit
• Glossy evergreen foliage
• Excellent indoor or patio plant
• Suitable for screening in warm climates
• Brings a lush tropical look to spaces

🌿 Ideal Uses

✔ Indoor feature plant
✔ Patio and courtyard containers
✔ Screening and privacy planting
✔ Small ornamental tree
✔ Tropical-style gardens