Benjamin Fig

Benjamin Fig Overview

Ficus benjamina is an evergreen tree or shrub, dependent on how large it grows, often 3m or more. It is therefore not typically grown for its fruits, but as a popular foliage houseplant due to its elegant growth habit and tolerance of poor light. Takes well to pruning! If the leaves are lacking, trim back woody parts to encourage new growth. Preferring bright sunny conditions, this species will cope with partial shade. For optimal growth keep it moist but now damp. The leaves are ovate with slim points, around 12cm long and glossy green. This species is tender, so keep above freezing temperatures, it may be kept outside in the summer months. Non-showy flowers lead on to red-orange fruits which become black upon ripening, but rarely in the absence of pollinating wasps. Cultivars with various shades of green and colourful variegated patterning have been produced. The sap of Ficus can be a skin and eye irritant; all plant parts can also cause stomach upset if consumed.