Ficus Benjamina Exotica – Plant

Description

Ficus benjamina, or Weeping Fig, originally found growing in Asia, India, and Austrlia, is part of the Moraceae family, and, in nature, produces a small fruit enjoyed by doves and pigeons.

It is the official tree of Bangkok. Today it is often planted in parks and outside large commercial buildings, quickly growing into impressive an tree.

In recent years, a ficus benjamina has become an extremely popular indoor plant, replacing the Rubber tree as the most frequently purchased ficus variety.

For many years, a Ficus benjamina had the reputation of being a temperamental, high-light plant that easily dropped leaves if you just looked at it. Today, however, there are new, hardy varieties that grow in almost any location.

You can find ficus trees small enough to sit on a table or as large as 12ft. tall. The slender, pale brown, woody trunks can be straight, braided or twisted into a spiral. The thin, arching branches are covered in hundreds of 1”-3.5” glossy, leathery, pointed., oval to elliptical shaped leaves.

All parts of the plant contain a milky, slightly toxic, white sap that can be quite irritating if eaten or if it gets into an open cut.

Ficus house plants come in many forms and this particular tree, Ficus benjamina ‘Exotica’ has the most intricately woven, braided stem which forms a cylinder. The weeping fig provides great structural form and this one is architecturally pleasing. it Has lovely glossy deep green leaves What Makes it a real living work of art.

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Temperature :

Enjoys warm indoor conditions between 16–24°C. Avoid cold drafts and keep above 10°C.

Lighting preference :

Prefers bright, indirect light. Can tolerate light shade, but avoid frequent moving as it may drop leaves when stressed.

 Irrigation of water :

Water when the topsoil feels dry. Keep evenly moist but not soggy. Reduce watering in winter.

 Humidity :

Loves higher humidity. Mist the leaves regularly or place near a humidifier to prevent leaf drop.

Fertilization and feeding :

Feed every 4 weeks during spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer. No feeding in winter.

 Flowering :

Rarely flowers indoors. Mainly grown for its elegant, glossy green foliage.

 Soil :

Well-draining, fertile potting soil works best. Add perlite or sand for better drainage.

 Toxicity :

Mildly toxic to pets and humans if ingested. The sap may cause skin irritation.

 Pot Size :

Choose a stable pot with good drainage. Repot every 2–3 years as the plant grows.

Pruning :

Prune to maintain shape and control size. Remove dead or yellow leaves regularly.

 Diseases :

Prone to leaf drop from sudden changes in light, temperature, or watering. Watch for pests like spider mites, scale, and mealybugs.

 Air Purification :

Excellent air purifier, known for filtering indoor pollutants and improving air quality.