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Ficus benjamina
Ficus Benjamina
Southern and southeast Asia, northern Australia; lowland forests
Growing Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones
10 - 12These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
What's my zone? →Frost Tolerancetender
Overview
Ficus benjamina is an evergreen tree from tropical Asia that reaches 50–100 feet (15–30 m) in its native range and 36–120 inches (90–305 cm) under indoor culture. Leaves are 2–5 inches (5–13 cm) long, ovate with a tapered drip-tip, glossy mid-green, leathery, and arranged on slender pendulous branches that produce the weeping habit. New growth emerges pale green and matures to deeper green over 2–3 weeks. Indoor specimens rarely flower or fruit; outdoor mature trees in tropical zones 10–12 produce small green fig syconia 0.4–0.6 inch (1–1.5 cm) that ripen to red-orange. The latex sap exuded from cut stems and leaves contains ficin and is toxic to dogs, cats, and humans if ingested, with skin contact causing irritation in sensitive individuals. Indoor plants drop 30–60% of their leaves following relocation, sudden temperature change, or shifts in light or humidity, with foliage regrowing over 6–10 weeks once conditions stabilize. Cold-tender: foliage damage occurs below 50°F (10°C) and tree death below 28°F (−2°C). Aerial roots develop on humid mature plants, eventually thickening into supplemental trunks. Native populations in southeast Asia begin life as epiphytes and become free-standing strangler figs that may engulf the host tree. Common indoor pests include scale, mealybug, and spider mite.
Native Range
Native to subtropical and tropical regions of southern and southeast Asia, including India, Bhutan, Myanmar, southern China, and northern Australia, in lowland forests and along watercourses.Suggested Uses
Grown as an indoor specimen tree in temperate climates, where the typical mature size is 4–10 feet (120–305 cm) in a 5–15 gallon (20–55 liter) container. Used outdoors in tropical zones 10–12 as a shade tree, hedge, topiary, or bonsai subject. Aggressive root growth damages paving, sidewalks, and foundations within 10–15 feet (3–4.5 m) of the trunk in landscape plantings.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height3' - 10'
Width/Spread2' - 6'
Reaches mature size in approximately 12 years
Bloom Information
Indoor plants rarely flower. Outdoor mature trees in tropical zones 10–12 produce small green fig syconia 0.4–0.6 inch (1–1.5 cm) sporadically through the year, ripening to red-orange over 2–4 weeks. Pollination by host-specific Eupristina fig wasps is required for fertile seeds; the wasp is absent outside the native range, so cultivated trees outside tropical Asia produce sterile fruit.Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
Glossy mid-green, leathery, ovate with drip-tip, 2-5 inches (5-13 cm)Growing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grows in bright indirect light at 60–75°F (16–24°C). Direct midday sun in summer scorches indoor leaves, while light below 200 foot-candles (2,150 lux) reduces growth to a near halt. Watering occurs when the top 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) of potting mix have dried — typically every 5–10 days in active growth and every 10–14 days in winter. Air humidity 40–60% reduces leaf-tip browning. Plants are sensitive to relocation; sudden changes in light, temperature, draft, or watering trigger 30–60% leaf drop. Plants are re-potted every 2–3 years into a container 2 inches (5 cm) larger than the root ball; root pruning is tolerated.Pruning
Pruning is performed at any time of year, with most response in spring at the start of active growth. Stems are cut to maintain size, shape, and branching density. Each cut releases white latex sap, which dries within 1–2 hours and seals naturally. Hard renovation pruning to bare stubs is tolerated and triggers regrowth from dormant buds within 4–8 weeks.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
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D
spring
Maintenance Level
moderateContainer Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 5 gallons