benjamina

Ficus benjamina, commonly known as the weeping fig, is a species of flowering plant in the Moraceae family. It is native to tropical and subtropical Asia and parts of Australia and has been cultivated worldwide as an ornamental plant.

It is an evergreen tree or shrub with a slender trunk and glossy, oval leaves typically 6–13 cm long. Leaves are dark green on the upper surface and lighter beneath. In cultivation it is sold as a tall tree or a compact houseplant; many cultivars display variegated leaves.

Ficus benjamina prefers bright, indirect light but tolerates lower light levels. It requires well-draining soil and regular watering, allowing the top of the soil to dry slightly between waterings; it is sensitive to overwatering and to sudden changes in light or temperature, which can cause leaf drop. It can be pruned to maintain shape and is used in indoor decorative landscapes and in outdoor landscapes in suitable climates.

It is propagated by cuttings or air layering. Numerous cultivars exist, including variegated forms with cream or yellow margins; in temperate regions it is typically grown indoors.

The plant contains latex that can irritate skin; ingestion can cause irritation and digestive upset in humans and pets. Common pests include scale insects, mealybugs, and spider mites.