🇳🇱Ficus benjamina

Sourced from the Netherlands🇳🇱

A living structure of branches, light and movement.

Ficus benjamina is naturally a tree, even when cultivated as an indoor plant. Its slender branches and glossy leaves create a distinctive cascading silhouette, while variegated forms introduce another layer of pattern across the canopy.

The species originates across South and Southeast Asia through Malesia, northern Australia and parts of the Pacific. In cultivation, it has become one of the classic trees for interiors — capable of developing considerable presence when given enough light and space.

Care

• Light: Bright, indirect or filtered light.
• Water: Water moderately during active growth once the upper layer of soil begins to dry.
• Winter: Reduce watering when growth slows.
• Humidity: Medium to high humidity is beneficial, particularly in air-conditioned or heated interiors.
• Temperature: Keep conditions stable and avoid cold draughts or sudden temperature changes.
• Feeding: Apply a nitrogen-rich houseplant fertiliser approximately monthly during active growth.
• Repotting: Repot approximately every 2–3 years or when roots have filled the container.
• Pruning: Remove unwanted or overly long shoots when necessary.
• Common issue: Sudden changes in light, temperature or watering can trigger leaf drop.

Pet safety: ⚠️ Harmful to pets if eaten. RHS identifies Ficus benjamina as potentially harmful to humans and pets, while ASPCA lists ficus species among plants of concern.