Why is my Ficus Benjamina losing its leaves?

Change of location, drafts, excess or lack of water. The Ficus Benjamina is sensitive to variations. Maintain stable conditions, avoid moving it and drafts.

How do you water a Ficus Benjamina?

Moderate watering, let the soil surface dry out between waterings. The Ficus Benjamina prefers slightly moist soil but never waterlogged. Reduce watering in winter.

What kind of light does a Ficus Benjamina need?

Bright indirect light, never direct sunlight. The Ficus Benjamina needs plenty of light to thrive but direct rays burn its delicate leaves.

Is the Ficus Benjamina toxic to pets?

Yes, the milky sap is toxic to cats and dogs if ingested. Keep it out of reach of pets.

How do you prune a Ficus Benjamina?

Prune in spring to control shape and density. The Ficus Benjamina tolerates pruning well and can be shaped into an elegant indoor tree or bonsai.

Why are the leaves of my Ficus turning yellow?

Overwatering, lack of light, or natural aging of lower leaves. Check drainage, increase light, and reduce watering if necessary.

Does the Ficus Benjamina grow quickly?

Moderate growth, 20-30 cm per year under good conditions. Slower indoors than outdoors in tropical climates, but forms a beautiful tree over time.

Can you keep a Ficus Benjamina outdoors?

Yes in summer in a sheltered spot, but bring it indoors as soon as temperatures drop below 15°C. The Ficus Benjamina is a non-hardy tropical plant.

How do you repot a Ficus Benjamina?

Repot in spring every 2-3 years into a slightly larger pot. Use well-draining soil and handle the roots gently to avoid stress.

Ficus Benjamina — the indoor weeping fig

Dense and shiny foliage, graceful shape, and drooping branches: the Ficus Benjamina is one of the most elegant indoor trees. Discover our varieties — from the classic Danielle to the bright Twilight — and all the tips to keep it thriving.

The Ficus benjamina is one of the most popular indoor trees in the world. With its graceful shape, drooping branches, and dense, shiny foliage, it brings a strong plant presence to any room — from the living room to the office, and even the entryway.

Varieties of Ficus Benjamina

The Ficus Benjamina Danielle is the classic choice: uniform dark green, dense, and shiny leaves on an elegant braided trunk. The Twilight stands out with its green and creamy white variegated leaves that brighten interiors. The Golden King offers a more subtle variegation, edged with golden yellow. The Kinky is the compact version, ideal for small spaces with its small, tight leaves on a bushy form. And for larger volumes, the Ficus Benjamina Exotica easily reaches 120 cm and beyond. If you’re looking for other Ficus species, explore our full Ficus collection.

Where to place a Ficus Benjamina?

The Ficus benjamina likes bright, indirect light. Place it near an east- or west-facing window, protected from direct sunlight which can burn the leaves. The key point: once placed, don’t move it. The Ficus benjamina is known for its sensitivity to changes: moving it, rotating the pot, or even a draft can cause temporary leaf drop. Our article light and humidity: finding the right balance helps you find the perfect spot. For less bright rooms, check out our plants for shade and partial shade.

Care for your Ficus Benjamina

Watering is the main point to watch. Let the top 2-3 centimeters of soil dry out between waterings, then water thoroughly, allowing water to drain from the bottom of the pot. In winter, space out watering. The Ficus appreciates proper humidity: mist the foliage regularly, especially in winter when heating dries the air. See our complete watering guide and our month-by-month care calendar.

My Ficus is dropping leaves: what to do?

Don’t panic: this is the most common issue with Ficus benjamina, and it’s almost always reversible. The main causes are a change of location, too much or too little water, a cold draft, or air that’s too dry. Identify the cause, stabilize the conditions, and new leaves will appear within a few weeks. Our article yellow leaves: 5 causes and solutions details the diagnosis, and our guide diagnosing common problems covers other symptoms.

Repotting and pruning a Ficus Benjamina

Repot your Ficus every 2 to 3 years in spring, into a slightly larger pot with well-draining soil. Pruning for shaping is also done in spring: remove branches that unbalance the silhouette and dead twigs. Be careful, Ficus sap is slightly irritating — wear gloves. Our article when and how to repot and our guide choosing the right pot will guide you through these steps.

Ficus Benjamina and air quality

The Ficus benjamina is among the most studied plants for their ability to filter indoor air, especially regarding formaldehyde found in furniture and glues. Discover our collection of air-purifying plants and our article plants that purify the air to learn more.