Weeping fig (Benjamin fig) Ficus benjamina
Weeping fig (Benjamin fig) (Ficus benjamina) is an evergreen perennial tree in the Moraceae family, native to South and South-east Asia to northern Australia. It grows 2–25 m (6.6–82 ft) tall and 1–20 m (3.3–66 ft) wide, wants part sun to part shade and moderate water, and is hardy to about 3 °C (37 °F). Space plants about 3 m (10 ft) apart.
Plan Weeping fig (Benjamin fig) in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Weeping fig (Benjamin fig) at a glance
| Type | Perennial tree, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Moraceae |
| Mature height | 2–25 m (6.6–82 ft) |
| Mature spread | 1–20 m (3.3–66 ft) |
| Spacing | 3 m (10 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Part sun to part shade, at least 4 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About 3 °C (37 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 10) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 38 °C (100 °F) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Low |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | South and South-east Asia to northern Australia |
| Common in gardens of | 🇹🇭 Thailand, 🇮🇳 India, 🇲🇾 Malaysia, 🇸🇬 Singapore, 🇮🇩 Indonesia, 🇦🇺 Australia, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇳🇱 Netherlands |
Is Weeping fig (Benjamin fig) toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: mildly toxic
- Dogs: mildly toxic
- Parts: milky sap, leaves
The milky sap irritates skin and the gut and can cause a rash in sunlight; ficus latex is also a known indoor allergen.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Weeping fig (Benjamin fig)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and moderate water.
Questions about Weeping fig (Benjamin fig)
- How far apart should I plant Weeping fig (Benjamin fig)?
- About 3 m (10 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 1–20 m (3.3–66 ft).
- Does Weeping fig (Benjamin fig) need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 4 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Weeping fig (Benjamin fig) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Weeping fig (Benjamin fig)?
- It tolerates about 3 °C (37 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 10.
- Is Weeping fig (Benjamin fig) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is mildly toxic; for dogs mildly toxic; for people mildly toxic. The milky sap irritates skin and the gut and can cause a rash in sunlight; ficus latex is also a known indoor allergen.
- What grows well with Weeping fig (Benjamin fig)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Weeping fig (Benjamin fig). Group it with plants that like the same sun (part sun to part shade) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- UF/IFAS Extension tropical and subtropical fruit and landscape publications, University of Florida
- Flora & Fauna Web, National Parks Board, Singapore
Notes and assumptions
- A tropical plant: outdoors only in frost-free, humid climates; elsewhere a houseplant for bright, indirect light that likes warmth and humidity and hates cold draughts.
- Arching branches of glossy, pointed leaves; the official tree of Bangkok. Outdoors in the tropics it becomes a huge tree whose aggressive roots crack paving and drains, so plant it well away from buildings. Indoors it drops leaves when moved or chilled.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Common fig Ficus carica
- White mulberry Morus alba
- Rubber fig Ficus elastica
- Chinese banyan Ficus microcarpa
- Jackfruit Artocarpus heterophyllus
- Sacred fig (peepal, bodhi tree) Ficus religiosa
- Indian banyan Ficus benghalensis
- Sycamore fig Ficus sycomorus