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The Weeping Fig (Ficus benjamina) and its cultivars are the most commonly grown Fig trees. A few cultivars of F. benjamina include: 'Golden King'; 'Golden Princess'; 'Hawaii'; 'Jacuqeline'; 'Wintergreen'; 'Natasha'; 'Nuda'; 'Starlight' and 'Variegata'. The Weeping Fig has gracefully arching slender branches with 2 - 4 inch-long pointed, shiny, leathery, dark green leaves. New leaves are very light green in color. Variegated forms have white or yellowish blotches on the green leaves. Both the branches and leaves contain a milky looking latex sap. The tree trunk is very smooth and lightly colored. Under humid conditions, and as the tree matures, branch-like aerial roots are produced. These grow downward and help support the tree as well as absorbing water. The variety Ficus benjamina exotica has a slight twist to the leaves which makes it even more attractive.
Other tree species with 2 - 4 inch long leaves include Ficus retusa (Indian Laurel) which has oval shaped leaves; F. rubiginosa (Rusty Fig) - so named because the leaves undersides are a brown color; F. religiosa (BoTree Fig) - has heart-shaped leaves, and F. triangularis, which has triangular shaped leaves. The species Ficus buxifolia has small, 1 inch long triangular leaves.
This genus also includes the well known large leafed species like Ficus elastica (Rubber Plant); Ficus lyrata (Fiddle Leaf Fig) and Ficus benghalensis (Bengal Fig or Banyan Tree), for examples. The trailing varieties of the Ficus genera are touchier in their environmental needs, but are also commonly grown houseplants. A few include Ficus radicans (trailing Fig); Ficus pumila (also F. repens) (Creeping Fig) and Ficus pumila minima (Creeping Fig) and their cultivars. The Mistletoe Fig (F. diversifolia) is a bushy type which produces small pea-shaped fruits and usually grows to a height of 3 feet.
To grow Ficus benjamina and the other small leafed species successfully, they should be placed in bright indirect light, such as an east window, or in front of a curtain-filtered south window. Although the plant will adapt to direct sunlight, a combination of very dry air and direct sun can lead to problems with spider mites. At least 400 foot candles of light should be provided for optimum health requirements. The tree will survive 150 - 200 foot candles of light.
The main cause of leaf drop is stress from over-watering or under-watering the plant. The media should be kept moist at all times. Dryness of the media followed by a sudden soaking will almost certainly result in yellowing of the leaves and leafdrop. The tree should be watered as soon as the media's surface approaches dryness. This can be determined by feeling the surface of the media or simply noticing the difference in color of the media. A wet or moist soil or media is dark colored, whereas, a dry surface is light colored. A soggy soil will also cause leafdrop, so it is important that the media be well-drained and the containers drainage holes always open and free of obstructions. Water at the top of the soil and continue to add water until excess water runs out of the drainage holes in the pot. Do not let the pot sit in the excess water.
Although the tree will tolerate night temperatures as low as 45°F, 65 - 68°F is ideal. Daytime temperatures should be maintained near 72 - 80°F. Warm or cold drafts must be avoided as they can also cause leafdrop. Misting the tree is beneficial for both health of the tree and prevention of spider mite infestations.
Ficus trees should be fertilized every 6 months. A balanced houseplant fertilizer diluted to half strenght is sufficient. 20-20-20 is an example. The tree is sensitive to high levels of salts in the soil, so avoid over-fertilizing the plant as this can lead to leafdrop. Yellowing leaf edges associated with lower leaf drop are signs that the plant requires feeding. Repotting is generally only required every 2 - 3 years. A good sign that the plant needs repotting is when the tree demands watering constantly. Move it to a one size larger pot and use any well-drained commercial pre-packaged potting soil. A pot-bound plant will also drop its leaves.
It is natural for fig trees to drop a few leaves as the seasons change. New leaves will grow at the tips of shoots to replace those that have fallen. A little annual pruning is required to maintain the trees shape and to thin out center branches so as to allow light to enter the center of the tree. The small stems or branches may be used to propagate new plants by simply inserting them in moist sand and keeping them close (warm and humid). The leaves should be washed ocassionally with a mild, warm soapy water and then rinsed with fresh water. Never use leaf shine products on any plants. Insects to watch for include spider mites, mealybug and scale insects.
