Benji Variegated Weeping Fig

Benji Variegated Weeping Fig (Ficus benjamina 'Benji') is a compact, bushy fig with glossy oval leaves edged in white to pale green. Grown in a container it reaches about 2m high and 1.5m wide, which makes it a popular houseplant and office plant. Planted in the ground it is a different proposition, growing into a large tree of 10 to 15m with invasive roots, so that is a choice for big properties only.

Why you'll love it

• Bright foliage all year. The variegated edges, white to pale green, stay bright through every season, indoors or out.
• Light and airy. Weeping figs bring nature indoors without making a room feel like a jungle.
• Tolerates shade. It grows in full sun to full shade, and indoors it needs good filtered light.
• Versatile to train. Train it as a potted standard with a single trunk, as topiary or as a bonsai.
• Adaptable. It grows in conditions from the hot, humid tropics to cool temperate regions, once it is sheltered from frost.

Where it works best

Indoors and in offices. A bright room or office with good filtered light suits it, and the compact container size keeps it manageable.

Verandas and balconies. It does well in a large pot on a veranda or balcony, in sun or shade, where it stays well below its in-ground size.

Standards and topiary. It can be trained as a potted standard, as topiary or as a bonsai.

Large properties only. On acreage it makes a large feature tree with dappled shade and fruit loved by doves. Avoid planting it outside in small gardens or close to walls and pipes.

Growing Benji Variegated Weeping Fig in Australia

Position and climate. Good filtered light indoors, and full sun to full shade outdoors. It adapts to the humid tropics and to cool temperate regions, but like most figs it is frost tender, so shelter it from frost.

Soil. A good quality potting mix suits containers. If planting outside, choose a spot well away from walls, paths and pipes.

Water and feed. Mulch and water in with a seaweed-based fertiliser on planting to reduce transplant shock, then water regularly until established, usually around 12 weeks. A yearly application of slow release fertiliser in spring will help.

Pruning. Pruning is not necessary but can keep the form compact. Weeping figs do not like being moved or having their light or watering changed, and can drop leaves in shock. The leaves grow back.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Benji Variegated Weeping Fig as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. Expect a small plant that grows on steadily in a bright spot. Choose the permanent position before you plant or pot on, as figs prefer to stay where they are put.

Benji Variegated Weeping Fig tube stock is supplied by our grower, so it is not always on hand. A sold out tube simply means the grower has none at the moment, and the notify button on this page will email you the day it returns. Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Ficus
• Caring for a weeping fig
• Indoor plants
• Variegated plants

Common questions

Why is my fig dropping leaves?

Weeping figs do not like being moved, or changes in light or watering, and can drop leaves in shock. The leaves grow back once conditions stay steady.

How big will it get?

In a container, up to about 2m high and 1.5m wide. In the ground it can become a tree of 10 to 15m with invasive roots, so keep it in a pot unless you have a large property.

Is it safe for pets?

No. Weeping fig sap can irritate skin and is harmful to cats and dogs if eaten, so keep it out of their reach.