Weeping Fig: Planting, Propagation & Toxicity

The birch fig is already known as a common office plant, because it is very popular due to its easy-care and air-purifying properties.

The birch fig (Ficus benjamina) becomes an eye-catcher with its shiny foliage. The leaves can even be patterned in some varieties. She is closely related to the fig tree (Ficus carica) from which you can harvest edible fruits.

Notice: Another common name of Ficus benjamina is "Bejamini". By mixing it with the Latin name, it is therefore often used Ficus bejamini mentioned, which, strictly speaking, is not correct.

Weeping fig: properties and origin

The birch fig (Ficus benjamina) is an evergreen tree from the mulberry family (Moraceae). It can grow as a tree or as a shrub and forms slightly overhanging branches. It occurs naturally in Asia and northern Australia, but is a popular houseplant for us. In tropical areas it is also used outdoors as an ornamental tree and unfortunately behaves invasively there. It impresses with its shiny green foliage, which can be admired all year round. The leaves are entire, oblong-ovate and short-stalked. At first they are light green and later turn darker. The smooth, light gray bark also looks pretty. The different varieties of Benjamini, as the birch fig is also called, are available in a wide variety of colors and patterns.

While the Benjamini reaches heights of about three meters as a houseplant, it can grow up to 18 meters in nature. The stately specimens in the wild form numerous aerial roots. Smaller varieties of the birch fig can even be kept as bonsai. Here the Benjamini rarely flowers between August and September. However, these are very inconspicuous and only appear when ideal conditions prevail. This later produces the fruits, which do not look like typical figs, but are spherical and orange. The milky sap of the birch fig contains allergens that are similar in structure to latex allergens. Anyone who has a latex allergy should be particularly careful, as a cross-allergy with the birch fig can often occur here. The allergens can even reach the surface of the leaf and thus get into the air. In return, the Benjamini reduces the level of pollutants such as formaldehyde in the air to a small extent.

How old does a birch fig get? It is not so easy to say how old a birch fig will be. Of course, the right care is also important. In the tropics, there are specimens that are several hundred years old, and even indoor plants are not uncommon to be 70 years old.

The most beautiful varieties

The Ficus benjamina comes in many forms, some getting bigger, others staying small. Foliage can be solid green or come in color variations of yellow, green, and white. Varieties with light-colored leaves usually require more light, completely green plants can also stand in semi-shade.

• Ficus benjamina ‘Natasya’: The birch fig 'Natasja' remains rather small, grows bushy and reaches a height of about 80 cm. The leaves are a beautiful, rich green.
• Ficus benjamina ‘Baroque’: The leaves of this variety are rolled up and remind a bit of a curly head of hair. The plant grows compact.

• Ficus benjamina 'Golden King': The foliage of this variety is variegated golden yellow-green or creamy white. It will grow taller than 1 m, although growth can be limited by the pot size.
• Ficus benjamina ‘Twilight’: Here you get leaves in light green with a white border. This variety can also grow larger and should be in a particularly bright place so that the brightly patterned foliage can develop well.

Plant Benjamini: location, soil and Co.

In order for the birch fig to grow well and remain healthy, some site requirements should be considered. The Benjamini feels most comfortable in warm temperatures above 20 °C, and the temperature should never drop below 16 °C. A high level of humidity is also good for the birch fig and can be achieved, for example, by regularly spraying the leaves. A bright bathroom is therefore a good place, but the birch fig is also popular in the bedroom. Above all, high humidity must be ensured there. A wind-protected place is also advisable, since the Benjamini does not like drafts.

The question that remains is how much light does the birch fig need? The Benjamini can tolerate direct sunlight in the morning or evening hours, otherwise the plant needs a bright spot with indirect light. Varieties with green leaves generally need less light than those with variegated patterns. Once you've found your Wee Fig location, leave the plant there. She often reacts stressed to a change of location and sheds her leaves.

The soil for the birch fig must be particularly permeable. A high-quality potting soil, such as ours Plantura organic universal soil, already has good drainage properties and can be made even more permeable by adding 30% sand. Our biological soil remains structurally stable for a long time and consists of natural ingredients. To plant the Benjamini, start by sprinkling a drainage layer of coarse material such as pebbles into the pot. Put a layer of substrate on top and place the birch fig in the pot. Then fill in any gaps with soil and lightly compact the soil.

Tip: In summer you can put the Benjamini outside. The temperature should then no longer fall below 16 °C. The plant also needs a bright place with sufficient light.

wintering

Since the exotic birch fig is not hardy, it must be brought back into the house when the temperature drops. In order to overwinter the Benjamini, the plant is placed in a bright place at 16 to 20 °C. Watering is only done occasionally when the soil feels dry. There is no fertilizer at all during the winter break. Once a week the Benjamini can be sprayed with a little water. Because of the dry heating air, pests such as spider mites and scale insects on the birch fig. It is therefore advisable to regularly check the plants for infestation.

Propagating birch figs

To get more specimens of the easy-care houseplant, you can multiply the birch fig. Young, largely unwoody shoot cuttings are best suited for this. In the spring, use a sharp knife to cut off pieces about 15 centimeters long from the tips of the shoots and remove the lower leaves except for two or three at the top. The cuttings are now placed in a container with growing substrate, such as ours Plantura Organic Herb & Seed Soil. It is perfect for growing young plants, as the lower nutrient supply promotes root formation. Our earth does not need any peat at all. Slightly moisten the substrate and put a plastic bag over the pot to increase the humidity. Place the jar in a bright place without direct sun at a temperature of around 25 °C. If new leaves form, the propagation was successful and the small birch figs can be repotted.

Tip: You can also place the birch fig cuttings in a glass of water for rooting. After planting, however, the humidity must be kept particularly high, since the roots are usually weaker when they emerge from the water and are not yet as productive.

You can also grow the birch fig from seed. However, you have to buy the seeds because the Benjamini rarely produces fruit as a houseplant. The seed is distributed on the growing substrate and only very lightly covered with soil. With this method, too, put a plastic bag over the pot and keep it warm at 75-85°F (21-26°C). Germination occurs after 10 to 42 days.

Is the Benjamini poisonous?

As for the genus ficus typically the birch fig is also slightly poisonous. This is due to the milky sap that escapes when the plant is injured. If you have a latex allergy, you should be particularly careful when handling the birch fig. Be sure to wear gloves when cutting and repotting. Also, make sure that children and pets do not develop undue interest in the leaves. For animals, eating large amounts of the plant can cause symptoms of poisoning, such as vomiting and diarrhea.

After successful planting, it now comes down to the right one care of Ficus benjamini at. You can find out how to do this in our special article.