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Ficus Benjamina

Ficus Benjamina

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About This Plant

Ficus Benjamina, commonly called Weeping Fig, is native to tropical and subtropical South and Southeast Asia and northern Australia, where it grows as a large canopy tree. Indoors it produces small, oval, glossy, dark to medium green leaves to create a graceful weeping canopy.

The weeping, canopy-forming character is unique. The graceful, arching branches densely covered in small glossy leaves create a canopy effect indoors that looks genuinely tree-like. The Benjamina is a classic for a reason and suits both modern minimalist and more traditional interiors. The

Keep it away from pets and children. The ASPCA specifically lists Ficus benjamina as toxic to cats and dogs. The milky latex sap contains ficin and psoralens that cause oral irritation, drooling, and vomiting if ingested. Skin contact with the sap can cause dermatitis in sensitive individuals. Wear gloves when pruning.

Choose its permanent spot before it arrives. Ficus Benjamina is the most leaf-sensitive of all common Ficus trees. It drops leaves every time it is moved, turned, or experiences a draft. Find the brightest east-facing spot in your home and leave it there permanently.

Winter Slowdown

Growth slows from November onward and the plant is at its most leaf-drop-prone during the transition from outdoor summer conditions to lower indoor winter light. Do not move it. Do not change its watering routine dramatically. No fertilizer until spring.

Toxicity

Toxic to cats and dogs, specifically listed by name in the ASPCA toxic plant database (Ficus benjamina). The milky latex sap contains ficin and psoralens. Ingestion causes oral irritation, drooling, and vomiting. Skin contact with sap can cause dermatitis. Keep well out of reach of pets and small children. Wear gloves when pruning.

Pests

Scale insects are the most common pest on Ficus Benjamina, appearing as small brown bumps on the slender branches and the undersides of the small glossy leaves. Spider mites appear in dry heating conditions from November onward. Check branches and leaf undersides carefully when watering.

Other Plants You Might Like

Not sure this is the right fit? Here are three other plants our Canadian customers love. All ship across Canada and thrive in Canadian homes.

Ficus Altissima Yellow Gem. Bold and more forgiving.

For a Ficus with large bold variegated leaves and more tolerance for being moved than the Benjamina, the Ficus Altissima Yellow Gem has warm golden-green colouring and handles position changes better.

Ficus Aspera Variegata. Textured and move-tolerant.

For a Ficus with a completely different rough-textured mottled leaf and more forgiving response to being moved, the Ficus Aspera Variegata is a more practical choice if relocation is likely.

Ficus Audrey. Most forgiving Ficus.

For the most forgiving and beginner-friendly Ficus tree with large velvety rounded leaves, the Ficus Audrey handles being moved without the same dramatic leaf drop and suits the same bright Canadian rooms.

Common Questions

How often should I water the Ficus Benjamina?

Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, every seven to ten days in spring and summer and every ten to fourteen days in a Canadian winter. Water evenly around the whole root ball. Inconsistent watering triggers leaf drop. Our indoor plant watering guide shows how to check correctly.

Why is it dropping all its leaves?

Leaf drop is Ficus Benjamina responding to being moved, a cold draft, a change in light level, or inconsistent watering. The most important rule is: do not move it again in response to the drop. Leave it in its permanent spot, keep watering consistently, and wait. New leaves will emerge within a few weeks once it settles.

Is Ficus Benjamina toxic to cats and dogs?

Yes. The ASPCA specifically lists Ficus benjamina as toxic to cats and dogs. The milky latex sap causes oral irritation, drooling, and vomiting if ingested. Skin contact can cause dermatitis. Keep well out of reach of pets and small children. Wear gloves when pruning.

What light does it need in a Canadian home?

Bright indirect light is essential. An east-facing window giving several hours of bright indirect light is ideal. In lower light the plant grows slowly and leaf drop from any small change is more likely. Read our guide to light requirements for indoor plants to find the right spot.

Will it survive a Canadian winter indoors?

Yes, if kept stable. The greatest risk is the autumn transition from good outdoor or summer light to lower winter levels, which can trigger leaf drop. Do not move it in response. Keep above 18 degrees C in your brightest window. It stabilises within a few weeks. Read our tips on keeping plants alive in winter for more.

Good to Know

Sun: Indirect

Bright indirect light is essential. An east-facing window with several hours of morning indirect light is ideal in a Canadian home. Too little light causes leaf drop and very slow growth.

Light: Bright indirect

A spot near an east-facing window is the most practical year-round position. From October to February in Canada, keep it in the brightest spot available without moving it from its permanent position.

Water: When top inch is dry

Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Every seven to ten days in spring and summer, every ten to fourteen days in Canadian winter. Water evenly around the root ball. Inconsistent watering triggers leaf drop.

Humidity: Moderate to high

Prefers moderate to high humidity. The dry forced-air heating in Ontario and Quebec homes from November onward causes leaf browning and can contribute to leaf drop. A pebble tray or humidifier nearby helps.

Pet Friendly: No

Toxic to cats and dogs, specifically listed by name by the ASPCA. Milky latex sap causes oral irritation, drooling, and vomiting. Skin contact can cause dermatitis. Keep well out of reach of pets and small children. Wear gloves when pruning.

Pro Tip

When it arrives and drops leaves from the stress of shipping and the new environment, leave it exactly where it will live forever. Every additional move resets the settling process.


What To Expect

Shipping and Delivery Details

Choose local GTA delivery, free Richmond Hill pickup, or shipping across Canada. Pick your delivery or pickup date at checkout, we'll have it ready and fresh for you. See full shipping and delivery details.

30-Day Happy Plant Guarantee

If your plant arrives damaged or isn't healthy, contact us within 30 days with a photo. We'll sort it out with a replacement, refund, or store credit whichever works best for you. View our complete guarantee policy

Frequently Asked Questions

Certainly! If you're pondering about ordering plants online, you're not alone. We've compiled the most frequently asked questions. Check out our FAQ section here for quick answers! Happy planting!

Plant and Pot Size Guide

4" Pot (Small): plant is approx. 6-10 inches tall. 6" Pot (Medium): approx. 12-18 inches tall. All plants come in a standard nursery pot. Decorative pots are sold separately.

Winter Shipping Protection

Between November and March we add extra insulated packaging and heat packs to protect your plant from cold temperatures during transit. You can add winter shipping protection at checkout.

Returns Policy

If a plant arrives with significant damage, pests, or disease, we offer a full replacement or refund.Our guarantee covers the viability and health of your plant for 30 days.

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Plant care essentials

Everything you need to keep this plant thriving.

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