All about Ficus Benjamina Flowers: Get Your Tree to Bloom

This evergreen shrub that is commonly called the weeping fig originated from the territories of Malaysia to the southeast of Asia, and southwestern Pacific to the northern Australia. It is a very low maintenance shrub that can grow up to 50 feet tall. The plant is famous for its luscious dark green leaves but if you want something really special go for ficus benjamina “Starlight” with white frame on each leaf. Ficus “Golden Monique” has yellow leaves with a drop of green on top or “Midnight” with the darkest green foliage. Different types of ficus benjamina as well as various modern cultivars are widely used as green fences in the tropical areas. Weeping fig yields twice a year generously producing sweet edible fruit.

Ficusses Blossom Time

During the bloom time the tree covers itself in the small yellow pale blossoms. Ficusses produce fig fruit that are edible and can be eaten raw as well as widely used in cooking. All the blossoms are female and so the tree pollinates itself. The blossoms need tropical pollinating wasps in order to yield properly.

If you are lucky enough to get your weeping fig to yield get ready for the generous amount of fruit twice a year. The shrub starts blooming on its second to third year. Remember that the outdoor trees need containment otherwise your ficus might end up growing way too big. Prune it after the active growth period is over. Ideally the best time for shaping the tree is late summer through early winter. Since the tree is very low maintenance it will bring fruit to the table and decorate your garden for many years in a row.

Indoor Plants Peculiarities

All kinds of ficus benjamina grow really well indoors. House plants however have a number of peculiarities such as:

• They feel great in the soil based potting mix but will not grow larger than 10 feet.
• Your ficus shrub is very unlikely to flower due to the indoor conditions.
• Even if the weeping fig does produce some blossoms they are unlikely to yield due to the absence of the pollinating wasps.
• Make sure you get the right water. It must be really soft as salts tend to kill the roots.
• Moisturize it every few days when the surface gets dry. Provide more water in spring and summer but do not overdo because too much water causes root rot.
• You can take it outside to the garden or patio in summer providing the outside temperature is no less than 15 C.
• Pick the right place for the pot, there must be no draughts otherwise it will start dropping leaves.
• Prune annually late summer to early autumn as the shrub tends to grow rapidly.

Even though the indoor plant is not likely to bring you fruit it is still very useful. Ficusses filter the air and they are low maintenance. Their luscious glossy leaves dark green in colour freshen up any room. They make great bonsai trees. You can shape them as you like. Plant three trunks together and carefully braid them. The stems will grow into each other forming a braid. Look at the images and think about how great it would be to have this tree in your own house.