| Description |
The weeping fig, native to southeast asia, is a lushly tropical and elegant tree, more likely to be found as an indoor plant in gulf regions than growing outdoors. Popular throughout the world in homes, offices and shopping malls, . Ficus benjamina will withstand gulf region’s climate, but only when fully protected in a garden. In the past, Ficus benjamina was occasionally found outdoors, but heavy frosts and scorching sun in recent years have caused its disappearance. With its dense foliage and gracefully weeping branches, it will grow relatively quickly in a favourable location to a height of 30 metres with equal spread. Glossy, dark green, ovate leaves with pointed tips grow up to 10 cm long. The fruit is very small and red when ripe. In gulf regions it is best in a warm winter patio or garden in semi shade. Ficus benjamina prefers deep, moist soils with good drainage and requires regular irrigation, more during the first years, and after establishment it will withstand short periods of drought. It needs wind protection when young. Propagation is by cuttings or air layering. Occasionally chlorotic in gulf regions soils, trees are prone to attacks by mealybugs. Expanding roots can be invasive and cause damage to underground pipes and paving; they also make it difficult for other plants to grow close by. As accent or focal point trees, they are also very attractive in containers. Trees can be clipped to shape and regular pruning will improve appearance, but pruning must be drastic if the branches are caught by a hard frost. |
