Light Requirements: Prefers bright, indirect light. It can tolerate some gentle direct sun, especially in the morning. Low light often results in leaf drop and sparse growth.
Watering Needs: Water when the top 2 inches of soil feel dry. Water thoroughly and allow excess to drain. Avoid overwatering and do not allow the plant to sit in water. Be consistent — sudden changes in watering can cause leaf drop.
Soil Preference: Use a well-draining potting mix. A blend with peat or coco coir, perlite, and pine bark provides good aeration and moisture balance.
How to Fertilize: Fertilize every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer with a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer diluted to half strength. Reduce feeding in fall and winter.
Hardiness Zone: Suitable for USDA Hardiness Zones 10–12. Indoors, keep temperatures above 60°F and protect from drafts or cold windows.
Pet Safety: Toxic to cats and dogs if ingested. The milky sap may cause oral irritation and gastrointestinal upset.
Additional Care Tips: Ficus benjamina can react strongly to environmental changes, often shedding leaves when moved, rotated, or exposed to fluctuating light or temperature. Once settled, keep it in a consistent location. Prune to shape and promote branching, and wipe leaves occasionally to remove dust. Provide moderate to high humidity if possible. Repot every 1–2 years as it grows, choosing a container only slightly larger than the previous one.
