Ficus benjamina 'Braided trunk (trained form)'
Bring instant sophistication to any space with the Braided Ficus Benjamina. Its sculptural woven trunk and full, glossy variegated canopy create a high-end “designer” look without demanding care. Place it in bright light, water when the soil surface dries, and enjoy a clean, modern indoor tree that elevates receptions, living rooms, and meeting areas year-round.
1. Basic Identification
Common Name: Weeping Fig, Braided Ficus
Botanical Name: Ficus benjamina
Arabic Name: فكس بنجامين
Plant Variant: Braided trunk (trained form)
Plant Color: Colored
Plant Country: Not mentioned
Family: Moraceae
2. Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Order: Rosales
Family: Moraceae
Genus: Ficus
Species: Ficus benjamina
3. Origin & Distribution
Native to South and Southeast Asia and Australia. It is the official tree of Bangkok, Thailand. It is widely cultivated globally as a popular indoor ornamental plant and landscaping tree in tropical climates.
4. Visual Characteristics
This variety features several young Ficus stems that have been meticulously braided together to form a single, sturdy, and artistic trunk. The canopy consists of dense, glossy, ovate leaves with a distinct "drip tip" to shed water. The variegated varieties exhibit a beautiful mix of creamy white and deep emerald green colors.
5. Size & Dimensions
In an indoor environment, the Braided Ficus typically reaches a height of 3 to 10 feet (0.9 to 3 meters), depending on the container size and pruning. Its spread usually ranges from 2 to 4 feet.
6. Light Requirements
Prefers bright, indirect light. While it can tolerate some direct morning sun, harsh afternoon rays may scorch the leaves. It can adapt to medium light conditions but may grow more slowly and experience some leaf drop.
7. Watering Needs
Water when the top 1–2 inches of the soil feel dry to the touch. It is sensitive to both overwatering and underwatering; ensure the pot has excellent drainage to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during the winter months.
8. Soil & Potting
Requires a well-draining, fertile, loamy potting mix. A standard high-quality indoor potting soil enriched with perlite or pine bark is ideal to maintain moisture while allowing aeration.
9. Temperature & Humidity
Thrives in temperatures between 65°F and 85°F (18°C – 29°C). It is sensitive to cold drafts and sudden temperature fluctuations. It prefers moderate to high humidity; misting the leaves or using a humidity tray is beneficial in dry indoor environments.
10. Fertilization
Feed once a month during the active growing season (spring and summer) using a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half-strength. Do not fertilize during the winter.
11. Maintenance & Care Level
Maintenance Level: Moderate. The plant is famous for "leaf drop" when stressed by movement or environmental changes. Regular pruning is recommended to maintain the canopy's shape and encourage thicker growth.
12. Growth & Propagation
Moderately fast grower in ideal light. Propagation is typically achieved through stem cuttings or air layering, though the braided form requires professional training of young, flexible stems.
13. Common Problems
Most common issues include leaf drop due to relocation, drafts, or overwatering. It can be susceptible to pests such as scale, mealybugs, and spider mites if the air is too dry or the plant is stressed.
14. Benefits & Uses
Excellent for air purification; it is known to filter indoor toxins such as formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene. Highly valued in interior design for its sculptural trunk and sophisticated, upright tree-like appearance in offices and homes.
15. Toxicity & Safety
Toxic to pets (cats and dogs) and horses if ingested. The sap contains latex which can cause skin irritation in humans with latex allergies and gastrointestinal upset if consumed.
Ficus benjamina 'Braided trunk (trained form)'
Bring instant sophistication to any space with the Braided Ficus Benjamina. Its sculptural woven trunk and full, glossy variegated canopy create a high-end “designer” look without demanding care. Place it in bright light, water when the soil surface dries, and enjoy a clean, modern indoor tree that elevates receptions, living rooms, and meeting areas year-round.
1. Basic Identification
Common Name: Weeping Fig, Braided Ficus
Botanical Name: Ficus benjamina
Arabic Name: فكس بنجامين
Plant Variant: Braided trunk (trained form)
Plant Color: Colored
Plant Country: Not mentioned
Family: Moraceae
2. Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Order: Rosales
Family: Moraceae
Genus: Ficus
Species: Ficus benjamina
3. Origin & Distribution
Native to South and Southeast Asia and Australia. It is the official tree of Bangkok, Thailand. It is widely cultivated globally as a popular indoor ornamental plant and landscaping tree in tropical climates.
4. Visual Characteristics
This variety features several young Ficus stems that have been meticulously braided together to form a single, sturdy, and artistic trunk. The canopy consists of dense, glossy, ovate leaves with a distinct "drip tip" to shed water. The variegated varieties exhibit a beautiful mix of creamy white and deep emerald green colors.
5. Size & Dimensions
In an indoor environment, the Braided Ficus typically reaches a height of 3 to 10 feet (0.9 to 3 meters), depending on the container size and pruning. Its spread usually ranges from 2 to 4 feet.
6. Light Requirements
Prefers bright, indirect light. While it can tolerate some direct morning sun, harsh afternoon rays may scorch the leaves. It can adapt to medium light conditions but may grow more slowly and experience some leaf drop.
7. Watering Needs
Water when the top 1–2 inches of the soil feel dry to the touch. It is sensitive to both overwatering and underwatering; ensure the pot has excellent drainage to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during the winter months.
8. Soil & Potting
Requires a well-draining, fertile, loamy potting mix. A standard high-quality indoor potting soil enriched with perlite or pine bark is ideal to maintain moisture while allowing aeration.
9. Temperature & Humidity
Thrives in temperatures between 65°F and 85°F (18°C – 29°C). It is sensitive to cold drafts and sudden temperature fluctuations. It prefers moderate to high humidity; misting the leaves or using a humidity tray is beneficial in dry indoor environments.
10. Fertilization
Feed once a month during the active growing season (spring and summer) using a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half-strength. Do not fertilize during the winter.
11. Maintenance & Care Level
Maintenance Level: Moderate. The plant is famous for "leaf drop" when stressed by movement or environmental changes. Regular pruning is recommended to maintain the canopy's shape and encourage thicker growth.
12. Growth & Propagation
Moderately fast grower in ideal light. Propagation is typically achieved through stem cuttings or air layering, though the braided form requires professional training of young, flexible stems.
13. Common Problems
Most common issues include leaf drop due to relocation, drafts, or overwatering. It can be susceptible to pests such as scale, mealybugs, and spider mites if the air is too dry or the plant is stressed.
14. Benefits & Uses
Excellent for air purification; it is known to filter indoor toxins such as formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene. Highly valued in interior design for its sculptural trunk and sophisticated, upright tree-like appearance in offices and homes.
15. Toxicity & Safety
Toxic to pets (cats and dogs) and horses if ingested. The sap contains latex which can cause skin irritation in humans with latex allergies and gastrointestinal upset if consumed.