60cm pot plant 290

60cm pot plant 290Ficus benjamina 'Exotica' Weeping Fig 'Exotica' Ficus benjamina 'Exotica', commonly known as Ficus Exotica, is a refined and elegant cultivar of the classic Weeping Fig, prized for its glossy, arching foliage and graceful, fountain like form. Native to Southeast Asia and northern Australia, this tropical evergreen tree is a long standing favourite for interior greenery, offering lush, dense foliage with a polished, ornamental look. The 'Exotica'

🌿 Ficus benjamina 'Exotica' — Weeping Fig 'Exotica'

Ficus benjamina 'Exotica', commonly known as Ficus Exotica, is a refined and elegant cultivar of the classic Weeping Fig, prized for its glossy, arching foliage and graceful, fountain-like form. Native to Southeast Asia and northern Australia, this tropical evergreen tree is a long-standing favourite for interior greenery, offering lush, dense foliage with a polished, ornamental look. The 'Exotica' variety features slightly broader, more curved leaves than the standard Ficus benjamina, with a rich green colour and subtle sheen. As it matures, the slender, woody trunk becomes gently twisting or braided when trained, adding to its decorative appeal. Ideal for homes, offices, and conservatories, Ficus Exotica brings a touch of indoor forest greenery with a minimal footprint. It is fast-growing in bright conditions and responds well to pruning and shaping, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to add a sophisticated vertical element to their plant collection.

☀️ Light Requirements

• Indoors: Prefers bright, indirect light. Will tolerate some morning sun.

• Low light: May cause leaf drop and slow growth; avoid deep shade.

• Too much sun: Harsh, direct sunlight can scorch the foliage.

🌡️ Temperature & Humidity

• Ideal temperature: 18–25°C (65–77°F)

• Minimum temperature: Avoid exposure below 12°C (54°F)

• Humidity: Prefers moderate to high humidity. Mist regularly or use a pebble tray in centrally heated environments.

💧 Watering Needs

• Watering frequency: Water when the top 3–5 cm of soil feels dry. Keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged.

• Tip: Reduce watering in winter and avoid sudden changes in moisture levels, which can trigger leaf drop.

🪴 Soil & Repotting

• Soil type: A well-draining houseplant compost with added perlite or grit.

• pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0–7.0)

• Repotting: Every 2–3 years or when rootbound. Spring is the best time to repot.

🌱 Feeding

• Growing season (spring–summer): Feed monthly with a balanced liquid fertiliser.

• Autumn–winter: Feeding can be reduced or stopped during dormancy.

✂️ Pruning & Maintenance

• Pruning: Trim to shape or maintain height. Pinch out tips to encourage bushier growth.

• Leaf care: Wipe leaves with a damp cloth to remove dust and promote healthy photosynthesis.

• Leaf drop: Common when the plant is moved, overwatered, or exposed to draughts — avoid sudden environmental changes.

🌾 Propagation

• Stem cuttings: Take semi-hardwood cuttings in spring or summer and root in water or compost.

• Air layering: Suitable for mature, woody stems if you wish to propagate a larger section.

🐛 Pests & Problems

• Common pests: Spider mites, mealybugs, scale insects

• Symptoms: Leaf discolouration, sticky residue, or visible pests on stems and undersides of leaves.

• Treatment: Wipe down leaves and apply neem oil or insecticidal soap if needed.

• Leaf drop: May result from draughts, low light, inconsistent watering, or environmental shock.

🧤 Toxicity & Safety

• Toxicity: Mildly toxic to pets and humans if ingested. Can cause digestive upset and skin irritation.

• Precaution: Best kept out of reach of pets and children.

🏡 Indoor Care Highlights

• A classic indoor tree with timeless elegance — ideal for living rooms, hallways, and offices.

• Perfect for modern, minimalist, or biophilic interior designs.

• Can be trained into a tree or maintained as a bushy specimen with regular pruning.

• Pairs beautifully with other foliage plants for a lush indoor canopy effect.

• Helps purify the air by filtering common indoor pollutants.