Varieties of Ficus Benjamina
The Weeping Fig is an extremely popular indoor tree with many different varieties. It has been in cultivation for decades with growers continually producing new varieties of Ficus Benjamina.
Some are variegated, some do well in low light, some do well in high light, and some are just a pleasure to behold. Read on to learn more about the many different varieties of Benjamina.
Benjamina ‘Wintergreen’
Wintergreen is one of the most common cultivators of Ficus Benjamina. This is what most people imagine when they think of ficus trees. Its bright green, glossy leaves and fast growth make it a favorite indoor tree.
These can often be found growing as a bush, single-trunked, with a braided trunk, and as a bonsai.
Benjamina ‘Anastasia’
Anastasia is a variegated Benjamina cultivator with lime green and dark green variegation. Anastasia is relatively fast-growing for a variegated tree and easier to care for.
The different shades of green allow for more photosynthesis than its white and yellow variegated siblings. Thus allowing it to grow faster and have more protection from sunburn.
This variety has recently hit the market and is mostly found in Europe.
Benjamina ‘Monique’
Monique is perhaps the most resistant to leaf-drop which is a huge plus for ficus trees.
It has bright green leaves, and bushy growth, and does exceptionally well in high light.
Benjamina ‘Variegata’
Variegata is a common form of variegated Benjamina. It has bright green leaves with a creamy white to yellow variation.
This cultivator has been around for a long time and recently come back into popularity.
Variegata grows similar to Wintergreen just a bit slower. It also needs more protection from direct sunlight in order to protect the white variegation.
Benjamina ‘Indigo’
Indigo is one of the best varieties for low-light conditions and has done particularly well in dark box tests.
The leaves emerge bright green and slowly change to a dark green-black color. The color change starts on the rim of the leaf and progresses to the center. This causes interesting variegation as the leaf color slowly changes.
The Indigo cultivator grows in an open and weepy shape.
Benjamina ‘Golden Monique’
Golden Monique is one of the rarer cultivators of benjamin. It has leaves that emerge a bright gold and slowly change to green. As with other cultivators, this slow change of leaf color causes a unique variegation pattern. A green center and golden leaf edge.
This variety grows slower than others and stays relatively small for a ficus tree.
Benjamina ‘Starlight’
Starlight is a fairly recent addition to the houseplant industry and is rapidly growing in popularity.
It is a form of Ficus Variegata with particularly pronounced white variegation. These have a delicate and wispy appearance. Starlight also has more open growth than other cultivators.
It does best with bright indirect light. Expect slower growth than its solid green siblings.
Benjamina Bonsai
While a Bonsai Benjamina is not a cultivator of its own, it shouldn’t be overlooked.
If you don’t have space for an indoor tree but still want a Benjamina, consider getting a bonsai.
Any variety of Ficus Benjamina can be turned into a bonsai.
Know of any other Benjamina cultivators we should add? Drop a comment and let us know.
