This archive report was first published on 13 September 2019.
Published on September 13, 2019, the weeping fig has become a favorite among gardeners and interior designers alike due to its majestic appearance and numerous benefits.
The weeping fig, scientifically known as Ficus benjamina, is a must-have plant for those seeking tranquility and a touch of elegance in their homes or offices.
According to Danson Seet, a director at Ythera, an ecommerce shop in Nairobi, the tree's aesthetic appeal is its primary draw for buyers.
'Aside from its beauty, it can be kept both indoors and outdoors at home, office or at the hotel with minimum attention,' he says.
One of the reasons the weeping fig is a favorite pick for Bonsai or miniature cultivars is its ability to be grown in containers with trunks that can be straight, interwoven, or twisted.
Prachi Shah, a Bonsai artist based in Mombasa, notes that the weeping fig gives Bonsai artists 'loads of opportunity to play with, style and shape' due to its numerous branches.
The weeping fig is also preferred for its fast growth rates compared to other picks such as desert rose, jade, and flamboyant.
Depending on the species, the shiny oval leaves can be plain green, or marked with burgundy, creamy yellow, silver-white, green, yellow, or pink patterns.
However, it's worth noting that the plant has invasive roots and might not be very suitable for a residential garden unless it is spacious enough.
While most plants improve quality of air to some degree, the weeping fig is particularly good at filtering formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene.
Growing this majestic plant requires that you expose it to plenty of indirect light, and perhaps even a little direct sun in the morning.
Large plants look great standing within corners, seated inside a patio, or near a fireplace specifically installed for decorative purposes.
For the smaller fig and bonsai types, sit them where you find enough room in shelves and table tops— as long as there is enough bright light.
