Ficus Benjamina ‘Samantha’

The Weeping Fig (Ficus benjamina) is a popular terrarium plant that is quite easy to care for and tolerates a wide array of habitats but does require regular watering. Originally native to Asia and Australia it is now located across most of the tropical belt. Due to its hardiness this makes an excellent vivarium plant as it is able to tolerate a wide variety of temperatures, humidity and light levels. When it is moved or relocated it has a tendency to drop its leaves but if given high levels of light they will regrow quite quickly. Comes in three different varieties; variegated, dark green and light green.

Most ficus trees enjoy bright indirect or filtered light with variegated varieties happily able to take medium light. Bright, direct light may result in scalding of the leaves and leaf loss.

Ficus trees also cannot tolerate low temperatures or drafts. They need to be kept in temperatures above 16 C  and actually prefer temperatures above 21 C.

A ficus tree losing its leaves is the most common problem these plants have. Leaf drop is a ficus tree’s standard reaction to stress, whether it’s from any of the following:

Under watering or over watering

Low humidity

Too little light

Relocation

Drafts

Change in temperature (too hot or cold)

Pests