Ficus benjamina 'Safari' Sapling

Description

Ficus benjamina ‘Safari’ Weeping Fig, variegated This Ficus is probably the most common interior foliage plant, recognized for its extremely dense growth of fine textured leaves. The individual leaves are both green and a creamy white; variegation varies from leaf to leaf and this gives the plant a much lighter appearance and more interesting texture than is apparent with green Ficus benjamina . Branches sag slightly and arch with age which gives the Weeping Fig its common name. 

The pictured seedling is a plant that matures into large specimens reaching overhead when they have been provided the right conditions, although a carefully trained plant can remain more compact over years of time. 

However, the decreased chlorophyll in its leaves means that Ficus benjamina ‘Safari’ prefers bright light compared with its plain-leafed relative. Excellent as a houseplant in the living room, hall or any brightly lit space, and holds up well in many office situations where light is not too strong in the afternoon. It must not be placed in direct sunlight which will burn much of the variegated surface on most of the leaves; this plant will succeed best in a corner or shelf where bright light but not direct sun will be present. Ficus are quite sensitive to movement and so is this variegated Ficus, best to locate it where it can remain. 

Like any green-leaved house plant, Ficus benjamina undergoes photosynthesis and breathing in oxygen during the day. With your new plant we will send you a pot large enough for the size of the current root system of your Weeping fig-With good drainage facilities.

Key features

• Tiny, glossy green and creamy white variegated leaves unique in their pattern to every single leaf. 
• Naturally develops into an arching, weeping style indoors as the tree gets older. Can grow into quite large trees if left in the same spot over time, but can easily be kept compact.
• Densely bushy leaves create good texture and structure for your living space. 
• The brighter and lighter it is (indirect light) the stronger and more reliable its leaf variegation will be, and the stronger and more predictable the plants' growth rate. 
• These are plants which much prefer being placed in a single spot, so avoid constant movement or cold drafts near them. 
• Comes potted in an appropriately sized plant pot to the plants current root ball, with drainage holes. 
• Looks fantastic in living areas, hall ways or light work spaces.

Care at a glance

Product specifications

What's in the box

• 1 × Live Ficus benjamina 'Safari' sapling
• 1 × Pot (Bare-rooted / Pot: Optional, as selected at checkout)
• Potting mix
• Basic care guide

Important notes

• All plants are living and will differ slightly in the size and shape of leaves, as well as the precise variegation pattern than is shown in the photos provided. 
• Some leaf drop may occur in transit and for the first week after receipt, since this is an Ficus benjamina variety and it tends to drop a couple of leaves in response to changing conditions, and new leaves usually pop out eventually as it adjusts to its new home.
• The plant should not be placed in intense, direct sun right after unpacking, give it about a week to settle into its new environment first. 
• Once planted in its permanent home, do not attempt to relocate it, or re-orient the plant’s direction often as this plant does not like to be relocated very frequently, nor does it like to be rotated. 
• Occasional leaf drop in winter is quite normal and not a symptom of ill health. Keep this plant away from young children and pets as sap can cause skin irritation and will be irritating to the tummy if consumed.

Frequently asked questions

Q: Why is my Ficus benjamina Safari losing its leaves? 

A: Leaf drop in Ficus benjamina is a known condition, a response to a sudden change of light, location, to cold drafts, changing temperature, or even the trauma of constant relocation and disturbance of the pot, and is likely to cease soon after it is settled in the right position and with sufficient light after being delivered or having a house move. 

Q: How and when do I water my Ficus Benjamina Safari? 

A: Water when the top 2-3 inches of the soil have dried out and flush it down thoroughly each time. Generally that happens between every 1 and 2 weeks and will differ depending on room temperature, light conditions and the time of year - requiring less watering in winter. 

Q: Is this plant growing indoors for the whole year round? 

A: Yes it's fine to have this plant indoors permanently and it'll live for many years if sited properly ( away from direct cold, drafting windows, and far enough from a heating or air conditioning appliance so as to not dry out the pot)in a very bright and airy position. It doesn't actually need a stay outside during the summer months.

Q: Is variegated leaf colour on the Ficus benjamina Safari reduced with age? 

A: Variegation can decline as plants get less sun due to higher concentration of green on leaf and better adapted to photosynthesis than white portion. The plant has been displayed in a corner where it gets plenty of light and the variation is still good. 

Q: How fast do you see this plant grow indoors and how tall does it eventually grow? 

A: This plant grows at a moderate pace indoors and growth slows in low light season and cooler temp. Over the years with neglect would probably grow to become a quite tall indoor tree, otherwise regular pruning will make the plant be quite bush-like. 

Q: How do you know when I need to replant the Ficus benjamina Safari? Also, do I need to fertilize it? 

A: Usually you'd replant the Ficus benjamina Safari one or two years later (when roots out the drainage hole) and you could provide with a diluted liquid balanced fertilizer during summer and early fall month.