Hello

We have a plant in our shop that seems to be doing very well (we've had it for just over 3 years) but we have no clue what it is or really how to look after it (we water it when it looks like it needs water).

As you see from the photos it's now leaning precariously, so not sure what we should be doing about that??

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks, Chris.

Hi Chris, and to ATP! You'll find some great info here...I believe this is it...

Weeping Fig (Ficus benjamina)

Thank you!

We work in a hot computer shop with plenty of light which would explain why it's done so well!

Chris. That is the "Benjamin" ficus.

Hi Chris, from me too!

I also agree that your plant is the "Weeping Fig" - Ficus benjamina. They are very popular houseplants and they grow in the ground as landscape hedges and trees in parts of Florida. I've seen them located in full hot sun as well as dappled shade. I'd say the plant may be leaning to try to reach more light. If it begins leaning too much or if it gets too tall, you can prune it back and root the cuttings for additional plants. I've read that F. benjamina requires a lot of fertilizer during the growing season but I grew them for years; never fed them and had no problems.

I have already expressed my opinion about the 'Benjamin' ficus as posted on the "Classifieds" forum:

"I have Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata), Rubber Tree (Ficus Elastica), and Narrow Leaf Fig (Ficus maclellandii 'Alii').

FICUS LYRATA

This has been rated the #1 houseplant for three decades. These plants are always showcased in high-end, interior decorating magazines. That being said, many of us will never see one of these magnificent plants for sale. With their huge, fiddle-shaped leaves, dark green color, and vigorous growth, it will remain an extremely popular houseplant.

I have several sizes available, from 12" up to 30". It takes a 36" long box to ship a 30" plant, and that's the largest box I can ship. All my fiddles are growing in 1 gal. pots but ship bare-root to save on shipping costs.

FICUS MACLELLANDII 'ALII'

This plant may be as close to the perfect houseplant as you'll find. Ficus 'Benjamin' drops its leaves constantly and grows leggy. Fiddle leaf ficus, though a grand plant like no other, grows very fast. The 'Alii' has all of the best attributes most of us look for in their houseplants. Unlike the Fiddle Leaf, the 'Alii' grows only approximately 6" per year and unlike the 'Benjamin', the 'Alii' seldom drops leaves and grows more densely. Though the 'Alii' grows best in bright, indirect light, it tolerates less light. It also tolerates neglect and can go periods without water or fertilizer. It can be pruned on a regular basis to not only control its size but also to increase density.

I have plants that are 16" up to 30" and they are growing in 1 gal. pots, well-rooted, multi-branched, and healthy. Like the fiddle leaf, the narrow leaf ships bare-root. These plants travel well.

IF YOU HAVE LIMITED SPACE OR JUST WANT AN EASY-TO-CARE-FOR PLANT, THE 'ALII' IS JUST THE PLANT FOR YOU.

And last but not least, FICUS ELASTICA

The "Rubber Tree" is a long-time favorite, with its easy care, large deep-green with burgundy vein leaves, and lack of leaf drop. The almost waxy leaves will have burgundy coloration when the plant gets a few hours of early morning or very late afternoon sun. This plant grows even when extremely root-bound, in low-light conditions, and shrugs off drought and lack of fertilizing. No green thumb? You can grow this plant!

Contact me via T-Mail if interested in any of these plants."

Hi & welcome! Sent you 3 acorns for that wonderful tree, one for each year you've done so well with it. TY for sharing it!

At whatever point in the future it may be decided to repot this tree, you can put the rootball at a tilt so the trunks are more upright in the pot.

For now (and indefinitely, always,) rotating it halfway, weekly or bi-monthly, so the other side reaches for the light, can help keep it more even/upright.

Ficus have latex sap inside, so avoiding getting that on skin (washing if you do or may have, just to make sure,) is always a good idea. A few unfortunate folks get a rash like poison ivy from that.