Narrow-leaf fig
Ficus binnendijkii · Moraceae
📷 Kenraiz · CC BY-SA 3.0
⚠️ Ficus : sève lactée irritante (contact cutané, muqueuses). Ingestion des feuilles provoque irritation buccale et digestive chez chiens, chats et enfants.
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around narrow-leaf fig and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Scientific name
- Ficus binnendijkii
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Adult size
- Up to 150 cm indoors
- Growth
- Moderate to fast
- Hardiness
- Tropical plant, sensitive to cold (minimum 10–12 °C)
- Origin
- Southeast Asia and Australia
- Leaf type
- Long and narrow, dark green
✓ Taxonomy verifiedSource: AI estimate · hardiness: reliability medium.
Expert tips
The key tip
Ficus binnendijkii tolerates bright indoor light but not darkness. Water when the substrate dries slightly, avoid waterlogging.
The common mistake
Placing it in a dark corner thinking all plants grow the same way: it loses its leaves quickly.
The pro's trick
Regular pruning (removing dead branches, pinching long stems) every 2 months keeps a dense shape.
Seasonal watch
Sudden location changes (moving house, bringing in from the balcony): expect some leaf drop over 2-3 weeks.
Care
Watering
Water regularly, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Reduce frequency in winter. Avoid stagnant water, which causes root rot. Use soft water or let it sit for 24 hours to remove chlorine.
Light exposure
Place your Ficus binnendijkii in bright, indirect light, ideally near a window without harsh direct sun. Lack of light slows growth and can cause leaf drop. In winter, move it closer to light if needed.
Soil and repotting
Use light, well-draining potting mix enriched with perlite or sand. Repot every 2 to 3 years in spring into a slightly larger pot. Good drainage is essential to prevent root suffocation.
Pruning and shaping
Prune lightly in spring to maintain a nice shape and encourage branching. Cut just above a node. You can stake young stems to achieve a vertical form. Clean leaves regularly with a soft, damp cloth.
Fertilizing
Apply balanced, diluted fertilizer every 15 days or so from spring through autumn. Reduce or stop fertilizing in winter. Excess fertilizer can burn roots and promote weak growth.
Pests and diseases
Inspect leaves regularly for mealybugs, spider mites, or aphids, especially in dry environments. Excess humidity promotes fungi and mold. Provide good air circulation and clean leaves to prevent infestations.
Did you know?
The Ficus binnendijkii, also called the "narrow-leaf fig," is a close relative of Ficus benjamina but distinguishes itself with finer, more slender foliage. In Southeast Asia, several Ficus varieties play a major spiritual and cultural role; certain species are revered as symbols of longevity. Note: this plant is toxic if ingested by pets (cats, dogs) and can cause irritation.
Where to buy it
Best planted in autumn so the roots settle in before summer, or in early spring once the frost has passed. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, October, November.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- Fig treeFicus carica
- White MulberryMorus alba
- Osage orangeMaclura pomifera
- Red mulberryMorus rubra
- Rubber plantFicus elastica
- Black mulberryMorus nigra
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.