The Ficus benjamina is the uncrowned queen among the Ficus species. Lovingly cared for, it reaches stately heights as an evergreen ornamental tree in living rooms. Nevertheless, the birch fig is often referred to as Benjamini, as it draws attention to itself with a dense dress made of small decorative leaves. The following selection introduces you to successful varieties of the magnificent fig species.
Ficus Benjamini species with marbled leaves are very popular
Green-leaved Benjamini varieties
With a green-leaved Benjamini, the unique rainforest atmosphere is within reach. The following varieties also lend a soothing, green vibrancy to dim niches and poorly lit locations in living rooms and offices:
- Danielle delights us all year round with dark green, matt glossy ornamental leaves
- Reginald causes a sensation with green, marbled leaves and a slightly wavy edge
- Exotica puts on a dense dress of leaves in rich green in the bright, not full sun location
With a Ficus benjamina 'Ginseng' you will receive the birch fig ready-made as a bonsai. This saves the time-consuming upbringing of an offshoot, so you can immediately present the mini tree on the partially shaded windowsill or the summer balcony. With the green, shimmering leaves and a rustically twisted trunk, this Benjamini attracts everyone's attention.
Benjamini variety with a small trunk
Raising the birch fig to a high stem is usually reserved for the expert hand of the master gardener. With the 'Jute' variety, you are purchasing a Benjamini that draws attention to itself with a jute-wrapped trunk and a shapely crown. Of course, the little beauty only stays at its delivery height of 30 to 40 cm if it is trimmed regularly.
Variegated Benjamini varieties
Evergreen growth does not mean that a birch fig does without color accents. The following varieties inspire with a subtle play of colors that can confidently do without flowering:
- Twilight delights with light green leaves decorated with a creamy white border
- Golden King boasts green, gold-yellow variegated foliage
- Natasja is recommended with a bushy, graceful silhouette for small apartments and offices
tips
In the trade, the birch fig (Ficus benjamina) and the rubber tree (Ficus elastica) are often lumped together. In fact, they are two different species within the fig family (Ficus). The leaves of the birch fig are much more delicate. In contrast, the rubber tree scores with red leaf sheaths when sprouting, which fall off when the leaf unfolds.