Ficus benjamina Natasja - Weeping fig

The Ficus benjamina 'Natasja' is commonly known as the Dwarf Weeping Fig (or Ficus 'Natasja' Houseplant) due to its moderate growth, making it well-suited to small spaces. It forms a beautiful, upright and spreading clump with an evergreen foliage of a uniform glossy green, except at the tips where young leaves emerge in lighter green tones. This plant is well-adapted to contemporary or Scandinavian décors while adding an exotic and tropical touch even in compact spaces. Place it in a bright spot away from direct sunlight and keep the compost slightly moist.

The Ficus belongs to the Moraceae botanical family which includes around forty genera from both tropical regions and temperate climates, encompassing fruit trees like the Mediterranean Fig Tree, or ornamental plants such as the Osage Orange (Maclura pomifera). The Ficus genus comprises approximately 750 mostly tropical species including the Ficus benjamina, native to a vast region stretching from Asia to the Pacific Islands and northern Australia. In the wild, it grows at altitudes between 400 and 800 metres in humid mixed forests (comprising diverse species). This tree can reach heights of 20 metres and spread even wider, up to 60 metres in span, supported by massive aerial roots that reach the ground and act as props to stabilise its branches! Tolerant of light frosts, beautiful specimens can be admired in mild Mediterranean climates and the Canary Islands.
The 'Natasja' cultivar has a much more modest growth, rarely exceeding 1.50 metres in height and typically staying around 1.20 metres tall with a spread of 50 to 60 cm. It forms a dense clump with several main woody stems growing almost vertically, with an attractive brown bark. These are adorned with fine, slightly laterally spreading herbaceous green branches at their tips. Despite its 'Weeping Fig' name, its overall habit is rather upright but not rigid, as the leaves have a slight droop, and its silhouette somewhat resembling that of a Birch tree. Carried on short petioles, the leaves are elliptical with tapered tips. Often curved rather than flat, they also form a slight V-shape along the central vein. They measure 5 to 8 cm long. Their deep green surface is glossy, even shiny, enhancing the plant's ornamental appeal. When emerging, young leaves are a lighter green, creating a subtle yet harmonious contrast. Beyond its decorative qualities, the foliage is reputed to effectively filter toxins such as formaldehyde and xylene. This air-purifying plant adapts to a fairly wide temperature range, from 15°C in winter to 24°C in summer, and thrives in bright but indirect light. Generally easy to grow and low-maintenance, it dislikes stress factors like draughts, underwatering, or even relocation, which may cause leaves to drop. Fortunately, it usually recovers well.

The Ficus benjamina Natasja is ideal for small spaces where the standard species often become too bulky after a few years. It fits seamlessly into both modern and traditional interiors. To create a 'jungle-inspired' display, pair it with a pot of Spider Plant with variegated leaves for added colour, letting its numerous aerial shoots cascade freely. Add further vibrancy with a variety of Aglaonema featuring a foliage speckled with pink or red, creating an attractive year-round display.