Ficus benjamina 'Danielle' – Upright Weeping Fig with Glossy Dark Leaves
Ficus benjamina 'Danielle' is a refined, compact cultivar of the classic weeping fig. With its smaller, almost black-green glossy leaves and naturally dense branching, it is easier to maintain indoors than the species. Whether grown as a free-standing tree, a braided standard, or even shaped as bonsai, 'Danielle' brings polished elegance to homes, offices, and conservatories.
● Origin and Habitat
The parent species, Ficus benjamina L., is native to South and Southeast Asia through northern Australia, including India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, New Guinea, and Queensland. In its natural environment, it can exceed 30 m tall with a wide canopy. Due to its vigorous root system, it is best suited for containers or controlled plantings outside the tropics.
● Key Features of 'Danielle'
- Foliage: Smaller leaves than the species, with deep green to bluish gloss
- Growth habit: Compact crown with upright leaf angles for a neat, formal look
- Versatility: Excellent as standards, multi-stemmed trees, braids, or bonsai
- Indoor size: Typically 1.2 – 2 m, easily controlled with pruning
● Indoor Growing Guide
- Light: Bright, indirect light preferred; tolerates morning sun or medium light with slower growth
- Soil: Free-draining mix with peat/coir, bark, and perlite; pH 6 – 7
- Watering: Water when top 5 – 7 cm of soil is dry; keep evenly moist in growth season, slightly drier in winter
- Temperature: 21 – 27 °C ideal, minimum 15 °C; protect from drafts or heat vents
- Humidity: Moderate to high humidity helps prevent browning edges
- Fertilising: Balanced liquid feed every 2 – 4 weeks in spring and summer, or apply slow-release pellets
● Pruning, Shaping and Repotting
Prune lightly at any time, or more heavily in spring, to control height and encourage branching. Wear gloves, as the latex sap can irritate skin. For braided or standard forms, train young flexible stems and maintain a single trunk line. Repot annually in spring until mature, then every 2 – 3 years, refreshing the topsoil between repots.
● Common Issues and Solutions
- Leaf drop: Triggered by sudden changes in environment; stabilise light, water, and temperature
- Yellowing leaves: Overwatering or poor drainage; adjust watering and substrate
- Pests: Watch for spider mites, scale, and mealybugs; treat early with neem oil or insecticidal soap
- Dry air: Causes browning tips; increase humidity in winter
● Toxicity
Like all Ficus species, 'Danielle' contains a milky latex sap that may irritate skin and eyes. It is toxic to cats and dogs if ingested.
● Etymology
The genus name Ficus derives from the Latin for “fig” and was formalised by Carl Linnaeus in 1753. The species epithet benjamina is linked to early Asian collections of the tree.
● Quick QandA
- How tall indoors? 1.2 – 2 m; stays smaller with regular pruning
- Can it go outdoors in summer? Yes, in containers; acclimate slowly and bring indoors before temps drop below 15 °C
- Why does it drop leaves after moving? Environmental stress; keep stable and new growth will follow
- Is it good for small spaces? Yes, the compact crown and small leaves make it easier indoors than standard weeping figs
- Can stems be braided? Yes, while young and flexible; tie loosely and adjust as they thicken
● Why Add Ficus 'Danielle' to Your Collection?
Elegant, versatile, and easier to manage than the species, Ficus benjamina 'Danielle' is a stylish indoor tree that adapts to a range of interiors. Order now to bring its glossy, compact foliage and timeless form into your space.
Ficus benjamina 'Danielle'
Ficus benjamina 'Danielle' is approximately 90 cm tall and comes in a ⌀ 20 cm pot.
