Variegated Weeping Ficus (Ficus benjamina 'Variegata') Starter
A beautiful and resilient tropical species, the Variegated Weeping Ficus stands out with its cream-and-green foliage and naturally elegant, cascading branches. It’s a fast grower that responds well to pruning and shaping, making it a popular choice for both bonsai and decorative container growing. In high humidity, it can develop aerial roots, adding to its visual interest.
As a Bonsai:
Ficus benjamina is a forgiving and adaptable bonsai species, though its variegated variety requires slightly more light to maintain strong growth and vibrant coloration. It tolerates pruning well, but leaf reduction is more challenging than in other ficus species. With regular training, it can develop a striking banyan-style appearance with aerial roots.
📢 This is a tropical species—it should be grown outdoors during the warmer months but brought indoors when night temperatures drop below ~50°F.
Plant Features:
- Hardiness Zone: 9-11 (indoors in colder climates)
- Growth Habit: Upright to cascading with fine branching
- Mature Size: Can reach 20-30 ft in landscapes; stays compact in bonsai form
- Foliage: Variegated green and cream-colored leaves
- Trunk & Bark: Smooth, light gray bark; can develop aerial roots in humidity
- Sun Requirements: Bright, indirect light to full sun
- Soil Type: Well-draining, organic-rich bonsai soil
- Water Needs: Moderate; prefers consistent moisture but can tolerate some drying out
- Pests/Disease: Generally resilient; may attract scale or mites indoors if humidity is too low
- Special Features: Elegant cascading habit, aerial root potential, striking variegated foliage
Variegated Weeping Ficus
As part of their training for future bonsai, our starters and stock trees are periodically pruned or trunk-chopped to encourage strong structure and desirable growth. If you’re purchasing for landscape use and prefer trees that have not been recently pruned or chopped, feel free to contact us before ordering to check the current status of the species you’re interested in!
This is a Tropical Species and Requires a heat pack for shipping during winter months (~November through March). Even if your local weather is mild, all trees ship out of Missouri and may also pass through cold regions during transit.
We don't profit from these heat packs, they're simply to make sure your trees arrive safely! And, if you add one to your order during a warm spell and its unnecessary, don't worry, we'll automatically refund you for the heat pack. Better safe than sorry!