Ficus benjamina is a large tropical, evergreen tree with a broad down and weeping habit.
The leaves are dark green and glossy, elliptical in shape with pointed drip tips and branches that droop downwards.
When mature it can spread very broadly and require support for the branches.
It does particularly well in bright, sunny conditions but will also grow quite happily in shade.
Not frost hardy at all, it makes a spectacular shade tree when planted out in the open.
This is a tree that will grow happily in pots and tubs both inside and out, it is sensitive to changing location and can drop all its leaves when moved, don't despair once acclimatised it will grow new leaves.
Be aware that the roots can be very invasive and if your outside pot plant is doing extremely well it may be it has broken the base of the pot and sent roots through gaps in the pavers to the soil below.
Varieties include:
'Exotic Monique' has deeper green leaves than the species and the leaf margins are distinctly wavy, giving it a softer appearance. Usually used as an indoor or patio specimen.
'Golden Monique' has deep green leaves that are splashed with light green, and the leaf margins are distinctly wavy, giving it a softer appearance. Usually grown as an indoor or patio plant.
'Variegata' has white and green leaves and is very attractive.
"Starlight" has brilliant variegated leaves, but is relatively slow-growing compared to the species.
'Midnight Beauty' - has dark, almost black leaves and has a bushier habit.