Commonly known as:Â XL Ficus Golden King |Â Variegated Weeping Fig
Botanical name: Ficus benjamina ‘Golden King‘
If you’re looking for a large indoor plant that immediately brightens a room, the XL Ficus Golden King is hard to overlook.
Its dense canopy of glossy foliage is beautifully variegated with rich green centres surrounded by creamy yellow margins, giving the entire plant a lighter, fresher appearance than traditional green Ficus varieties.
These plants are supplied in black 30cm pots and stand approximately 1.5m tall. Unlike standard tree-form Ficus, this variety has a naturally full, bushy habit, creating an impressive specimen from top to bottom.
Golden King belongs to the same family as the classic Weeping Fig, a plant that has been decorating homes and offices around the world for generations. Given the right conditions, it develops into a long-lived indoor tree that becomes more beautiful with every year.
Like all Ficus, Golden King appreciates consistency while it settles into its new home. It’s completely normal for the plant to take a little time to adjust after being moved from the nursery into your house. Once it has acclimatised, it becomes an exceptionally rewarding indoor plant that can thrive for many years.
Its colourful foliage makes it an ideal choice for bright living rooms, entrances and offices where a plain green plant may disappear into the background. The soft yellow variegation catches the light beautifully and helps lift darker interiors without overwhelming the space.
With regular watering, good light and consistent feeding, this is one of those plants that simply gets better with age.
Ficus Golden King Care Guide
Watering – How often should I water it?
Keep the growing medium evenly moist but never waterlogged. Avoid allowing the plant to dry out extensively between waterings, as Ficus respond poorly to repeated drought stress. Water thoroughly whenever the top few centimetres of the growing medium begin to dry.
Should I hose the leaves down?
Yes. Giving the entire plant a good hose down about once a week removes dust, discourages pests like spider mites and keeps the foliage looking fresh and healthy. If the plant is kept indoors, simply take it outside for a quick rinse before allowing it to drain well.
Light – Where should I place my XL Ficus Golden King?
Place your Ficus in a bright position with plenty of natural light throughout the day. It should never be placed in a dark corner, as low light will slow growth and may cause leaf drop. A few hours of direct morning or late afternoon sun are perfectly acceptable and will help maintain strong, healthy growth.
Acclimating – How do I help my Ficus settle indoors?
This is probably the most important part of growing a healthy Ficus. Rather than moving it indoors permanently straight away, allow it to acclimatise gradually. I recommend placing it indoors for a few days, then moving it outside into a bright, protected position for a few days before bringing it back inside again. Repeat this process over several weeks. This gradual transition greatly reduces stress and helps the plant adapt to indoor conditions. Once established, avoid moving it around unnecessarily.
Humidity – Does it need high humidity?
Normal household humidity is usually sufficient, but the plant appreciates good airflow and occasional washing of the foliage. Keeping the leaves clean allows them to photosynthesise more efficiently.
Soil – What growing medium should I use?
A free-draining growing medium is essential for healthy roots. I recommend Milled Bark Growing Medium, which provides excellent airflow while retaining enough moisture for steady growth. You can also incorporate Perlite if you’d like even greater drainage.
Feeding – How should I fertilise it?
Ficus Golden King is a relatively heavy feeder and benefits enormously from regular fertilising. Feed every 4–6 weeks throughout spring and summer using Grobest Organic Fertiliser. If you’re looking for stronger growth, denser foliage and vibrant leaf colour, Novatec Soluble Fertiliser is an excellent choice during the growing season. Consistent feeding makes a noticeable difference to the health and appearance of this plant.
Repotting – When should I repot?
Repot every 2–3 years or once the roots begin filling the pot. Refresh with Milled Bark Growing Medium and incorporate TerraPlus Natura N together with Controlled Release Fertiliser.
Pests – What should I look out for?
Spider mites, scale insects and mealybugs are the most common pests. Regularly hosing down the foliage is one of the easiest ways to help prevent infestations while keeping the leaves looking glossy and healthy.
Temperature – What’s the ideal temperature?
Ficus Golden King grows best between 18°C and 30°C. Protect it from temperatures below 12°C and avoid exposing it to cold drafts or sudden temperature changes.
FAQ’s
Q: Will my Ficus drop leaves after I bring it home?
It may lose a few leaves while adjusting to its new environment, especially if it experiences a sudden change in light or watering. Gradually acclimatising the plant by alternating a few days indoors with a few days outdoors helps reduce this stress significantly.
Q: Can I grow it in full sun?
Yes. A few hours of direct morning or late afternoon sun are beneficial. Avoid placing it into harsh midday sun without gradually introducing it first.
Q: How often should I hose the plant down?
About once a week is ideal. It removes dust, discourages pests and keeps the foliage healthy and glossy.
Q: Why are the leaves turning yellow or falling off?
The most common causes are low light, allowing the plant to dry out too much, sudden changes in its environment or inconsistent watering. Bright light and a regular care routine will keep it looking its best.
Q: Does this plant need regular fertiliser?
Yes. Ficus Golden King responds extremely well to consistent feeding. Regular fertilising encourages dense growth, stronger branches and vibrant variegated foliage.
Q: Is Ficus Golden King pet safe?
No. Like other Ficus species, the sap can be irritating if ingested and may cause mild irritation to pets and people with sensitive skin.
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