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Ficus benjamina 'Kinky'
Ficus benjamina 'Kinky' is a compact, selected cultivar of the weeping fig with small, densely spaced glossy leaves showing irregular cream-to-white variegation and undulate ("kinked") margins that create a fine-textured, cream-edged appearance. It grows as a small upright indoor tree or shrub suited to shelves and desks, but expect occasional leaf drop during acclimation, possible reversion to green shoots, and note it is toxic to pets.
- height Height
- 27 cm
- swap_horiz Pot Size
- 12 cm
- volunteer_activism Care
- Medium
- wb_sunny Light Needs
- Indirect light
- pets Not Pet Friendly
- water_drop Watering Needs
- Medium
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Quick care table
Plant care at a glance
| Care factor | Ficus benjamina 'Kinky' |
|---|---|
| Botanical name | Ficus benjamina 'Kinky' |
| Common name | Ficus benjamina 'Kinky' and Weeping fig 'Kinky' |
| Difficulty | Medium |
| Light | Indirect light |
| Water | Medium |
| Humidity | Medium |
| Pet safe | No, toxic if ingested |
| Growth habit | Compact Upright woody shrub or small indoor tree (freely-branching, fine textured). |
Compact benjamina with cream-edged kinked leaves
This selection is immediately recognisable for its irregular cream-to-white variegation and undulate, "kinked" leaf margins. You’ll see small, pointed ovate leaves held densely on slender stems, a glossy leathery texture and a fine-textured, compact crown with gently drooping tips — a more delicate silhouette than larger plain-green benjamina forms. Ficus benjamina 'Kinky' shows the cream-edged pattern that gives a soft, textured contrast on a shelf or in a bright corner.
Indoors it stays a compact, freely-branching shrub rather than a tall tree. New shoots can vary in colour so leaf-to-leaf variegation may shift with light and age; some branches occasionally revert to fully green growth and are typically pruned out to keep the variegated look. Expect normal benjamina behaviour such as occasional leaf drop after relocation or sudden light and temperature changes while the plant acclimates.
In real homes this cultivar is prized for its decorative foliage and space-friendly habit, and it has collector interest as the parent of the patented sport 'Green Kinky'. Practical trade-offs: it is toxic to pets and can show sensitivity to low humidity or dry indoor air, which encourages pests like spider mites or scale, and the variegation balance is not guaranteed on every shoot.
Best suited to bright, indirect locations where a compact, decorative benjamina fits shelves, desks or small corners. Supplied as a compact nursery-potted option, it’s an easy way to add variegated texture where a larger plain-green ficus would be too big.
Shipping Information
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- All orders are subject to a €25 minimum order value requirement
- All orders are hand-picked and shipped from the Netherlands
- Plastic-free materials when possible
- Orders are usually processed in 1-3 working days and shipped via DPD and their international partner carriers
- At times, orders may take up to 7 days to ship
- Orders to Germany Free shipping over €60. Free shipping all other EU countries* at €100 (Except Malta and Cyprus)
- Shipping costs are calculated at checkout based on delivery country:
See our FAQ and Shipping Guarantee for any further Questions!
Size: Medium - P12 H27
Plant questions, answered
What exactly is Ficus benjamina 'Kinky' and how does it differ from a standard weeping fig?
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Ficus benjamina 'Kinky' is a selected cultivar of the weeping fig distinguished by irregular cream-to-white variegation and undulate (kinked) leaf margins on smaller, densely spaced leaves. Unlike standard plain‑green benjamina, 'Kinky' has a fine‑textured, compact habit and is the parent selection of the patented sport 'Green Kinky'.
Will the variegation stay the same, or can the plant revert to green?
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Variegation can change: Ficus benjamina 'Kinky' may produce fully green shoots (partial reversion) and variegation balance varies with light and culture. Growers commonly remove green shoots to maintain the variegated look; providing consistent bright, indirect light helps preserve variegation but does not guarantee stability.
Is this cultivar suitable for small indoor spaces and where should I place it?
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Yes — 'Kinky' has a compact, freely‑branching habit that suits shelves, desks and small corners better than larger benjamina forms. Place Ficus benjamina 'Kinky' in bright, indirect light, avoid strong direct sun, keep medium humidity and protect from cold drafts (temperatures above about 15°C help avoid stress).
Is Ficus benjamina 'Kinky' safe to keep around pets?
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No — Ficus benjamina 'Kinky' is toxic to cats and dogs. The species contains sap that can irritate if chewed or ingested, so keep the plant out of reach of pets or choose a non‑toxic alternative if your animals are likely to nibble.
What should I expect after delivery or after moving the plant to a new spot?
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Expect some leaf drop after relocation — Ficus benjamina 'Kinky' commonly sheds leaves when acclimating to new light or temperature conditions. Give the plant stable bright, indirect light, steady temperatures and medium humidity; leafing generally stabilises over a few weeks as it adjusts.
What pests or problems should I watch for with this cultivar?
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Watch for spider mites and scale in dry indoor conditions and yellowing leaves from overwatering or low light. Keep leaves clean, maintain moderate humidity, adjust watering if yellowing appears, and inspect regularly. These issues are typical for benjamina selections rather than unique to 'Kinky'.
Plant care guide
Light
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Water
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Soil and repotting
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Humidity and temperature
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Feeding
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Growth and support
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Common concerns
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- Leaf drop: Leaves may fall after relocation or sudden changes in light/temperature — allow time to acclimate and avoid sudden moves.
- Pests: Spider mites and scale can appear in dry conditions — raise humidity, clean leaves and treat infestations early.
- Yellowing leaves: Often caused by overwatering or insufficient light — check soil moisture and increase bright indirect light.
- Reversion: Variegated plants can produce plain-green shoots; remove green shoots to maintain variegation emphasis.