Ficus Amstel King Care
Ficus binnendijkii 'Amstel King'
At a glance
| βοΈ Light | Bright indirect. |
|---|---|
| π§ Water | When the top 5 cm of soil is dry. |
| πͺ΄ Soil | Well-draining: our Tropical Potting Mix. |
| π‘οΈ Temp | 16β29Β°C. Keep away from drafts. |
| π¨ Humidity | Average is fine. |
| πΎ Pets | Not pet safe The milky sap is irritating to cats and dogs. |
| π± Care level | Easy Office-friendly |
| π Grows to | 1.5β3 m indoors. |
Amstel King has long, narrow, glossy leaves that hang gracefully from a slim trunk, a bit like an indoor willow. It's a relaxed, airy alternative to a fiddle leaf fig, and much less likely to drop leaves than its cousin Ficus benjamina.
Light + placement
Bright, indirect light is ideal, near an east or west window or set back from a south window. It tolerates medium light, which makes it a good office tree, but growth slows and it may thin out over time.
Watering
Water thoroughly, then let the top 5 cm dry out before watering again. Don't let it sit in water. Large floor plants in deep pots dry slowly, so check at the bottom of the pot with a moisture meter.
Soil + repotting
A well-draining mix like our Tropical Potting Mix. Repot every 2β3 years in spring, or refresh the top layer of soil to keep a large tree at its current size.
Feeding + upkeep
Feeding: We feed with Kelpy, a gentle plant food made from BC kelp. Mix 1 teaspoon into 1 litre of water and use it every time you water; this is a hungry plant. Kelpy is gentle enough to use year-round. Our rule of thumb: if your plant is putting out new growth, even in winter, keep feeding. If it's resting, you'll be watering less, so it gets fed less too.
For a slow, natural boost, top-dress the pot with a thin layer of worm castings every few months, or mix some in when you repot. Prefer a granular food? BIOS Natural Plant Food mixes into the top layer of soil (about 1 tablespoon per 6-inch pot) once a month while your plant is growing. A little white fuzz on the soil afterwards is normal; it's the helpful fungi at work.
Prune in spring to shape it or keep it in bounds. Shake or rinse the leaves occasionally to remove dust. Wear gloves when pruning; the sap is sticky.
Common problems
| What you see | Likely cause | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Leaves dropping | Move, cold draft, or low light | Keep it in one bright place away from drafts. |
| Yellow leaves, wet soil | Overwatering | Let the top 5 cm dry between waterings. |
| Crispy brown leaves | Underwatering or heater nearby | Water more consistently; move away from heat. |
| Thin, sparse canopy | Low light | Move closer to a window; prune in spring to encourage new growth. |
| Fine webbing | Spider mites | Rinse the leaves and treat with Houseplant Spray. |
Varieties we carry
Amstel King comes in as a tree-form floor plant. Only what's in stock online right now is shown.
Frequently asked questions
Does Amstel King drop leaves like Ficus benjamina?
Much less. It still sheds a few when moved or in low light, but it's far more forgiving.
Is it good for an office?
Yes, in a bright spot near a window. It's tidy, upright and handles average indoor air.
Is it safe for pets?
No. Like all ficus, its sap can irritate a pet's mouth and stomach.
Can I keep it small?
Yes. Prune in spring and keep it in the same pot, refreshing the top soil yearly.
Ficus Amstel King care kit
- Tropical Potting Mix: Our all-round Soil Bar mix for leafy tropicals.
- Moisture Meter Β· $14.99: Tells you when the bottom of the pot is actually dry.
- Pruning Shears: Clean, sharp cuts when shaping or removing leaves.
- Kelpy Plant Growth Booster: Gentle BC kelp plant food you can use year-round.
- Worm Castings: A slow, natural boost from our Soil Bar. Top-dress every few months.
Bring your plant (or a photo) to 515 Chatham St #103 and we'll take a look. Open 11β5, 7 days a week, with street parking nearby. Get directions β
More plant care guides
Snake Plant Β· Monstera Β· Bird of Paradise Β· Ficus Audrey Β· Fiddle Leaf Fig Β· Rubber Tree Β· Ficus Altissima Β· Dracaena Marginata Β· All plant care β