A mini weeping fig with a bushy, compact habit and small leaves edged in creamy yellow. 'Kinky' brings the elegant look of a little tree to a windowsill, desk or shelf – and it can be shaped as it grows, almost like a bonsai.

Also known as: Weeping Fig, Benjamin Fig, Dwarf Variegated Fig

Origins & folklore: The weeping fig grows wild across southern and South-East Asia and into northern Australia, where it can become a towering tree with a huge, spreading canopy and aerial roots. It's the official tree of Bangkok, and figs as a family have been sacred and symbolic in many cultures – the Buddha is said to have found enlightenment beneath a fig tree.

Weeping figs became classic Victorian-style houseplants and have been firm favourites ever since. 'Kinky' is a compact, small-leaved variety bred to stay small and bushy, making it ideal for modern homes.

Size: Delivered in a 12cm plastic nursery pot.

Care guide
•    Light: Bright light, including a little gentle morning sun, keeps the variegation strong. Avoid dark corners.
•    Watering: Water when the top 2–3cm of compost feels dry, and let excess drain away. Water less in winter.
•    Humidity & temperature: Average humidity is fine; an occasional mist helps when the heating is on. Happiest between 16–24°C, away from radiators and draughts.
•    Feeding: A balanced houseplant feed once a month in spring and summer.
•    Good to know: Weeping figs hate being moved! Don't worry if it drops a few leaves when it first arrives – find it a bright spot, leave it there, and it will settle and regrow. Trim in spring to keep it bushy.

Toxicity: Toxic if eaten. The milky sap can irritate the skin and mouth and cause vomiting in cats and dogs. The sap contains latex, so it may also affect people with a latex allergy – wear gloves when pruning. Keep out of reach of children and pets.