Summering ficus Benjamina outside in zone 4.

[dancing with butterflies]

I know it's far from mammoral day which is when I plan on moving it outdoors. But I was wondering should it stay inside year round due to it's habbit of dropping leaves it does have a grow light . Or can it spend the summer outside. I live in zone 4 st Paul MN

 

[DonielDoom]

I'm not familiar with zone 4 specifics, but I have to imagine you'll be better off trying to get it outside for the warm season.

Grown indoors, they're typically weaker, unless under very effortful conditions/environments. To me, that's less rewarding work in the hobby as I'm always "fighting" something.

If you have a period in the summer that lows are consistently above 45f, you'll be fine, IMO.

EDIT: looking up historic temperature and/or weather info for your location might help to give an idea of the timing to bring it outside/inside. Sometimes the broad nature of the zone system can be effective for one use and not as much another.

 

[dancing with butterflies]

Ok I just know weeping figs tend to shed lots of b leaves if change happens

 

[dancing with butterflies]

It'll be a long time before it can go outside

 

[DonielDoom]

And just like that, you're finding your way. Well done! So much of this hobby has been learning about complex systems and techniques. Keep asking, researching, and being curious.

We are in winter, at least where I live, which means the cold has just begun - it will be a while before the tropicals can get their summer vacation. We usually have wet and fairly mild winters here, but I still find myself impatiently waiting for the nighttime low temps to warm up enough in spring/early summer.

Utilize these times to plan, prepare, look/observe, and learn.

Take all this with a grain of salt, as I'm not an expert and very much learning it all myself.