Weeping Fig
Ficus benjamina
Weeping fig is a graceful tree with arching branches and small, glossy leaves, widely grown as an indoor tree, hedge and bonsai. Indoors it needs bright, steady conditions, as it drops leaves when moved.
Photo: Photo by David J. Stang · CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Essential Care Requirements
Light
Bright indirect light, Full sun
Watering
Moderate
Water when the top 3–5 cm of soil is dry. Keep conditions steady.
Soil
Well-drained potting mix; pH 6.0–6.5.
Temperature and humidity
12–35 °C · Moderate humidity
Feeding
Feed monthly in spring and summer.
Pruning and propagation
Propagate by stem cuttings, air layering
Prune to shape in spring; it responds well to clipping.
The milky sap can irritate skin and upset the stomachs of cats and dogs. The sap and dust from leaves can trigger latex-type allergies.
Top Cultivation Tips
Do not move it once settled; it sheds leaves.
Keep away from draughts and AC vents.
Outdoors, roots can damage drains and walls.
Great for hedges and topiary.
Common problems
Leaf drop
A houseplant or shrub dropping many leaves at once, usually in reaction to a sudden change in light, temperature, watering or position.
How to treat it →PestMealybugs
White, cottony insects that hide in leaf joints and under leaves, weakening plants and spreading easily to neighbours.
How to treat it →PestScale insects
Immobile, shell-covered insects that cling to stems and leaves, draining sap and weakening trees and houseplants.
How to treat it →PestSpider mites
Tiny sap-sucking mites that thrive in hot, dry conditions, causing speckled, dull leaves and fine webbing.
How to treat it →
