10 Tips on How to Care for Weeping Figs

1.- About Weeping Figs (Ficus benjamina)

The weeping figs, or ficus plants, is a huge broadleaf evergreen tree that is most typically planted as a houseplant. It is an attractive plant with slender branches that curve gently from a light gray trunk. Indoors, the plants are usually pruned to be 3 to 6 feet tall, and their trunks are often braided for decoration.

They grow quickly and should be repotted once a year in early spring. However, humans and cats can be harmful to weeping figs. Weeping figs can reach 60 feet tall in tropical regions and are sometimes planted as hedges. Weeping fig grows nicely indoors in soil-based potting mix and does not require much fertilizer.

However, too much fertilizer can cause leaf drop. Although the plant prefers bright light, it will also do well in lower light conditions. Weeping fig is sensitive to drafts, so it should be kept away from doors and windows. When the leaves are touched, they will often shed.

The weeping fig (Ficus benjamina) is a beautiful plant that can make a great addition to any home. Additionally, research has shown that having plants in your house will have amazing benefits for you! Visit our article Amazing Psychological Effects of Nature in Pet-Friendly Interiors to find out more!

Ficus Benjamina Bonsai Weeping Fig Tree Indoor Plant Seeds for Planting 20+ Seeds

2.- Selecting the Best soil for your Weeping Fig

Weeping fig trees (Ficus benjamina) prefer soil that drains quickly. However, it is possible to use any kind of decent fresh potting soil as long as it drains quickly. The soil in which weeping figs are grown does not need to be particularly rich in either nutrients or organic matter.

If you are going to repot your plants, use potting soil that is based on soil and contains perlite, sand, and vermiculite to promote drainage. Weeping figs are a type of tree that is native to Asia and Australia. They are often grown as houseplants and prefer soil draining quickly.

However, it is possible to use any kind of decent potting soil as long as it drains quickly. The soil in which weeping figs are grown does not need to be particularly rich in either nutrients or organic matter. If you are going to repot your plants, use potting soil that is based on soil and contains perlite, sand, and vermiculite to promote drainage.

Ficus Benjamina Bonsai Weeping Fig Tree Indoor Plant Seeds for Planting 20+ Seeds

3.- The Best light for your Weeping Fig

The weeping fig (Ficus benjamina) is characterized by its glossy deep green leaves and its tendency to shed leaves when it does not receive enough light. The weeping fig (Ficus benjamina) must be kept in a well-lit room that receives a significant amount of indirect sunlight and, ideally, some direct sunlight in the morning.

It is common practice to cultivate ficus trees (Ficus benjamina) under settings like partial shade in its natural environment; yet, it requires a sufficient amount of light for it to thrive indoors. If the leaves of your indoor weeping fig are turning yellow or brown, this is a sign that it is not receiving enough light.

You are obligated to relocate it to a clear and well-lit location as soon as possible. When watering your weeping fig, make sure that the soil is moist but not soggy. Allow the top layer of soil to dry out in between waterings. Over-watering is one of the main reasons why indoor weeping figs die.

Lastly, keep your indoor weeping fig away from drafts, heaters, and air conditioners, as these can cause the leaves to dry out and drop off. With proper care, your indoor weeping fig can thrive for many years.

Ficus Benjamina Variegated – 6″ from California Tropicals

4.- How to Water your Weeping Fig

One of the most important things to remember when caring for a weeping fig (Ficus benjamina) is to maintain a consistent moisture level in the soil, but do not allow it to sit in water, or it will drop leaves and may develop root rot. The plant does not like to be in the water for extended periods of time, as this can lead to disease. Still, it also cannot tolerate long periods of drought.

The best way to maintain a consistent moisture level is to water the plant on a regular basis, being careful not to overwater or allow the soil to dry out completely. In addition, it is important to remember that weeping figs are native to tropical regions and are therefore used to high humidity levels.

If the air in your home is too dry, the leaves may begin to drop off. As such, it is important to use a humidifier or mist the leaves on a regular basis. By following these simple tips, you can keep your weeping fig healthy and happy for years to come.

Ficus Benjamina Variegated – 6″ from California Tropicals

5.- How to Fertilize your Weeping Fig

They require a substantial amount of fertilizer during the growing season as they are heavy feeders. The best way to fertilize your weeping fig (Ficus benjamina)is to use pellets with a slow-release formula at the start of the growing season. They are fast-growing and will benefit from fertilizing every month during the spring and summer and every two months during the fall and winter.

If your plant is losing leaves despite having optimal sunlight, temperature, humidity, and fertilizer levels, consider adding magnesium and manganese. These two minerals are essential for the health of weeping figs and can often be lacking in indoor growing conditions. Adding them to your plant’s diet should help to green up your foliage and keep your plant healthy and happy.

Two Sets Ficus Benjamina Starlight Java Tree 4″ -JMBAMBOO

6.- Best Temperature and Humidity for your Weeping Fig

The optimal temperatures for Weeping Figs (Ficus benjamina) are between 65 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit at night and between 75 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit during the day. Consider adjusting your home’s thermostat to prevent temperature changes. Do not use excessive air conditioning in the summer, as weeping figs will suffer if the inside temperature falls below 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

As residents of the tropics, weeping figs favor heavy humidity. Low relative humidity can cause leaves to become dry and shrunken. Consider using a humidifier to control the level of humidity in your home. Keep the soil surrounding the tree moist but not soggy.

Too much water can also cause problems, leading to disease. If you live in an area with low natural humidity, you may need to mist your plant daily. In addition, make sure to position your plant away from any drafts, as sudden changes in temperature can shock the tree and cause leaves to drop.

Two Sets Ficus Benjamina Starlight Java Tree 4″ -JMBAMBOO

7.- How to Propagate your Weeping Fig

Even without the use of a rooting hormone, it is possible to successfully root weeping fig cuttings with relative ease. It is ideal for taking a cutting in the spring because this is the time of year when you can most easily provide the plant with heat and moisture.

Growing weeping fig trees (Ficus benjamina) from seed is not common, and the vast majority of houseplants will never bear fruit or produce seeds. But if you’re patient and have a steady hand, you can propagate a ficus tree from a cutting taken from an adult plant.

Starting a new plant from a cutting is a rewarding and inexpensive way to add variety to your garden. With just a few simple supplies, you can take a clipping from a healthy branch and turn it into a new plant. Here’s how:

1. Take a 3 to 5-inch clipping with two leaf sets from a healthy branch, and cut 1/4 inch below leaves.

2. Remove the cutting’s lowest leaves. Rooting hormone can be applied to the cut end. Plant the cutting in peat moss. Cover the container with a plastic bag and bottom-tie the bag.

3. Place the container under indirect light, but not direct sun. Keep the pot above 65°F. Daily misting maintains humidity, and Top-dry soil should be moistened.

4. In two to four weeks, the stem cuttings should have enough roots to adjust to room conditions.

5. Transplant the cutting after six weeks into a 6-inch container and nurture it into a young tree.

You can propagate a brand new plant from a cutting in just a few weeks with just a little care!

8.- Weeping Fig – Common Pests and Diseases

Notice that your weeping fig’s (Ficus benjamina) leaves are yellowing and falling off. It could be due to an infestation of common pests such as aphids, mealybugs, scale, or spider mites.

This is the most likely explanation for the leaf loss, so make sure to use insecticidal soap or any other natural, pest-specific treatments in order to protect your weeping fig from suffering any damage.

You can also try transplanting the cutting after six weeks into a 6-inch container and nurturing it with regular watering and fertilization. With some care and attention, you can help your weeping fig recover from this leaf loss and prevent further damage.

Leaf drop is the most common concern with the hardy weeping fig. The ficus tree can shed leaves as a result of any form of stress, such as: repotting, absence of nitrogen, overwatering, underwatering, dim light, frequent relocation of the facility to new locations, and indoors, where the temperature fluctuates often.

When a weeping fig tree adjusts to its environment or is pleased with soil amendments, it will stop dropping its leaves. Although leaf drop is generally not harmful to the tree itself, they can be unsightly. They may cause damage to furniture or flooring if leaves are constantly falling.

If you have a weeping fig that is shedding leaves excessively, try to identify the source of stress and take steps to mitigate it. With a little care, your weeping fig will soon stop shedding its leaves and will be able to thrive in its new home.

Bo-Tree Seeds (Ficus religiosa) Packet of 100 Seeds

9.- When should I repot my Weeping Figs?

A healthy Weeping Fig (Ficus benjamina) is a fast-growing plant that requires regular pot maintenance. If your plant is growing more slowly, it is likely due to insufficient water or low temperatures. The requirements for repotting depend on how the plant is being grown; ficus is highly adaptable.

They can be cultivated as topiary, braided standards, conventional houseplants, and even bonsai. In the majority of cases, you must be prepared to repot your plant annually. Move a weeping fig plant to a new pot in early spring, whether you are repotting an existing plant or giving a new plant a more permanent home.

Weeping figs (Ficus benjamina)have an extensive root system and need room to grow. A six-inch diameter pot is generally sufficient for most young plants. If you are repotting an older weeping fig, choose a pot that is only two inches wider than the current one to minimize transplant shock.

The process of transplanting ficus plants is relatively simple and only requires basic gardening tools and knowledge. First, prepare the new pot by adding fresh potting mix to it. Next, carefully remove the old pot from the plant, taking care not to damage the roots. Once the plant is out of the pot, examine the root system and prune away any damaged or dead roots.

After the roots have been trimmed, place the plant in the new pot and fill it in around it with fresh potting mix. Water well to help settle the mix and provide moisture for the plant. Place the potted plant in a bright, indirect light location and keep the soil moist but not soggy.

10.- Overwintering

You may not realize it, but even indoor plants benefit from a change of scenery from time to time. If you have a weeping fig, you can move it outdoors for the summer once the date of the last expected spring frost has passed. Just be sure to bring it back inside when the temperature drops again.

It’s best to keep the plant out of drafts or heat vents, as frequent temperature changes can be stressful for the plant and cause excessive leaf drop. You’ll help your weeping fig stay healthy and happy all year round by giving it a summer vacation outdoors.

11.- How to prune Weeping Figs

Most people know that plants need water and sunlight to grow, but they may not realize that pruning is also an important part of plant care. Pruning helps to keep plants healthy by removing the dead or diseased tissue, and it can also be used to control the size and shape of a plant.

When pruning weeping figs, timing is important; the plant should be trimmed when it is no longer actively growing. This typically occurs in the fall, after the plant has entered dormancy. Additionally, dead branches and leaves should be removed as soon as possible to prevent the spread of diseases.

Finally, always use sterilized tools when pruning to avoid damaging the plant. With a little care and attention, your weeping fig will thrive for years to come.

Ficus Benjamina Weeping Fig – 4” from California Tropicals

Final Thoughts and Facts

Weeping Figs, otherwise known as the Ficus benjamina, is an evergreen tree that can offer a beautiful and fulfilling addition to your home. We all want our homes to appear pleasant and relaxing with nature inside, and weeping Figs can make that happen.

Before you bring any plant into your home, take some time to understand what proper plan care looks like so you don’t make any common mistakes in caring for them. While Weeping Figs are hardy plants, they still need appropriate lighting, soil, moisture levels, and fertilizer once every two weeks or so, many of the same fundamentals as other plants would require.

Weeping Fig shrubs create a great indoor garden when hung high near the ceiling-optimal sunlight exposure is important! It’s essential to consider where to place your Weeping Fig: not just in regard to the talk of the town houseplant trends but also in relation to family & pet safety; many species of Weeping Figs within your own home could be considered slightly toxic (or downright dangerous!) if ingested – consider this before starting your project. With proper tender care, Weeping Figs will thrive in their new home regardless of where it is!

1. Weeping figs offer an attractive and one-of-a-kind look that will make any home or office stand out.
2. Easy maintenance makes them a perfect decorative item with minimal effort required.
3. Have peace of mind knowing that your weeping fig is helping to purify the air in your space.
4. Find a great spot for your tree and keep it there; moving it often can cause it to shed leaves unnecessarily.
5. Shedding a few leaves from time to time is natural, but excessive shedding should be avoided.
6. Give your tree plenty of bright, indirect light, so its leaves are not sunburnt by too much direct sunlight.
7. The slow growth rate of weeping figs means you won’t need to buy larger pots for them very often!
8. You can impress visitors with interesting facts about your plant – they’ll be sure to admire its beauty!
9. Keep pets safe by ensuring they can’t access the foliage; this plant may be toxic if cats and dogs ingest it!
10. Bringing home a weeping fig will bring you years of enjoyment with little hassle – the perfect addition to any space!

Care for Weeping Fig– FAQ

What’s the leaf color of most weeping figs?

Most weeping figs have glossy green leaves, light or dark green, or even variegated. 

How to water weeping fig trees?

The plant should be kept wet but not drenched. It will drop leaves and may get root rot if it is kept in water for an extended period of time. Plants in their natural habitat typically drop leaves at the beginning of the dry season, which makes them extremely sensitive to changes in humidity.

Is it the same to grow indoor and outdoor weeping figs?

Indoors and outdoors weeping fig trees outdoors are two completely different endeavors. It is almost as if indoor and outdoor fig trees are different species.