VLoveof Nature

Weeping fig

Ficus benjamina

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Weeping fig · Ficus benjamina

A softly weeping crown of small glossy leaves, common as ornamental and bonsai.

Care and placement

Prefers bright indirect light and a stable spot; keep the mix moderately moist, not soggy; drops leaves readily when moved, drafted or when light changes.

Draft mature dimensions

Maximum height (cm): 400 cm · Maximum spread (cm): 300 cm

Things to consider

The latex contains ficin and psoralen: it irritates the gut and skin and ASPCA lists it as toxic to dogs, cats and horses. Wear gloves when pruning; keep from children and pets.

Unknown evidence does not mean safe. Decorative plants are not automatically edible.

Information is compiled from multiple reputable sources for reference. If you spot an error, please contact us so we can check and update it.

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How to grow and care for it

  1. Planting and pot

    Plant in a well-draining pot with a loose mix (or in the ground in warm areas). Repot when roots fill the pot, in early spring; it dislikes disturbance.

  2. Light

    Bright, steady indirect light. Harsh sun scorches leaves; too little light drops them.

  3. Watering

    Keep consistently moist but not soggy: water when the top 2–5 cm is dry, about every 2 weeks when cool. Overwatering rots roots; underwatering drops leaves.

  4. Feeding

    Balanced liquid fertilizer monthly in spring and summer, none when cool. If leaves drop despite proper care, it may need magnesium or manganese.

  5. Pruning

    Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth; never remove more than a third at once and wait 2–3 months between prunings. Wear gloves since the latex irritates.

  6. Propagation

    Semi-hardwood cuttings in spring or early summer: take a stem green at the top and woody at the base, let the base harden a few hours and root in water or mix; roots form in a few weeks. Seed and leaf-bud cuttings also work.

  7. Pests and common problems

    Leaf drop is the most common issue, usually stress from a move, change in light or temperature, wrong watering or drafts. Pests: aphids, mealybugs, scale, spider mites, whiteflies — inspect often and wipe or spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil.

  8. For plentiful, healthy leaves

    For a dense green canopy: keep it in one steady bright spot, water evenly, feed lightly in warm months and prune at the right time. Outdoors it becomes a large tree bearing small figs; indoors it rarely fruits.