WEEPING FIG

FICUS BENJAMINA

This is a hugely popular plant thanks to its graceful, arching habit and treelike form. It can be bought as a small, tabletop plant or a large specimen. When mature, it makes the perfect centerpiece and is often positioned in a large hallway, where it can be enjoyed from all angles.

HEIGHT 11ft 6in (3.5m)

SPREAD 4ft (1.2m)

FLOWERS Unlikely to bloom indoors

FOLIAGE Small, dark green

LIGHT Filtered sun/light shade

TEMPERATURE 61–75°F (16–24°C)

CARE Challenging

PLACE OF ORIGIN Northern Australia, South and Southeast Asia

WARNING! All parts toxic; gloves required

CARE

Although this attractive plant is highly desirable, it isn’t easy to grow. You’d be wise to choose a different plant if you’re unable to meet its exact requirements. The weeping fig needs space, filtered sun or light shade, moderate humidity, and no drafts. Deviate from this and the leaves on your plant will quickly drop. However, those that have the perfect room won’t regret the investment as the striking, dark foliage complements any interior.

Choose a large container and use an enriched potting mix that will help hold the top-heavy plant steady. Allow the top of the soil to dry out between watering in spring and summer and reduce watering further in winter. A misting with water in summer is beneficial, as is applying a balanced fertilizer once a month in spring through to fall.

Repotting large specimens is tricky and can cause leaf drop, so if you’re concerned, simply add a fresh layer of potting mix to the container each spring.

PROBLEM SOLVING The most likely cause of concern is leaf drop. This is due to stress caused by under- or overwatering, low humidity, not enough light, drafts, or a sudden change in temperature—you’ll need to do some detective work to discover which one it is. If your plant has lots of yellow leaves, lightly shake it to remove them.

Weeping figs are available to buy at any size—from tabletop to head height.

DISPLAY

Larger specimens look at their best when planted in a generous container and placed in a position where they have space all around them—don’t push these plants into a corner. If growing in a large pot, you could add trailing plants around the bottom: devil’s ivy or its much smaller relative creeping fig would work well.

Houseplants A–Z | WEEPING FIG

ALSO TRY

If you’ve had success with weeping fig, there are many other members of this family to grow that are equally appealing. Why not try:

• Bengal fig (Ficus benghalensis), height 11ft 6in (3.5m). Although rarely grown, this plant looks terrific in a modern interior, thanks to its treelike form and large leaves.
• Variegated weeping fig (Ficus benjamina ‘Variegata’), height 10ft (3m). This is an identical plant to the plain weeping fig but with stunning variegation. Cut off any stems that revert to plain green.

If placing ficus on a windowsill, make sure it’s not a drafty one.