Moderate Tropical Toxic to pets

Weeping Fig

Ficus benjamina

The Weeping Fig is an elegant indoor tree with a weeping habit and dense, glossy foliage, a staple of interior plant decor.

The essentials at a glance

Watering

Every 7 days
Light

Bright indirect light
Humidity

50–70 %
Temperature

15–28 °C

How to care for your Weeping Fig

Everything you need to keep your Weeping Fig healthy: watering, light, humidity, feeding, repotting and pruning.

Ficus benjamina originates from Southeast Asia and Australia where it is an imposing tropical tree. Indoors, it forms an elegant small tree with a supple, drooping habit and dense foliage of small glossy leaves. It is known for its sensitivity to changes: moving, draughts, or irregular watering cause spectacular but temporary leaf drop. Once well established in a bright, stable location, it is a robust and rewarding plant that can live for decades.

Watering your Weeping Fig

Every 7 days

Water thoroughly then allow the compost to dry out over the top third before watering again. Reduce in winter.

How to know it needs water

Compost dry 3–4 cm deep
Leaves beginning to drop
Pot noticeably lighter

How much light a Weeping Fig needs

Bright indirect light

Bright indirect light. Tolerates semi-shade but sheds leaves when light-deprived. Avoid harsh direct sun.

Direct sun tolerated: 0 to 2 h a day
Orientations that suit it: North, North-east, East, South-east, South, South-west, West, North-west

Humidity and misting

50–70 %

50–70% Mist the foliage regularly, especially in winter when heating dries the air. An occasional lukewarm shower to clean the leaves is beneficial.

Feeding and fertiliser

Every 14 days

Fertilize from spring to autumn. Reduce in winter. Excess fertilizer can scorch roots — respect recommended doses.

Recommended feed: Liquid fertilizer for foliage plants (NPK 20-10-10), nitrogen-rich for dense foliage. · 3-1-2

Repotting your Weeping Fig

Every 24 months

Use enriched universal compost with perlite for drainage. Increase pot size gradually. For large specimens, top-dressing can replace repotting.

When: Spring (April–May)
Potting mix: All-purpose potting mix
Mix in: perlite, coco fibre

The tell-tale signs

Roots emerging from drainage holes
Growth slowing down
Substrate very compacted and water no longer penetrating well

Pruning your Weeping Fig

In spring, before the onset of active growth. Prune to maintain the desired shape. Weeping Fig tolerates even hard pruning and will break from old wood. Wear gloves as the latex is irritating and staining.

Through the year

Watering is not set once and for all: it follows the light and the growth. Allow 10 days between waterings in the depth of winter, against 6 in the growing season.

9 J
8 F
7 M
6 A
6 M
6 J
6 J
6 A
7 S
8 O
8 N
10 D

Active growth · Days between waterings

Toxicity

The milky latex is irritating to dogs and cats. Can cause vomiting, hypersalivation, and oral irritation. Possible skin irritation in humans.

Good to know

Weeping Fig hates being moved: it systematically drops its leaves when relocated, but regrows them once acclimated.
In the wild, in tropical Asia, Weeping Fig is a large tree that can reach 30 metres tall with an immense canopy.

Frequently asked questions about the Weeping Fig

How do you care for a Weeping Fig?

Water it every 7 days. Give it bright indirect light. Ideal humidity: 50–70 %. Ideal temperature: 15–28 °C. Water thoroughly then allow the compost to dry out over the top third before watering again. Reduce in winter.

How often should you water a Weeping Fig?

Every 7 days Water thoroughly then allow the compost to dry out over the top third before watering again. Reduce in winter. How to know it needs water : Compost dry 3–4 cm deep ; Leaves beginning to drop ; Pot noticeably lighter.

How much light does a Weeping Fig need?

Bright indirect light Bright indirect light. Tolerates semi-shade but sheds leaves when light-deprived. Avoid harsh direct sun. 0 to 2 h a day

Is the Weeping Fig toxic to cats and dogs?

Yes. The milky latex is irritating to dogs and cats. Can cause vomiting, hypersalivation, and oral irritation. Possible skin irritation in humans. Keep it out of reach of your pets and call a vet if any is swallowed.

Why are my Weeping Fig leaves turning yellow?

Yellowing most often comes from too much water: the mix stays wet and the roots suffocate. Check that the pot drains, empty the saucer, and let the mix dry before watering again. Too little light or a cold draught cause the same symptom.

When should you repot a Weeping Fig?

Repot every 24 months, ideally in spring (april–may). Use enriched universal compost with perlite for drainage. Increase pot size gradually. For large specimens, top-dressing can replace repotting.