Weeping fig
Ficus benjamina · Family Moraceae
Also known as: ficus benjamina, benjamin fig, ficus tree
- Light
- Bright indirect
- Watering
- Every 6 days
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Pet-safe
- No, keep it away from cats and dogs
Care
Where to put it
A bright living room spot it can stay in, away from draughts.
Light
Bright indirect light. Moving it often causes leaf drop.
Watering
Water when the top 2–3 cm of compost is dry. Avoid waterlogging.
About the plant
The weeping fig is one of the most popular indoor trees in the world, with arching branches and small, glossy leaves. It can reach 2 metres in a pot and tolerates pruning and braided trunks. It prefers to stay in the same spot.
Origin
Native from South and South-East Asia to northern Australia, in tropical forests.
What it likes
- Steady, bright indirect light
- A fixed spot, without moves
- Regular watering without excess
What it dislikes
- Being moved
- Draughts
- Soggy compost
Did you know?
It often drops lots of leaves when moved, a stress reaction that passes once it has settled in.
