Weeping Fig
Ficus benjamina
An evergreen tree or large shrub with glossy, oval, pointed leaves and a graceful, drooping branching habit.
- Light
- Bright, indirect light, approximately 6 to 8 hours daily
- Water
- Allow soil to dry partially between waterings; moderate drought tolerance once established, but prone to leaf drop if overwatered or underwatered consistently
- Growth
- Perennial woody tree/shrub with a dense canopy and arching branches, reaching mature indoor heights of 6 to 10 feet and outdoor heights up to 50 feet
Care instructions
Provide bright, indirect sunlight and water when the top two inches of soil are dry. Use well-draining potting mix and feed monthly during the growing season with a balanced liquid fertilizer.
Growing details
Sunlight
Bright, indirect light, approximately 6 to 8 hours daily
Watering
Allow soil to dry partially between waterings; moderate drought tolerance once established, but prone to leaf drop if overwatered or underwatered consistently
Soil
Well-draining, loamy soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH between 6.0 and 6.5
Hardiness zone
USDA Zones 10 to 11, typically grown indoors or as a patio plant in cooler climates
Growth habit
Perennial woody tree/shrub with a dense canopy and arching branches, reaching mature indoor heights of 6 to 10 feet and outdoor heights up to 50 feet
Bloom season
Non-flowering (cultivated varieties rarely produce noticeable flowers indoors)
Propagation
Propagated via stem cuttings or air layering during the spring or summer months
Common pests & issues
Prone to spider mites, scale insects, and mealybugs; can suffer from leaf drop due to sudden environmental changes or drafts
Similar species
Ficus lyrata (Fiddle-leaf fig), which features much larger, violin-shaped leaves compared to the smaller, tapered leaves of Ficus benjamina