Weeping Fig Care: How To Grow This Tropical Tree Indoors?

The Weeping Fig (Ficus benjamina) goes by many names – Benjamin Fig, Java tree, tropic laurel, ficus tree, etc. Native to Asia and northern Australia, it is popularly grown indoors due to the ease of caring for the weeping fig. This tropical plant can also be grown outdoors as a large, broadleaf evergreen tree or as an ornamental shrub. However, in tropical regions, this plant is considered invasive. You can easily control its growth indoors; therefore, it is a great choice for most indoor gardens.

The weeping fig’s eye-catching, wide branches and glossy, green leaves make it a great addition to any unoccupied space that can use some lighting up. Weeping fig care is easy, as this plant only needs well-draining potting soil and filtered bright sunlight. With a lifespan of 20 to 50 years, this indoor tree is renowned for its longevity. Pets are poisoned by weeping figs.

Weeping Fig care

Water

Maintain a constant moisture level for the plant, but keep it out of the water to prevent leaf loss and root rot. Plants are extremely sensitive to variations in moisture since they usually lose their leaves at the start of the dry season in their natural habitat. Ensure you maintain a consistent watering schedule.

Light

The weeping fig requires a bright space with lots of indirect sunshine and possibly some morning direct sunlight. Although it is frequently grown in semi-shaded areas in its natural habitat, it requires adequate light to flourish indoors. It needs to be placed in a well-lit area. It’s recommended to avoid trying to find the ideal location because this plant has a high intolerance for being moved, even if it’s to discover better lighting circumstances.

Soil

You can probably use any excellent potting soil that drains quickly. Soil that is particularly rich in organic matter or nutrients is not necessary for weeping figs. For better weeping fig care, use a soil-based potting soil with perlite, sand, and vermiculite.

Temperature and Humidity

The ideal temperature range for ficus trees is between 65 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit at night and between 75 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit during the day. Think about adjusting your thermostat to control temperature swings in your house.

To control the humidity levels in your house, think about utilizing a humidifier. To keep your tree’s leaves from drying out, keep the soil surrounding its base moist and water it from time to time.

Fertilizer

Because they are heavy feeders, these plants require a lot of fertilizer during the growing season. At the start of the growing season, feed your ficus slow-release pellets. Fertilization should be applied once every two months in the fall and winter, and once a month in the spring and summer because they grow quickly.

Try adding some magnesium and manganese supplements if your plant is losing leaves even though the sunlight, temperature, humidity, and fertilizer levels are all perfect.

Potting and Repotting

A healthy ficus is a fast-growing plant that requires pot maintenance. Repotting may be necessary up to once a year, but for optimal effects, do so in the early spring. Low water or low temperatures are likely the reason for your plant’s slower growth.

Ficus is quite adaptable; thus, the repotting requirements also depend on how you are growing the plant. They can be cultivated as bonsai, normal houseplants, topiary, braided standards, and standards. In many situations, follow the plant’s cues and be ready to repot every year. Whether you’re repotting a plant or giving a new one a more permanent home, move it to a new container in early spring for better weeping fig care.

Pruning and Maintenance

Ficus trees must be trimmed if they are touching the ceiling or if you wish to reduce their size or shape them. Time is crucial: When the plant is no longer actively developing, prune it. The majority of ficus plants are active in the spring and summer, with growth slowing down in the fall. By winter, the plant has entered dormancy and is less vulnerable to pruning damage.

Additionally, to stop the spread of illnesses or fungal infections that could seriously harm your plant, be sure to remove any dead branches and remove any dead leaves. You can do this at any time of the year. Use a sharp, sterile pair of pruners whenever you prune. The Ficus benjamina tree is often cut to a height of three to six feet when grown indoors, and its trunks are occasionally braided for aesthetic purposes.

Propagating Weeping Fig

Even in the absence of rooting hormone, weeping fig can be rather easily rooted from cuttings. The best time to propagate this plant is in the spring, when it is easier to provide moisture and warmth. Most indoor plants will never produce fruit or seed, and Ficus is rarely cultivated from seed.

• Take a cut. Take a 3- to 5-inch clipping from the tip of a healthy branch that has at least two sets of leaves. Cut approximately 1/4 inch below a group of leaves. Remove the leaves from the cutting’s lower half. If you’d like, you can apply rooting hormone to the cut end.
• Put the cutting inside. Place the cutting’s end inside a container with moistened peat moss. Place a large plastic bag over the container, being careful that the plastic does not come into contact with the cutting (the bag can be supported with sticks or skewers). Secure the bottom of the bag with a knot.
• Locate the perfect spot. Place the container away from direct sunlight but in an area with bright, indirect light. Maintain the pot’s temperature above 65 degrees Fahrenheit. To maintain high humidity levels, mist the cutting every day. If the top of the soil feels dry, moisten it.
• For the next two to four weeks, keep an eye out for root growth. The cutting should grow enough roots for you to make slits in the bag so it can adjust to room temperature.
• Move the cut. After around six weeks, continue growing it into a tiny tree in a 6-inch pot.

Common Problems With Weeping Fig

The weeping fig care is easy, and this plant is adaptable to most indoor conditions; however, there are some problems that this plant is susceptible to, such as –

• Pests – Many common pests, such as mealybugs, spider mites, aphids, etc, can infest your weeping fig and cause leaves to drop and other problems. For better weeping fig care, regularly monitor for any pest infestation on your plant and use insecticidal soap or neem oil to treat pest infestations.
• Diseases – Bacterial plant diseases, such as crown gall, can affect the health and growth of your weeping fig plant. This disease has no treatment, so the best cure is prevention – use sanitized garden tools and keep your plant clean.
• Yellow Leaves – Root rot is the major cause for leaves to turn yellow in weeping figs. Therefore, monitor your watering and use well-draining soil for your plants.
• Leaf falling – There could be several reasons for this problem, such as repotting, over- or under-watering, lack of light and nutrients, sudden temperature changes, etc. Take better weeping fig care by maintaining a stable environment around your plant.

Conclusion 

Weeping fig care is easy, and this indoor tree can be the centerpiece of your indoor garden. With its glossy and vibrant foliage, this plant can easily light up any indoor space. Moreover, this plant is very adaptable, so make sure to add this tropical specimen to your plant list and gardens. To know more about the weeping fig and its care, download the Plantora app. This app is a treasure trove for plant lovers as it provides in-depth information on plant care. Check it out today!