Weeping fig
Ficus benjamina · Moraceae
📷 PierreSelim · CC BY 3.0
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant weeping fig: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Foliage
- Evergreen, glossy green
- Flowering
- Spring to summer (discreet flowers)
- Adult size
- 2 to 3 m tall indoors
- Growth
- Moderate to fast
- Hardiness
- Cold-sensitive, minimum 12°C
- Origin
- Southeast Asia (India, Thailand)
- Soil type
- Rich, well-draining, light
Expert tips
The key tip
Arrosez régulièrement mais attendez que le substrat sèche légèrement en surface entre les arrosages—c'est la clé pour éviter la pourriture racinaire. Placez-le loin des courants d'air et des changements brutaux de température, qui provoquent la chute des feuilles. Un apport d'engrais dilué tous les 15 jours en période de croissance suffit.
The common mistake
Le piège classique est de le déplacer constamment ou de le tourner trop souvent : le Ficus benjamina réagit aux changements d'exposition en lâchant ses feuilles massivement. Une fois bien placé, laissez-le tranquille.
The pro's trick
Épongez ses feuilles avec un chiffon humide une fois par mois : cela élimine la poussière qui obstrue les stomates et réduit les infestations d'araignées rouges. C'est aussi une excellente occasion d'inspecter discrètement l'envers des feuilles.
Care
Regular watering
Water generously as soon as the substrate begins to dry at the surface, approximately 2 to 3 times per week in summer. In winter, space out watering and allow the soil to dry more between waterings. Avoid stagnant water which causes root rot. Preferably use room temperature water, low in lime.
Abundant but indirect light
Your Ficus benjamina thrives in bright light, away from direct sun rays which burn the leaves. Place it near a window facing east or west, or at a moderate distance from a south-facing window. Lack of light causes leaf drop. Avoid frequent moves, as this plant dislikes changes of location.
Pruning and shaping
Prune lightly in spring to encourage a dense and balanced silhouette. Cut branches that grow excessively long and remove dead or weak wood. Wear gloves when pruning, as the sap can irritate skin. Young shoots branch out quickly after a clean cut.
Moderate fertilizing
Apply balanced fertilizer diluted every 15 to 20 days during the active growth period (spring and summer). Reduce or stop feeding in autumn and winter. Excess fertilizer causes salt buildup in the soil; prefer light, regular doses.
Light and structured substrate
Use a rich mix composed of leaf mold, peat and perlite or pumice in equal parts. Drainage is essential to prevent root suffocation. Soil that is too dense leads to leaf drop and rot.
Pest and disease prevention
Mealybugs, spider mites and whiteflies particularly love this plant in dry indoor environments. Inspect foliage and stems regularly. In case of light infestation, spray the leaves with soapy water. Clear the air by fine misting and increase humidity.
Did you know?
The Ficus benjamina, nicknamed the 'Weeping Fig' because of its leaves that hang gracefully, is traditionally considered a good luck charm in Southeast Asia. However, this plant is sadly famous for its dramatic reaction to environmental changes: a simple move can cause 50% of its foliage to drop in just a few days, hence its reputation as a 'fussy' plant among indoor gardeners!
Where to buy it
Best planted in autumn so the roots settle in before summer, or in early spring once the frost has passed. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, October, November.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
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- Red mulberryMorus rubra
- Rubber plantFicus elastica
- Black mulberryMorus nigra
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.