Growing weeping fig (Ficus benjamina) is a common houseplant, known for its gracefully cascading foliage and long-lasting shape. This hardy plant features slender branches that arch outward from a single trunk and can reach up to 3 metres tall in the landscape.
It produces small yellowish or reddish fruits that are attractive to birds and other wildlife. The oval-shaped leaves of the weeping fig are dark green with lighter veins running across each leaf.
With a moderate watering schedule and some pruning, it will produce lush foliage that creates an ornamental centerpiece in any home or office space. The main attraction of this plant is its ability to adapt well to indoor conditions, making it an ideal choice for those who want an easy-care houseplant.
Weeping Fig at a glance
| Common Name | Weeping Fig |
| Scientific Name | Ficus Benjamina |
| Growth Rate | Average |
| Full maturity | 2-3 years |
| Height (max) | 1.5–3 m |
| Width (max) | 60–90 cm |
| Pet safe? | Maybe |
| Sunlight | Medium, indirect |
| Soil Ph | 6.0–7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral) |
| Native to | Southeast Asia and Northern Australia |
Growing Weeping Fig indoors in Australia
Growing Weeping Fig (Ficus Benjamina) indoors in Australia is a great way to bring natural beauty into your home. Whether you live in an apartment or house, this plant will thrive with the proper care and attention.
It is one of the easiest plants to grow indoors and will add a touch of greenery to any space. The Ficus Benjamina is native to tropical climates, so it needs a warm and humid environment at home.
However, its adaptability makes it well suited for many conditions within Australia’s climate. As long as you can provide it with bright light and keep the temperature between 15-24 degrees Celsius during the day, your weeping fig should stay lush and healthy all year round. Water regularly but be sure not to get water on its leaves as this can cause leaf spot diseases or fungal infections.
Quick care tips
Weeping Fig (Ficus Benjamina) is a popular ornamental houseplant known for its lush foliage and easy-to-care for nature. It’s no wonder why this tree is so often found in home or offices, as it requires minimal maintenance and offers plenty of health benefits.
With a few quick care tips, you can keep your Weeping Fig looking beautiful year round. When caring for your Weeping Fig, it’s important to give the plant enough light while avoiding too much direct sunlight that can cause scorching on the leaves.
Place your plant near a bright window but not right in front of one. Additionally, make sure to water your plant regularly throughout the year – during spring and summer you should water more frequently than winter months when they require less water due to decreased evaporation in cooler temperatures.
Weeping Fig (Ficus Benjamina) (Source)
Caring for your Weeping Fig
With its long, lush foliage and ability to thrive indoors, the Weeping Fig (Ficus Benjamina) is a popular houseplant. If you’re looking for year-round greenery with very little effort, this could be the plant for you.
But caring for this tropical tree can be tricky – here are some tips to get your started on providing optimal conditions. When growing a Weeping Fig indoors, make sure it’s placed in a bright location with indirect sunlight.
These plants need at least four hours of bright light daily and will benefit from being placed near windows facing east or west. While they’re tolerant of lower light levels, they may become leggy and lose their compact shape if not provided enough light.
Light
Light plays a major role in the growth of a Weeping Fig (Ficus Benjamina). This popular houseplant needs bright, indirect light throughout the year to produce healthy foliage.
It thrives best when placed in an east-facing window or any other area that receives lots of light. However, too much direct sunlight can cause sunburn and scorch its leaves.
The Weeping Fig also has high humidity requirements for optimum growth and should be misted regularly with water. To keep it looking lush and vibrant, it should receive about 12 hours of light per day. During winter months when natural light is limited, supplemental artificial lights are recommended to provide the necessary illumination for healthy growth. With proper lighting and adequate moisture, this unique plant can bring plenty of greenery indoors all year round!.
Water
Water is an essential part of keeping any plant healthy and happy. The Weeping Fig (Ficus Benjamina), also known as the Benjamin Fig, is no exception to this rule.
This evergreen tree is native to South and Southeast Asia, but has since been widely cultivated in other parts of the world for its ornamental beauty. The Weeping Fig thrives in warm climates and needs a lot of water when young to encourage new growth, however it can tolerate dry conditions once it reaches maturity.
For optimal health, the soil should be kept moist but not wet and watering should be done on a regular basis – weekly or bi-weekly depending on climate conditions. Be sure not to overwater as this can cause root rot or fungus gnats which will severely damage the foliage of your Weeping Fig.
Fertiliser
Fertiliser is an important part of growing a healthy weeping fig (Ficus benjamina) in your home. Regular fertilising helps the tree stay beautiful and full, with lush green foliage that can reach up to 6 metres in height.
Fertilising should be done at least once a month during the spring and summer months when the tree is actively growing, and less often in fall and winter when it’s dormant. When choosing a fertiliser for your weeping fig, look for one with balanced levels of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium; these are known as macronutrients.
Slow-release fertiliser is best for this type of plant because it will provide steady nutrition over time rather than all at once. Be sure to follow directions on the package carefully if you decide to go with chemical fertilisers so as not to burn or damage your plant’s roots.
Temperature
Temperature is a critical factor when it comes to caring for a weeping fig (Ficus Benjamina). This tropical tree species likes temperatures between 18-24 degrees Celcius.
If the temperature is too low, the plant may suffer from stress and its leaves will start to yellow. On the other hand, if the temperature gets too hot, it can result in leaf loss and even death of the tree.
When growing a weeping fig indoors, make sure that it’s away from drafty windows or doors where cold air might enter or radiators that might create dry heat. During winter months consider using humidifiers or misting plants with water to increase humidity around them which will help keep them healthy. Also avoid placing these plants close to air conditioners as they can be very drying on their foliage.
Humidity
Humidity is an important factor to consider when growing a weeping fig (Ficus benjamina). This type of plant loves moisture and high levels of humidity, making it a great choice for areas with moderate temperatures.
For optimal growth, the humidity level should be kept at around 50-60% throughout the year. A humidifier or regular misting can help keep the air moist in drier months.
In addition to providing extra moisture, high levels of humidity are beneficial for this species as it helps reduce leaf drop and improves its overall health. The leaves may start to yellow if the air is too dry – this is an indication that you should increase the humidity levels immediately. To maintain healthy foliage, place your weeping fig near a window in order to take advantage of natural light and fresh air circulating through your home or office space.
Learn more about how humidity can affect indoor plants.
Flowering
Flowering is one of the most universally admired processes in nature, and it is particularly beautiful when it occurs in an otherwise predominantly green landscape. Growing weeping fig (Ficus benjamina) can be a rewarding experience as this attractive tree bursts into bloom with its pink, white, or yellow flowers.
The sight of these blooms against the backdrop of glossy dark green leaves is truly breathtaking. The flowering period depends on local climate conditions and usually takes place during spring and summer months.
To help ensure optimal flowering conditions, provide ample sunlight and water to your tree throughout the growing season. Pruning should also be done regularly to promote healthy growth; while only male trees produce flowers, both sexes benefit from regular pruning. With proper care, your weeping fig will put on a showy display each year that you are sure to enjoy!.
Pests
Pests can be a real problem when it comes to growing weeping fig (Ficus benjamina). Common pests of the weeping fig include mealybugs, scale, spider mites and whiteflies.
All four of these pests can cause damage to the plant by sucking up its sap and causing leaves to yellow or drop off. To prevent pest infestations, it’s important to inspect your plant regularly for any signs of damage or pest activity.
If you do find an infestation, there are several steps you can take to control them such as removing affected leaves, applying appropriate pesticides and providing ample air circulation around the plant. Additionally, regular pruning and proper watering is essential in order maintaining a healthy weeping fig free from pests. By following these simple tips, you’ll be able to keep your weeping fig in pristine condition for years to come!.
Find out more about common indoor plant pests in Australia.
Diseases
Diseases are an unfortunate reality for any living organism, including plants. The Weeping Fig (Ficus Benjamina) is no exception to this rule.
While generally a healthy and hardy plant, it is susceptible to several common diseases that can cause issues with its growth and even death if left untreated. The most common of these diseases include root rot, crown gall, and leaf spot disease.
Root rot is caused by a fungus which attacks the plant’s roots, leading to yellowing leaves and stunted growth. Crown gall occurs when a different type of bacterium infects the base of the trunk or branches, resulting in swollen woody galls on the surface of the tree. Leaf spot disease is caused by two fungi which can lead to brown spots forming on leaves as well as dieback in more severe cases.
Soil
Soil is an important component of any successful garden or landscaping project. Proper soil selection and preparation will ensure that your weeping fig (Ficus Benjamina) has the best chance of flourishing in its environment.
When selecting soil for a weeping fig, it’s important to choose a nutrient-rich blend that drains well but has some moisture retention capabilities. A combination of two parts peat moss, one part compost, and one part sand or perlite can provide the ideal balance.
You may also wish to add organic matter such as manure or bone meal to further enhance the fertility of the soil; however, these additions should be made with caution as too much nitrogen can create excessive leaf growth at the expense of flowering and fruiting.
Learn how to lower your soil PH.
Pot size
Pot Size is an important factor to consider when growing a weeping fig (Ficus Benjamina). When the roots of a Ficus Benjamina are confined in a pot that is too small, it can become unhealthy and even die.
A pot size that is too large however, may cause problems with overwatering and root rot. The ideal pot size for a weeping fig should be 5-8 cm larger than the current pot size.
The plant should be kept in this same size container until it has outgrown it, at which point they can move them up one more size incrementally. When choosing the material of the pot, make sure to choose an option that allows for adequate drainage and aeration. Clay pots are often recommended for Ficus Benjamina due to their ability to regulate moisture levels better than other materials such as plastic or metal.
Pruning your Weeping Fig
Pruning is an important part of growing and maintaining a weeping fig (Ficus Benjamina) tree. It helps to keep the tree healthy, promote new growth, and ensure that it stays in good shape.
Pruning should be done regularly, but there are certain steps that must be taken in order to do it correctly. By following these steps, you can make sure your weeping fig is properly cared for.
When pruning a weeping fig tree, start by cutting off any dead or dying branches first. This will allow more light and air to reach the rest of the plant which will help its overall health. You should then trim off any overgrown branches or stems that are taking away from the aesthetic look of the tree. Finally, prune back any branches that are crossing each other or rubbing together as this can cause damage over time due to abrasion.
Propagating your Weeping Fig
Propagation is an important step in the life cycle of a weeping fig (Ficus Benjamina). When done correctly, it can be a rewarding experience with potential to bring joy for many years.
Propagating from cuttings is one of the easiest and most reliable methods for quickly growing new plants, as well as for keeping your established fig healthy. It will ensure that you are able to keep your favourite parts of the plant and propagate them efficiently.
Though propagating this type of tree is not difficult, it does require some patience and good technique. To get started, you’ll need to take cuttings from healthy branches or stems. After cutting them off at least 10 cm long, dip the ends into a rooting hormone powder or gel before placing them into damp soil or a potting mix within a sterile environment.
Is Weeping Fig poisonous?
The weeping fig, or Ficus benjamina, is a popular houseplant with beautiful foliage and an easy-to-care-for nature. However, it is important to be aware that this plant can be toxic if ingested by humans or pets.
The sap of the plant contains a chemical called ficin which can cause skin irritation and stomach upset if ingested. If you have children or pets in your home, it’s best to keep this plant out of reach.
Weeping figs need bright but indirect light and regular watering for healthy growth; too much direct sunlight can cause the leaves to burn and turn yellow. When pruning your weeping fig, make sure you wear gloves as contact with the sap will likely lead to skin irritation.
Featured Image: Source
