Weeping fig

Weeping fig Care

Ficus benjamina

What is the plant

The Weeping Fig, sometimes called the ficus tree, is a tropical evergreen tree that is often grown as a houseplant. People spot it in homes and offices for its elegant, slightly weeping shape and glossy evergreen leaves.

Though it grows up to 60 feet tall (18 m) in its native Asian or Australian rain forests, when placed indoors, it is usually pruned to six feet (2 m) or smaller. It is not a difficult houseplant to grow if you meet its needs in terms of light, water, and temperature. They also don’t like to be moved.

Wear gloves when handling the plant; some people find the sap a skin irritant. And do not consume any part of the plant.

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Humidity

High

Lighting

Part Sun

Temperature

21°C - 29°C

Hardiness zone

9b - 12b

Difficulty

Medium

Hibernation

Cold Period

Toxicity

Poisonous

How to Care for the Plant

Water
During warmer months, it should be watered when the soil is dry an inch (2.5 cm) down. Let it dry out some in the colder months. Overwatering and underwatering can cause the leaves to drop and discolor.
Pruning
Prun your tree in spring to keep this ficus ornamental.
Fertilizer
Feed the plant with a mild or half-strength liquid fertilizer, such as seaweed, during the spring and summer seasons.

Disease diagnosis

Check your plant’s health

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Sunlight
Originally from sunny sub-tropic jungles, Ficus Benjamina likes bright filtered or indirect sun – a few feet (0.5-1m) from a window is an ideal setting.
Soil
It prefers fast-draining potting soil on the acidic side. The best soil pH for Weeping fig is between 6.0 and 6.5.
Propagation
Weeping figs can be propagated from stem cuttings. Wear gloves, as the plant will release an irritating sap when cut.

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Temperature
The best daytime temperature is between 75-85˚F (24-29°C), with perhaps a slight drop to 70°F (21°C) at night. Ficus trees are very susceptible to temperature changes. Put the tree where it’s not in a draught or close to the radiators, floor vents, or heaters in winter.
Ficus Benjamina is also finicky about humidity. If left in a low-humidity setting, it will drop leaves. A humidifier or regular misting may be needed to keep your ficus healthy.
Container
Choose a planter that just fits the plant’s root system. Make sure the container has adequate drainage to avoid overwatering problems.
Fun fact
As much as the ficus hates to be moved, ot hates to be transplanted. So you need to repot the plant rarer than your other green friends.