© Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz / CC BY-SA 4.0Weeping Fig
The Weeping Fig (Ficus benjamina) is a classic houseplant, prized for the glossy, pointed leaves that cascade gracefully from its slender branches. Known in Japanese as "shidare-gajumaru," it comes in many forms — from pots with braided trunks to variegated varieties with white-edged leaves — so there's plenty of room to pick a look you love. As an evergreen tree, it can be kept at a manageable size indoors for many years when grown in a pot. It's considered an easy, beginner-friendly plant, making it a great choice for anyone new to houseplants. One thing to keep in mind: it's sensitive to changes in its surroundings and may drop leaves if moved, so it's best to settle it into one spot and leave it there.
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Apply as a growerWeeping Fig key facts
- Growing Difficulty
- Beginner-friendly
- Lifespan
- Evergreen tree (long-lived)
- Size
- About 0.6-3 m in pots; up to 30 m in the wild
- Temperature
- 20〜25℃
- Watering
- Slow-release fertiliser about every two months from early summer to early autumn
- Light & Placement
- Prefers bright light but tolerates shade. Sudden strong sun scorches the leaves, so keep variegated forms in bright indoor light. Avoid moving it around.
- Watering
- Water well when the surface dries from spring to autumn and keep drier in winter, without letting it dry out completely.
- Temperature & Overwintering
- Grows best at about 20-25°C. Keep above 10°C in winter and away from drafts; cold with wet soil causes leaf drop.
- Soil & Repotting
- Any free-draining mix will do. Repot from early summer to early autumn.
- Propagation
- Easily propagated from cuttings; use 10 cm shoots in early summer.
- Pests & Cautions
- Watch for scale, aphids, mealybugs, thrips and spider mites. The milky sap (ficin, psoralen) is toxic to dogs and cats and can irritate skin. Some cultivars, such as 'Barok' (No. 14020), are registered varieties and cannot be propagated for sale or transfer without permission.
About Weeping Fig
The Weeping Fig is an evergreen tree with glossy, pointed leaves on gracefully drooping branches. Available in braided and variegated forms, it's a beginner-friendly houseplant many people can grow with ease.
7 things to know before growing Weeping Fig
1Keep Its Spot Fixed
Weeping figs are sensitive to changes in their environment and may drop leaves when moved. Once you've chosen a spot with good light and airflow, try to avoid relocating the plant.
2Loves Bright Indoor Light
This plant prefers a bright spot near a window, out of harsh direct sun. Strong midsummer sunlight can scorch the leaves, so filtering the light through a sheer curtain works well.
3Water When Soil Dries
Check that the soil surface has dried out before watering thoroughly, until water runs from the drainage holes. Empty any water left in the saucer to prevent root rot from overwatering.
4Choose Well-Draining Soil
Good drainage and airflow in the soil are key to healthy growth. A standard potting mix for houseplants works fine without any special blending.
5Repot to Avoid Root-Bound
Roots peeking out of the drainage holes are a sign it's time to repot. Move the plant into a slightly larger pot so the roots have room to keep growing.
6Protect From Winter Chill
Although evergreen, this plant is sensitive to cold and dry drafts. In winter, keep it indoors near a window, away from direct airflow from heaters or air conditioners.
7What to Look for in a Plant
Choose a plant with firm, glossy leaves that fill out its branches well. Braided trunks and variegated leaf varieties offer extra ways to pick a shape and look you like.
Frequently asked questions about Weeping Fig
- Q.Is this a good plant for beginners?
- A.Yes — the Weeping Fig is generally considered a beginner-friendly plant. Once you get the hang of its placement and watering needs, it's a great choice for a first houseplant.
- Q.How big does it grow?
- A.In a pot, it typically stays around 0.6 to 3 meters tall, making it manageable indoors. In its natural habitat it can reach up to 30 meters, but potted plants can be kept smaller with pruning.
- Q.Why does it keep dropping leaves?
- A.Weeping figs are sensitive to sudden changes in their environment and may shed leaves when conditions shift, such as after being moved. Keeping its location and light exposure consistent helps reduce leaf drop.
- Q.How often does it need repotting?
- A.Roots showing through the drainage holes are a sign it's time to repot. Move up to a slightly larger pot whenever the plant starts to look root-bound.
- Q.Can it be grown outdoors?
- A.As an evergreen tree, it can be placed outdoors in bright, partial shade during warm weather. However, since it's sensitive to cold and sudden environmental changes, it's best to bring it indoors when temperatures drop.
Handy Growing Tools for Weeping Fig
Learn more about Weeping Fig in the encyclopedia
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Care difficulty, size, origin and light needs — all basics covered.
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