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Ficus benjamina - Weeping Fig. How to grow and care

Why the common name 'Weeping Fig' when it looks nothing like a Fig tree? Because it is actually a member of the Fig family - Ficus - and if you ever see one with their small berry fruits, you will soon see that they are very similar to Figs - but much smaller.

In tropical areas it grows to an attractive if problematic weeping tree some 30 meters tall. The dense canopy of evergreen foliage prevents much from growing below as does the very invasive root system, that can lift patio paving and even damage roads where planted as a roadside tree. The root system of Ficus benjamina is probably the source of it's rather unflattering description as a strangler tree!

But here we talk of one of the most used and decorative houseplants in temperate areas the Weeping Fig.



Ficus benjamina - the weeping fig

As a Houseplant. This Ficus has small, glossy green leaves - with a cream margin on the variegated form. The name Weeping fig refers to the nature of its stems, which hang down, and the leaves dangling from these stems. The Ficus benjamina is grown in a variety of forms, sometimes in a regular bushy plant shape, sometimes as a quarter-standard mop-head, and sometimes with a plaited stem or a twisted stem.

How to care for Weeping Figs.

Ficus benjamina is very tolerant of most growing conditions in most houses thereby making it an ideal choice for a largish, specimen houseplant.

This Ficus originates from South Asia, and appreciates good light, including some direct sun. A free-draining potting mix is essential.

The Weeping fig is best grown at normal room temperature but with high humidity through the growing season. Only moderate watering required with a liquid feed every couple of weeks during the growing season. Reduce watering in winter. There is little to be gained from trying to increase humidity by misting, for its drooping branches would need near soaking for this to be of use. Together with that, tap water from lime areas can leave a deposit on the otherwise glossy foliage.

If growing to any appreciable size, it will need a large pot to accommodate the root system, and also to prevent the plant from falling over if it tends to grow to one side.

If growing the Ficus as a mop-head form, clip regularly to maintain a neat appearance. Be aware of the milky sap, which if allowed to drip from pruning wounds, can leave a mess under!

Ficus benjamina is one of a select group of houseplants that can remove some noxious gasses from the air. Those gasses associated with cavity wall insulation Formaldehyde for instance, can be absorbed by the plant.

Problems with Weeping Ficus

  • Most sap sucking insects are at home in this pant, and will include scale insects - found on the underside of the leaves; Aphids such as greenfly and mealy bug are also partial to homing in, with Red Spider Mite also to be aware of.
  • It rarely suffers from any fungal disease when grown as a houseplant.
  • It does not like draughts or snap cold spells, which will result in leaf drop, so should be in an area free from both.
  • An unusual but common problem is leaf drop caused by disturbance. It does NOT like to be turned such as you would normally do to alleviate one-sided growth. The foliage is a little temperamental regards sudden light source changes.

Propagation of Weeping Fig

Variegated form of the Weeping Fig Invasive root system of Ficus

The easiest way by far for just a few plants, is by air layering. Otherwise, if you have a heated propagator, softwood or semi ripe cuttings in the active growing period are successful.

Left image : The variegated form of the Ficus benjamina - Elegantissima' Right image : Shows the invasive root system of the Weeping Fig when grown as a large tree in tropical areas.


 

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