Ficus benjamina
Janet’s tips to help you grow a healthy weeping fig.
I have heard people refer to weeping figs as “easy to grow” and as “impossible, will never try again.” I think the truth lies somewhere in between these two statements. Ficus can be easy to grow if you keep a few things in mind:
Location, location , location….they need light. Lots of it, but not necessarily direct sun, in fact, preferably not.
They also need to be protected from drafts. Don’t locate them by a heater vent or in the path of an opening door.
Your Ficus will need to be watered regularly, but don’t drown it. Water it when the surface feels dry to the touch and make sure that after watering the tree isn’t standing in excess water. Take extra care in the winter not to over water, you may need to cut the water amount in in half. Use a moisture meter if you aren’t sure.
Ficus trees do lose leaves – usually after you move them. It is normal for a Ficus to lose 20% of its foliage as it adapts to a new environment and it may take several weeks to months before it will stop losing leaves. During this time of adjustment avoid the temptation to over water. Be sure to check the plant before you water to make sure it needs a drink.
Ficus benjaminas sometimes will lose leaves in the winter also. To help your Ficus through this low light time, try to clean its leaves and nearby windows. Also, cut back on the amount of water you have been giving it in the pot, but not the humidity. You may need to provide extra humidity in the winter because of the heaters you run to keep warm. I like the use of a humidity tray. (A large tray with rocks in the bottom of it then filled with water to put the plant on top of.) It will keep the humidity up more consistently than misting the leaves, which is another option. In late winter-early spring when the light returns, you can increase the water and give your plant a little boost of fertilizer.
Once the tree is stable and growing it requires minimal care, usually a weekly check of the soil for moisture content and watering if needed. As the tree grows, it may require shaping and pruning, typically every spring, depending on its speed of growth. A well maintained Ficus tree can be a stunning addition to your home for many years.