Weeping Fig
The classic indoor tree with small glossy leaves and gracefully drooping branches, often with a braided trunk. Beautiful and long-lived, and famous for dropping leaves at any change. Pick its spot and leave it there.
The weeping fig is the tree in every office atrium, and it has been for fifty years because it is genuinely elegant: fine branches, small shiny leaves, a canopy that looks like a real tree in miniature.
Its reputation for dropping leaves is deserved, but the cause is always the same. It hates change. Move it, and it sheds. Leave it, and it grows for decades.
Light
Bright indirect light with some direct morning sun. An east window, or near a south one. It tolerates less with thinner growth. Variegated types need more light.
Water
Water when the top inch or two is dry, about weekly in summer and every twelve days in winter. Keep the rhythm steady; sudden swings between wet and dry trigger leaf drop as surely as a move does.
Soil and potting
A standard well-draining mix. Repot every couple of years in spring; it tolerates being a little root-bound. Repotting itself can trigger a leaf drop, which passes.
Feeding
A half-strength balanced feed monthly in spring and summer.
Propagation
Stem cuttings in spring with rooting hormone, kept warm and humid. Air layering on larger branches.
In a hot, dry home
It does well here once settled, and it tolerates dry air better than its reputation suggests. Keep it away from AC vents, which cause the drafts it hates, and out of hot west sun. Then do not move it.
Weeping Fig varieties
Same care, different look. These are the named forms you will see for sale.
- Benjamina (green)
The standard weeping fig with small glossy green leaves.
- Triangularis Variegata
Ficus triangularis: triangular leaves edged in cream. A different species, same care, slower.
- Umbellata
Ficus umbellata: large, thin, heart-shaped leaves on a slim trunk. Wants more water and humidity than benjamina.
-
A creeping fig with tiny oak-shaped leaves. Has its own profile.
Full profile
Problems and fixes
Leaves dropping in numbers
Likely cause: A change: moved, new draft, repotting, or a watering swing
Fix: Restore steady conditions and wait. New leaves follow within weeks.
Sticky leaves and small bumps on stems
Likely cause: Scale insects
Fix: Wipe with a cloth and rubbing alcohol; repeat weekly until clear.
Yellow leaves, wet soil
Likely cause: Overwatering
Fix: Let the top two inches dry before watering.
Weeping Fig questions
Why does my weeping fig drop leaves?
Change. Moving it, a new draft, a temperature swing or a change in watering all trigger it. Give it steady conditions and it stops.
Is the weeping fig toxic to cats and dogs?
Yes. The sap irritates the mouth and stomach. Keep pets from chewing it.
How much light does a weeping fig need?
Bright indirect light with a little morning sun. An east window is ideal.
