Find out how to keep Ficus benjamina, also known as weeping fig, healthy and happy in your indoor garden. See time stamps below to find out about watering, fertilizing, lighting, and more.
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Today we have a plant care video for Ficus benjamina, commonly known as the weeping fig. You can see an example on the table and another large one in the background on the screen.
This is an evergreen tree that grows outdoors in tropical and subtropical climates. It’s also widely grown indoors, where it makes a beautiful indoor tree that creates a lush, forest-like effect. Ficus benjamina is often used in commercial interiors due to its tree-like form and graceful appearance.
Although it’s a bit finicky, this plant is relatively easy to grow indoors. With proper care, Ficus benjamina can live 20 to 50 years or more. It features slender, arching branches and a gray-green trunk that becomes more gray with age.
Indoors, the plant typically grows 3–6 feet tall, but with training and support, it can reach 10–12 feet or more. Its signature weeping growth habit makes it an elegant addition to any room.
Lighting:
Ficus benjamina needs a bright room with plenty of indirect light. If you’re in a darker space, use full-spectrum grow lights. Avoid moving the plant often, as it dislikes relocation and will drop leaves in response.
Watering:
Keep the soil evenly moist, but not soggy. Water when your moisture meter reads around 4, and always use tepid water. Reduce watering slightly during the winter months.
Humidity:
As a tropical plant, Ficus benjamina prefers 40–60% humidity. Group plants together, use a humidifier, or place it on a humidity tray. A hygrometer will help monitor moisture levels in the air.
Temperature:
Maintain temperatures between 65–70°F at night and 75–80°F during the day. Keep it away from air vents and heating units, as drafts can dry out the leaves.
Fertilizing:
Use an organic fertilizer monthly from spring through fall. Choose a product with a low NPK ratio (e.g., 4-4-4 or 5-5-5). If leaves drop despite good care, supplement with magnesium and manganese.
Pruning:
Prune in late winter before new growth begins. Never remove more than one-third of the plant at one time. Always use sharp pruners to avoid spreading disease.
Repotting:
Repot every 1–2 years in spring or early summer. Use a humus-rich soil that retains moisture while draining well.
Pests:
Watch out for scale, which causes sticky leaves and often appears along stems. Mealybugs are also possible but less common. Use neem oil or horticultural oil to manage pests. Rinse your plant in a gentle shower or rain periodically.
Ficus benjamina Care FAQ
What kind of light does Ficus benjamina need?
Ficus benjamina thrives in bright, indirect light. If natural light is insufficient, use full-spectrum grow lights to supplement.
How often should I water Ficus benjamina?
Water the plant when the soil is moderately dry—typically when a moisture meter reads 4. Keep the soil moist but never soggy.
What humidity level is best for Ficus benjamina?
This plant prefers 40–60% humidity. Use a humidifier, humidity tray, or group plants together to maintain ideal conditions.
When and how should I prune my Ficus benjamina?
Prune in late winter before new growth starts. Remove no more than one-third of the plant and always use sharp, clean pruners.
What pests affect Ficus benjamina and how can I treat them?
Common pests include scale and mealybugs. Treat infestations with neem oil or horticultural oil, and rinse the plant occasionally.
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