How to Grow a Weeping Fig

The weeping fig (Ficus benjamina or Benjamin’s Fig) is the most commonly found inside tree. It is the best choice for indoors because it endures inadequate growing situations. This plant is one of the fastest growing and most graceful interior trees to raise. The weeping fig can range in height from a few feet up to 100 feet. It will adapt to the height permitted and can be trimmed and trained easily. The stunning and gleaming green leaves are gorgeous to observe and the stems can be grown into various decorative shapes and even twisted and braided. Not only is the weeping fig a beautiful addition to any enclosed area, it is a helpful filter of indoor air pollutants too.

Purchase your weeping fig. You can usually obtain your fig at a height between 3 and 6 feet. There are several different species available. Select one that appeals to you.

Provide the right soil and container. The size of your weeping fig's container (and ceiling height) will dictate its overall growth. The only time you would have to replant it into another pot is when it outgrows its current container. If you wish to keep the size small, you may never have to replant it. If you want to grow your fig bigger, provide the right soil conditions for it to flourish. The weeping fig is not picky and does well in all-purpose potting soil, as long as it’s coarse and drains adequately. A good time to replant it is either towards the end of winter or at the start of spring. You can also give your weeping fig common liquid houseplant fertilizer every month all through spring and summer, or at least every other month.

Find the right location for your weeping fig. Place your plant in indirect sunlight. The temperature should be no lower than 65 degrees at night or above 85 degrees in the day. Be sure there are no drafts in the area. The leaves are susceptible to the lighting and will more than likely fall off (weep) when you move it to a different location, but new leaves will grow in their place.

Water your weeping fig correctly. Permit your fig to become somewhat dry before watering it thoroughly during the spring and summer. During the fall and winter provide the weeping fig with merely enough water to prevent it from completely drying out. Do not allow any water to stay in the soil or it may become waterlogged.

Trim and train your weeping fig. You can braid and weave the supple young stems of the plant and form different shapes. If you do this be certain to turn it often to allow the stems to develop evenly. Trimming will be essential to maintain the height and shape of your weeping fig. You can prune them significantly without harming them.