Weeping Fig
Ficus benjamina
A classic indoor tree with arching branches and dense glossy leaves. It drops leaves when light, drafts, or placement change suddenly, then settles once the spot stays stable. Bright indirect light and even moisture keep it looking full.
Light
Bright Indirect
Water
Moderate
Difficulty
Moderate
Humidity
Moderate
Pet Warning
The milky sap (latex) is irritating to the skin and toxic to pets (cats and dogs) if ingested, leading to gastrointestinal distress and oral irritation.
Care Notes
Light
Give consistent bright, indirect light. Midday direct sun can scorch leaves. Once you find a good spot, leave the plant there.
Water
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Use a pot with drainage holes and never leave it sitting in a full saucer.
Soil
A well-draining peat-based mix works. Avoid frequent repotting that adds stress on top of placement changes.
Humidity & Temperature
Moderate humidity helps. In winter, water less and keep away from cold drafts and heating vents. A pebble tray or light misting helps in very dry air.
Common Issues
Sudden leaf drop usually means a move, draft, or light change. Prune in winter for shape and denser growth. Soft yellow leaves often mean overwatering.
In-Depth Care & Growth
Feeding & Soil
Fertilizer
Balanced liquid 10-10-10 fertilizer
Soil
Well-draining, peat-based potting soil.
Physical Attributes
Mature Size
3-10 feet tall indoors
Growth Rate
Moderate
Propagation
Stem cuttings in water or soil, air layering.
Common Varieties
Starlight
Pointed ovate leaves with deep green centers and broad irregular creamy-white margins.
Variegata
Glossy teardrop leaves with irregular creamy-white margins and green centers.
Midnight
Dense glossy foliage so dark green it looks nearly black, with slender pointed wavy-edged leaves.
Monique
Glossy deep emerald leaves with ruffled wavy margins; new growth starts lime green.
Danielle
Dense glossy teardrop leaves in uniform deep forest green with no variegation.
Weeping Fig 'Danielle'
Dense deep emerald foliage on upright arching branches. A solid green form often chosen for rooms and offices.