What does a weeping fig look like?

Weeping Fig Plant. The weeping fig is part of the Ficus plant genus (scientific name: F. benjamina) and tree like, in looks. With large arching branches and long pointed leaves, it looks attractive indoors (apart from leaves dropping).

Where should you place a weeping fig?

It's important to find the right spot for your weeping fig. Choose a place that has bright but indirect light – a position a few feet from a window is ideal. Make sure the plant is not in a draughty spot or close to the heat of a radiator or heater in winter.

How do I identify a weeping fig?

Weeping Fig (Ficus benjamina)

The leaves, which exude a milky sap, are simple and two to four inches long. They are alternate, ovate-elliptic in shape, glossy green, and leathery-textured. Inconspicuous flowers develop into round, red fruit less than 1/2 inch long.

Is weeping fig indoor or outdoor plant?

That being said, weeping figs only thrive outdoors in USDA plant hardiness zones 10 to 11. Therefore, most weeping figs are grown as indoor plants. If you are fortunate enough to live in one of these warm, tropical-like areas though, caring for weeping figs outdoors is something you need to know.

Do weeping figs lose their leaves in winter?

If your established weeping fig is losing some of its foliage, remember that some plants need an occasional resting period. Ficus benjamina is one of those plants. It is not uncommon for some of the plant's foliage to yellow and drop off during the winter after an active summer of growth.

Weeping Fig | Ficus Benjamina Care Tips!

How long do weeping figs live?

Sometimes the trunks of ficus trees are twisted or braided or trained as a bonsai. “If you give [a ficus] what it needs, it's the closest you come to having a tree indoors,” says Barbara Pleasant, author of The Complete Houseplant Survival Manual. “With the right care, a ficus tree can live for about 20 years.”

Do weeping fig trees flower?

Yes, weeping figs will bear fruit if grown outdoors. They will produce flowers which are then pollinated by wasps to produce the figs. The trees never bear fruit when they are grown solely indoors. They rarely flower indoors.

Is weeping fig poisonous?

The Weeping Fig is a Ficus which means the sap within the plant is generally mildly toxic to most pets and people. It has a milky irritating sap in the stems and leaves that can cause gastrointestinal issues if eaten and skin irritation if the sap is allowed get into small cuts on the skin.

Why is it called weeping fig?

Why are they known as Weeping Figs though? This is because of the sensitive nature of the plant. Ficus Benjamina reacts to almost any stress like over or under watering, low light, moving it from one place to another, lack of nitrogen etc. by shedding leaves.

What does a Ficus look like?

With its glossy leaves and light gray trunk, the ficus tree, or weeping fig, is a pretty, graceful plant that's been popular for decades. It's usually sold as a small tree or bush, up to about 6 feet tall, though in the wild, it can grow up to 60 feet tall with branches draping toward the ground.

Is weeping fig toxic to dogs?

Toxic plants and signs and symptoms of poisoning

Weeping Fig Tree – Toxic to cats and dogs, causing dermatitis from skin contact with the plant, and oral irritation, excessive drooling, and vomiting if ingested.

How long does it take a weeping fig to grow?

If left unpruned, an outdoor weeping fig can grow up to 25 feet tall within just ten years. According to the University of Florida, outdoor trees, left to their own devices, will mature at about 60 feet tall and 60 to 70 feet wide. Once pruned, it will regrow within approximately four weeks.

Why does my weeping fig dropping leaves?

Most of the time, when your weeping fig is losing leaves, it's just a normal part of seasonal growth. Just like full-sized trees lose their leaves in the fall, your weeping fig will likely shed some leaves around the same time.

Can you prune a weeping fig tree?

Ficus Pruning Tips

Cut just before a growth node so that new growth will sprout there and cover the stump. Another tip is to remove a branch back to another branch that is one of its size. This will prevent unsightly stubs and restore the size and appearance of the ficus.

Why are the leaves on my weeping fig turning yellow?

Too much water can also cause weeping fig's leaves to turn yellow. If your ficus tree has yellowing leaves or is losing leaves from its branch tips, it is likely overwatered. Let the top inch of soil dry out between waterings, and make sure your plant's pot is not standing in a dish or saucer of water.

Do ficus trees clean the air?

The 'Weeping Fig' or 'Ficus tree' is a popular houseplant that purifies the air around you which is why it is in the top 7 air purifying plants. Ficus Benjamina was found to be effective at cleansing the air of formaldehyde, xylene and toluene in NASA's study.

Is fig toxic to dogs?

Although the fig plants are popular household plants, they can be toxic to dogs. The leaves of the fig contain a sap that can be very irritating to dogs, either on the skin or when ingested. Fig poisoning in dogs can happen to dogs that eat any part of this well-known plant.

What does a ficus tree symbolize?

Symbolism. Ficus benjamina is also known as the weeping fig. The figs that grow on it in the wild means that Ficus is seen as the tree of peace and abundance and the Middle East. The seeds in the fruit represent unity and universal understanding and knowledge.

What do ficus blooms look like?

Ficus Benjamina Blossom Time

You will know your ficus is in the blossom time because the tree will cover itself in small, pale yellow blossoms. These plants also produce edible fruit. This fig fruit can be eaten raw or it can be used in cooking.

How often do you water a ficus tree?

Water your fiddle leaf fig once a week or every 10 days. The number one way to kill a fiddle leaf fig is to overwater it or not allow for proper drainage.

How much sunlight does a weeping fig tree need?

A weeping fig, or Ficus benjamina, needs at least six hours of filtered sunlight per day and can in some cases handle more. If this tree doesn't get the light it needs, you will see issues growing or with its ability to drop leaves. If this fig gets too much direct light, you risk burning its leaves.

Are coffee grounds good for ficus trees?

Most Ficus trees prefer neutral soil – between 6.5 to 7.5 on the PH scale. Coffee grounds are a fantastic fertilizer for trees and shrubs that love acidic soil, such as blueberries; however, using this on trees like Ficus can reduce the soil's PH level to 4.

How do you train a weeping fig?

A. Because weeping fig trees have hanging branches like a weeping willow, you can actually train them to grow how you want them. By carefully braiding the branches as they grow, you can create just about any shape you want.