Expect some leaf drop after bringing a new plant home or repotting — this is normal adjustment provided fresh growth follows.
Care
Standard Ficus siting.
Standard houseplant watering.
Peat-free houseplant compost, good drainage.
Prune to control size and shape; tolerates fairly hard pruning and reshoots readily.
A balanced liquid feed monthly in the growing season. A benjamina that is dropping leaves is almost always reacting to a move, a draught or dry air — feeding it at that point makes no difference.
Semi-ripe tip cuttings in summer, dipped briefly in water to stop the sap bleeding, then rooted in a covered pot with bottom heat.
Month by month
Months change with the climate: in southern Italy tomatoes go out two months earlier than in England.
- MarchRepot every 2-3 years if rootbound. how ›
- AprilMonthly liquid feed through the growing season. how ›
- OctoberReduce watering as light drops. how ›
Months based on climate: UK. Your choice stays on this device.
- MarchRepot every 2-3 years if rootbound. how ›
- AprilMonthly liquid feed through the growing season. how ›
- OctoberReduce watering as light drops. how ›
Months based on climate: Northern Italy. Your choice stays on this device.
Common problems
How to spot it. From any change in light, temperature or position.
What to do. The most sensitive of the three Ficus to disruption — keep conditions stable.
How to spot it. Small brown bumps.
What to do. Wipe off, treat if widespread.
How to spot it. In dry air.
What to do. Increase humidity.
Questions
Weeping fig: is it hardy?
H1c: Tender, needs above 5°C. It survives above 5 °C.
Can it grow in a pot?
Standard container culture.
Weeping fig: when do you prune it?
Prune to control size and shape; tolerates fairly hard pruning and reshoots readily.
When do you feed it?
A balanced liquid feed monthly in the growing season. A benjamina that is dropping leaves is almost always reacting to a move, a draught or dry air — feeding it at that point makes no difference. Feeding months, UK: April–September.