Ficus benjamina, commonly known as the Weeping Fig, is an evergreen tropical plant with graceful arching branches and masses of small, glossy leaves. Given time, it develops into an elegant indoor tree and makes an impressive feature in the home.

Native to tropical parts of Asia and Australia, it can become a large tree in its natural habitat. Indoors, growth is much slower and the plant can be kept at a manageable size with occasional pruning.

Key features

• Evergreen tropical houseplant
• Glossy, pointed green leaves
• Graceful arching branches
• Develops into a small indoor tree
• Long-lived when given stable growing conditions
• Suitable for bright rooms, offices and conservatories

Plant size

• Indoor height: commonly up to 180cm
• Spread: around 60cm to 120cm
• Size can be controlled through pruning

Other common names

• Weeping Fig
• Benjamin Fig
• Ficus Tree
• Tropic Laurel
• Java Fig
• Java Tree
• Small-leaved Rubber Plant

How to grow Ficus benjamina

• Grow in bright, indirect light
• Keep at a steady temperature above 16°C where possible
• Protect from cold draughts and sudden temperature changes
• Use a free-draining houseplant compost
• Avoid moving the plant frequently once you find a suitable position
• Rotate the pot occasionally for balanced growth

Watering your Weeping Fig

• Allow the top few centimetres of compost to dry before watering
• Water thoroughly, then allow excess water to drain
• Reduce watering during winter when growth slows
• Avoid keeping the compost permanently wet
• Do not allow the root ball to remain completely dry for long periods

Why is my Ficus benjamina losing leaves?

Weeping Figs can shed leaves when their growing conditions change. Moving the plant, cold draughts, low light, overwatering or allowing the compost to become too dry can all trigger leaf drop.

Choose a bright position with a stable temperature and try to leave the plant there. Once conditions improve, healthy plants will usually produce fresh foliage.

Pruning and maintenance

• Prune during spring or summer to control height and shape
• Remove dead or damaged branches when required
• Wipe the leaves occasionally to remove dust
• Feed with a balanced houseplant fertiliser during active growth
• Repot when roots become crowded, moving up one pot size at a time

Do you want a houseplant that can develop into a real indoor feature? Ficus benjamina combines fine foliage with the form of a small tree and can remain attractive for many years when kept in stable conditions.