Weeping Fig

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Origin

Ficus benjamina, commonly known as Weeping Fig, is a beautiful broadleaf evergreen that is a popular decorative tree in many homes and offices across the world.

These tropical plants are native to parts of Asia and Australia and are part of the Ficus genus. Therefore they're sometimes alternatively referred to as the Ficus Tree.

In the wild, Weeping Figs can grow up to 60 feet (18 m) tall! Don't worry about it dwarfing your home though - as an indoor potted plant they stay much smaller and are unlikely to exceed around 6 feet (182 cm). They can also be pruned to keep them at a preferable size.

Care

In the wild, Weeping Figs grow in the rainforest where it's warm, humid and they are somewhat shaded from bright sunlight, as the canopies of taller trees help to protect them from direct sun. They'll do best in bright indirect light - when kept indoors they may need a little extra light, so be sure to place them somewhere bright enough.

It's important to try and find the perfect spot from the off and then to avoid moving your Weeping Fig around, as they can be quite sensitive to change. Sudden adjustments in temperature, light, humidity etc. can put the plant into a 'shock' state, which may cause it to drop leaves. You may notice this when you first bring your plant home - just give it a little time to adjust to its new environment and keep an eye on it to make sure the symptoms don't get worse.

Try to maintain a consistent watering schedule - Weeping Figs love water but don't like to sit in overly wet soil. Allow the top layer to dry out somewhat between waterings and always make sure to empty out any water that collects in the dish beneath the plant pot.

Other

Some Weeping Figs have their trunks trained to a braided or spiral pattern, and their foliage is often pruned into a rounded shape that gives it a lollipop-like appearance.

Unfortunately, Weeping Figs are toxic to animals, so may not be a suitable choice for homes with pets. Be sure to keep it well out of reach.

These plants are also great air cleansers - they can help to purify the air in your home by removing toxins, so not only do they look great but they can help to create a healthy environment for you too!