To be careful healthy growth Weeping fig plant , it requires bright, indirect light, well-draining soil, and regular watering.
Introduction
Weeping fig grow in tropical and subtropical climates. This plant is used to decorate home and office interiors. It has sensitive nature such as any stress, under or over watering and small, glossy green or variegated leaves. They are not high-maintenance plants, but they do need the right conditions to thrive.
However, if you can provide the appropriate growing conditions, your plant may survive twenty to fifty years. I have shared the steps taken to grow this plant care in this article which will guide you.
Scientific classification
- Kingdom: Planta
- Clade: Tracheophytes
- Clade: Angiosperms
- Clade: Eudicots
- Clade: Rosids
- Order: Rosales
- Family: Moraceae
- Tribe: Ficeae
- Genus: Ficus
- Subgenus: F. subg. Urostigma
- Species: F. benjamina
Prefers
- Light – Bright, indirect light
- Soil – Well draining
- Soil pH – 6.0 and 7.0
- Temperature – 65–75°F
- Humidity – 50–75%
- Blooming time – Spring
- Flower colour – Yellow, orange
- Native area – Southeastern Asia
- Toxicity – Human and pets
Weeping fig plant care with some tips
Adequate amounts of water, light, soil, temperature and fertiliser should be obtained for the plant to grow. The problems and benefits of the plant have also been shared in this article. This article will help you with all the essentials you need to grow your plant.
If you want to know about the Ficus bonsai plant care.
Light
Weeping fig grow best in bright, indirect light and also tolerate a range of light levels. When the humidity is high, it can tolerate direct sun. Placing the plant near a window with filtered sunlight. Too much can cause by sunburn and also the leaves are turning yellow. If you notice that your plant leaves get yellow then move the plant in shade area.
Water
Any indoor plant get watering it once a week should be enough. Get water them when once the top 2-3cm of potting mix is dry to the touch. Yellow leaves on your Weeping Fig are caused by under or overwatering. Your plant will need water about once a week. Use your finger to check if the top layer of soil is dry.
Soil
Weeping fig plant prefers well draining potting mix with slightly acidic to natural soil. It contains perlite, sand and vermiculite for improved drainage. The proper soil can bushy your plant growth if the top inches of stem is pinching off. These plants grow well near coastal regions but also tolerate loamy, clay, or sandy conditions as long as soil is well-drained and retains some moisture.
Temperature & humidity
This plant prefers warm temperatures between 65-75 degree Fahrenheit during the day and 55 degree Fahrenheit at night. The ideal humidity range is 50-75% but below 50% it can causes leaf yellowing and drop. Above 75% can lead to mold growth and foliar diseases. Use a humidifier, Place a tray of water near the plant, and Spritz the foliage frequently.
Fertilizer
To make your plants grow faster, apply nutrient-rich fertilisers when the plant starts flowering. It may cause plants to produce excessive foliage at the expense of blooms. Feed your plant high nitrogen fertiliser every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.
Propagation of Weeping fig plant care
Stem cutting is the most common way to propagate your plant. If taking cuttings or rooting in water, it is important to take cuttings in the dormant season. Propagation is a method by which you can make many plants of your choice. The best time to take your plant cutting for propagation is growing season when the plant actively grow healthy. Use a sterilised scissors and take a 3- to 5-inch cutting that contains at least two sets of leaves from the tip of a healthy branch. You can also use rooting hormone to grow your plant quickly.
Pruning of Weeping fig plant care
Pruning is the essential part of its care that keeps your plant healthy and encourage lush growth. Trimming your plant for new growth to produce more new branches. Make sure to trim just above a set of leaves and regular pruning will also increase the chances of the plant producing its stunning, fragrant flowers.
In the late winter or early spring is the best time to prune your plant. To remove dead or diseased foliage and to maintain their shape. Foliage can be pruned freely through the season to remove damaged or discoloured leaves, or to maintain plant size.
Types of Weeping fig plant care
- Ficus benjamina : This plant is the variety of Weeping fig, it prefers bright indirect light, warm temperatures and good drainage with rich potting soil.
- Chinese banyan : Ficus microcarpa is also known as Chinese banyan, it has elemental alignment with Wood symbolises growth and prosperity.
- Ficus lyrata : Ficus lyrata also known as fiddle leaf fig, it can purify the air. This plant is easy to maintain indoor plant.
- Ficus elastica : Another variety of Weeping fig is Ficus elastica, it has rich colour and shine of its thick leaves.
Repotting of Weeping fig plant care
Repot your Weeping fig plant every 2-3 years when the roots are crowded. This process can stress the plant so only do it when necessary. The best time to repot your plant in early spring. After the flowers bloom then the energy shifts to root development and making it the ideal time to repot. Using a standard potting mix when growing weeping plant in pots and have good drainage. Water the plant well and the soil full drain.
Weeping fig plant does not like change environment so avoid repotting in this condition.
Common problem of Weeping fig plant care
- Too much water or too little water can cause the leaves turning yellow. Leaf drop is most likely to occur during the fall and Spring at the change of seasons.
- Another common problem is low humidity, the leaves turn into brown tips. Root rot caused by a soil mix that doesn’t drain well or overwatering.
- The pest such as Phomopsis canker and dieback, Phomopsis spp, it causes by branches begin to die back and the leaves on these affected tissues turn brown and persist rather than drop.
Benefits of Weeping fig plant care
- One of the main benefit is air purifying properties. Its make your home healthy and remove the toxins.
- It has medical benefits such as antitumor activity against human colon cancer, breast cancer and liver cancer cells.
- Weeping fig is easy to maintain because it has a good tolerance for the limited light conditions of indoor environments.
Weeping fig plant care with faq
1. Are Weeping figs easy to care for?
Ans. This plant is easy to care because it has a good tolerance for the limited light conditions.
2. Does Weeping fig help to purify the air?
Ans. Yes, it can remove the harmful toxins like formaldehyde and toluene, to clean the air.