Species weeping fig Guide
yellow-green foliage with brown branches and trunk

weeping fig

Ficus benjamina 'Variegata'

Also Known As - weeping fig

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Seed Propagation,Greenwood Cuttings,Hardwood Cuttings

Hardiness Zone:

10 - 12

Flowers:

Not showy, White, Brown Flowers In Spring

Sun:

part sun/part shade

Soil:

Well-drained

Fruits:

Fruits In Spring Ready In Summer

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green,yellow,cream

Growth Rate:

High

Maintenance:

Low

Tropical:

Yes

Indoors:

Yes

watering

Weeping figs prefer to stay on the dry side of things, so water them thoroughly once every 7 - 10 days. Let the soil dry out slightly between watering and make sure the entire root ball is moist. If the plant is in a pot, lift it up and make sure it is not too heavy (indicating that the soil is still wet). If the pot is very lightweight, it is time to water the plant. During the summer months, you may want to water the plant more frequently—about every 5-7 days depending on the conditions. In the winter, cut back on watering to once every 10 days or so.

sunlight

Weeping fig, or Ficus benjamina 'Variegata', prefers bright, indirect sunlight. This species of plant should receive at least 4 to 6 hours of sunlight per day, preferably in the morning or the late afternoon. Light should not be overly intense, as this species can suffer from sunburn if the light is too direct. Restricting it to bright shade and never exposing it to strong afternoon sun or full sun is recommended.

pruning

Weeping fig (Ficus benjamina 'Variegata') should be pruned in early spring before the new growth starts. It should generally be pruned lightly about every 2 years, but very lightly every year for faster growth and dense foliage. Only about 20-30% of the plant should be removed at each pruning session. Remove any dead, damaged, and weak branches. Also, thin out overcrowded branches to improve air circulation. Pruning should be done in sections, taking off no more than about 2 inches at any given time.