Weeping Fig

Plant Type: shrub
Plant Height: 6-8 feet
Spread: 3-5 feet
Flower Color: 
Sun Exposure: Full Sun, Partial Shade

Description:

The Weeping Fig, scientifically known as Ficus benjamina, is a popular evergreen tree widely cultivated as a houseplant and used in landscaping in tropical and subtropical climates. It is prized for its graceful, drooping branches, lush canopy of glossy green leaves, and its ability to adapt to a wide range of indoor environments, making it a favorite for adding greenery to homes, offices, and public spaces.

When grown indoors, the Weeping Fig typically reaches about 6 to 8 feet in height, though it can be pruned to maintain a smaller size. Outdoors, in its natural habitat or under ideal conditions, it can soar to 50 feet or more, with a broad, spreading canopy that provides ample shade. The leaves of the Weeping Fig are slender, glossy, and pointed, creating a soft, elegant texture. Variegated varieties, with leaves featuring cream or yellow margins, are also available, offering additional decorative appeal.

Adapted to bright, indirect light indoors and partial to full sun outdoors, Ficus benjamina thrives in well-draining soil and prefers a consistent watering schedule, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. It is sensitive to environmental changes, which can lead to leaf drop, especially when moved to a new location or subjected to drafts.

In landscaping, the Weeping Fig is often used as a specimen tree, in hedges, or for creating shaded areas in gardens and parks in warmer climates. It is also popular as a bonsai or container plant, where its size and shape can be carefully controlled.

Overall, the Weeping Fig is a versatile and attractive tree, ideal for bringing a touch of the tropics to indoor and outdoor spaces alike. Its ease of care, adaptability, and ornamental qualities make it a popular choice among gardeners and interior decorators.

Three Timbers Installation Guide (Feel Free to Follow): Weeping Fig

Planting Guide:

• Location: Full sun to partial shade (at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight for optimal growth and healthy leaves)
• Soil: Well-drained, loamy or sandy soil (slightly acidic to neutral soil preferred)
• Spacing: Space plants 5-6 feet apart to accommodate their spread and allow for proper air circulation
• Planting Depth: Plant at the same depth as the root ball, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil surface
• Support: Weeping Fig is a self-supporting tree or shrub that grows upright with a canopy and requires no staking

Watering Guide:

Watering After Planting:

• Initial Watering: Water thoroughly immediately after planting to saturate the root ball and surrounding soil
• Frequency: Water every 5-6 days for the first 2-3 weeks to help establish the root system
• Watering Amount: Provide 3-4 inches of water per session for deep watering

When is the Plant Established?

• Timeframe: Weeping Fig is considered established after 6-8 months when the roots have spread into the surrounding soil

Watering Once Established:

• Summer: Water every 10-14 days during the hotter months. If temperatures exceed 100°F, increase watering to every 7-10 days. Provide 4-5 inches of water per session.
• Winter: Water every 4-6 weeks during the cooler months, depending on rainfall.

Drip Irrigation Setup:

• Placement of Emitters: Place the drip emitters 18-24 inches away from the base of the tree for deep watering of the root zone
• Flow Rate: Use emitters with a flow rate of 2-4 gallons per hour
• Number of Emitters: 2-3 emitters per tree for even watering distribution
• Adjusting Frequency: In summer, increase watering frequency to every 7-10 days. In winter, reduce to every 4-6 weeks