Weeping fig care guideFicus benjamina

Classic indoor tree; drops leaves if moved. Ranked #41 of Europe's most-searched houseplants.

Weeping fig (Ficus benjamina) — a healthy specimen photographed indoors
Scientific name
Ficus benjamina
Origin
Asia/Australia
Difficulty
Easy
Light
Bright / direct light
Watering (summer)
every 7 to 10 days
Watering (winter)
every 14 to 21 days
Humidity
50-60%
Pet safety
Toxic to cats and dogs

WateringWhen and how much water

Water Weeping fig when the top 2 to 3 cm of soil feel dry to the touch. In summer that's typically every 7 to 10 days; in winter slow down to every 14 to 21 days. Use room-temperature water and let any excess drain — never leave the pot sitting in standing water.

The real schedule depends on three things the calendar can't see: the actual light at the plant, the pot's size and material (terracotta dries faster than glazed ceramic), and your local humidity. Botanicaly's app retunes the schedule from those signals on every reminder.

LightHow bright a spot it needs

Weeping fig is bright / direct light: needs several hours of direct sun. Turn the pot every week so it grows evenly. The ideal lux range is 10,000 - 50,000 lux. In practical terms, place it directly in front of a south or southwest window, or 30 cm from an east window.

Pet safetyToxic to pets

Toxic to pets. The plant contains proteolytic enzyme (ficin) and psoralen, which causes oral irritation, drooling, and vomiting if chewed. Keep Weeping fig out of reach of pets, or pick a non-toxic alternative like Spider plant, Calathea, or Boston fern.

Get the personalised schedule

Botanicaly tunes water, light, and care reminders for Weeping fig based on your home's actual conditions. Free on iOS and Android.

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FAQCommon questions

How often should I water a Weeping fig?

Water your Weeping fig (Ficus benjamina) when the top 2 to 3 cm of soil feel dry to the touch. In summer, that's typically every 7 to 10 days; in winter, slow down to every 14 to 21 days. Botanicaly's app tunes this further based on your home's actual light, pot size, and local weather.

How much light does a Weeping fig need?

Weeping fig is bright / direct light: needs several hours of direct sun. Turn the pot every week so it grows evenly. The ideal lux range is 10,000 - 50,000 lux. In practical terms, place it directly in front of a south or southwest window, or 30 cm from an east window.

Is Weeping fig safe for cats and dogs?

The plant contains proteolytic enzyme (ficin) and psoralen, which causes oral irritation, drooling, and vomiting if chewed. Keep Weeping fig out of reach of pets, or pick a non-toxic alternative like Spider plant, Calathea, or Boston fern.

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