Weeping Fig

Weeping Fig (Ficus benjamina) works as a serious indoor tree and as a full sized garden tree, and which one you get depends almost entirely on the pot you keep it in. In the ground in a warm climate it reaches about 10m tall and 8m wide, with fine glossy leaves on arching branches that give it the weeping outline. In a container it stays a manageable indoor or courtyard tree for years.

Why you'll love it

• Two plants in one. A 10m canopy in open ground, or a controllable indoor specimen in a pot, so you set the scale.
• Dense, fine foliage. Small glossy leaves along arching stems give a softer screen than a coarse leaved hedge, and it clips cleanly.
• It copes indoors. Lower light and dry conditioned air suit it better than most trees, which is why it has been an office plant for decades.
• Tough once established. Heat, humidity and drought tolerant in the ground, so a settled outdoor tree asks very little of you.

Where it works best

Indoors. Bright indirect light and a position it can stay in. It drops leaves when moved or draughted, so settle it away from doorways and air conditioning vents.

Pots and containers. A large pot restricts the roots and holds it at a workable size, and it is the safest option if you have paving or pipes nearby.

Screening and hedging outdoors. Plant 1.5m apart in a single row. It shears well and holds foliage low, so it makes a solid green wall in a frost free garden.

Growing Weeping Fig in Australia

The root warning, first. The roots are aggressive and invasive: they lift paving, get into pipes and drains, and damage pool shells and foundations. Do not plant in the ground within about 10m of any of those. If your block cannot offer that, use a container.

Position and climate. Full sun to part shade outdoors. It is frost tender, an outdoor tree in tropical, subtropical and warm temperate gardens only. In Melbourne, Adelaide, Canberra, Hobart and cold inland districts, grow it indoors.

Soil and water. Any reasonable free draining soil. Deep soak weekly through the first two summers in the ground, then it manages on much less. In a pot, let the top few centimetres dry, then water thoroughly and empty the saucer.

Pruning and safety. It takes hard pruning and reshoots readily, which is what makes it work as a hedge and as a shaped indoor tree. The milky sap is a skin irritant and toxic to cats and dogs, so wear gloves.

What to expect when it arrives

It is grown in seven sizes, from a 140mm pack of ten to 400L. The 140mm, 200mm and 250mm packs are young multi stemmed plants, the economical way to plant a screen run. The 300mm size is the usual indoor starting point, and the 45L, 200L and 400L trees are advanced stock with full heads.

Plants are packed to travel upright and delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Advanced and large stock is freighted at cost. Expect some leaf drop in the first weeks as it adjusts to your light, which is normal rather than a sick plant. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Browse indoor plants for Australian homes
• Compare hedging and screening plants
• Fruit Salad Plant for a bold indoor contrast
• Preparing ground properly before planting

Common questions

Why is my weeping fig dropping leaves?

Almost always a change in conditions: a new position, a draught, a cold snap or a shift in watering. Keep it where it is, water steadily, and it usually settles within four to six weeks.

How close to the house can I plant one?

In the ground, allow about 10m from paving, pipes, pools and foundations. If you cannot give it that clearance, keep it in a large container.

Is it safe around pets?

No. The milky sap is toxic to cats and dogs and it irritates human skin. Wear gloves when pruning and keep it away from animals that chew plants.