How To Make Your Plants Happy: Variegated Weeping Fig Care Guide

Drawing of variegated weeping fig

Light

This ficus will need a bright location with plenty of indirect light. It can tolerate some direct sun but avoid sun that is too harsh.

Water

Keep the plant evenly moist but not soaking with water or it will develop root rot. Keep a consistent watering schedule. Over or under watering may cause the leaves to drop. Water about once a week and reduce watering to every 10-14 days in late fall and winter.

Environment

This plant can tolerate temperatures between 65°F - 85°F and less than 50°F should be avoided. It is native to a tropical climates so high humidity is a necessity. Misting the leaves during the summer is recommend and consider also using a humidifier.

Growth

The weeping fig will grow to be about 3' - 6' tall indoors. Fertilize your plant heavily during spring and summer and stop feeding during fall or winter. It is a heavy feeder so fertilize once a month during the growing season.

Repotting

This is a fast growing plant but it does not mind being a little bit root bound. It is actually finicky about moving spaces, so only repot every few years when necessary. It is only recommend to repot annually only if conditions are right, it may grow slower if less light and water is being provided. When repotting, choose a pot one size larger and provide rich, well-draining soil.

Propagating

This plant can be propagated through cutttings during the summertime. With sharp scissors, take a 3"-5" cutting from any branch that has at least a few leaves on it and place it in a pot with peat moss. Keep the cutting in a humid location with bright, indirect light and moist soil and you will see roots form within a month. After 6-8 weeks, repot the cutting into potting mix.

Toxicity

All parts of the plant are toxic to pets and may cause irritation if ingested.

About the Variegated Weeping Fig

Botanical Name: Ficus benjamina 'Variegata'

Nicknames: Variegated Weeping Fig, Benjamin Fig, Ficus Tree, Indian Rubber Plant

The Variegated Weeping Fig has dense, glossy leaves that are oval-shaped and pointed and fill up slender branches. The leaves are variegated with shades of dark green, light green, and creamy white which make it a great statement plant. The trunk is long and flexible, making a beautiful statement when you braid together multiples trunks. It will grow to the size of the space you provide, typically about 3' to 6' tall indoors. In its natural habitat this plant can reach heights of up to 60' tall but it is typically grown as a houseplant. This ficus is a top choice if you're looking for a plant to clean and purify the air in your home.  

Comments 0

Leave a comment

Please note, comments must be approved before they are published

User-agent: Googlebot Disallow: User-agent: Googlebot-image Disallow: