Weeping fig care guide

Pets and children

How often to water Weeping fig

Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)

Every 5 days

Water thoroughly once the topsoil dries, as a guide; the many small leaves use a lot of water, so in midsummer keep it from drying out and dropping leaves.

Autumn (Oct–Nov)

Every 7 days

Generally water about two days after the soil dries, widening the interval as it cools.

Winter (Dec–Feb)

Every 10 days

Water lightly about three to four days after the soil dries; wet soil in a cold spot makes it shed leaves.

Light and placement for Weeping fig

A bright window is about right, as it likes sun; it is sensitive to change and sheds leaves when moved or when light drops, so generally keep it in one place.

Overwintering Weeping fig

Overwintering guide: 5°C (41°F) or above

It takes around 5°C, but bring it to a bright room when nights fall below about 10°C; some winter leaf drop is normal, and kept dryish it leafs out again in spring.

Fertilizing and repotting Weeping fig

Fertilizer

Slow-release fertilizer about every two months or liquid feed roughly twice a month from May to September; none in winter, and none to a struggling plant.

When to repot

Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)

Common problems with Weeping fig

• Right after being moved, it drops a large number of leaves.
• Cold and wet soil together in winter yellow the leaves and drop them.
• In dry indoor air scale insects and spider mites move in and the leaves turn sticky.

Tips for growing Weeping fig

• If it drops leaves but the twigs are still green, it is alive; hold back water and wait for new growth.
• Light pruning from spring to early summer thickens the branching and tidies the shape.
• Keep it out of the direct blast of an air conditioner, a common cause of leaf drop.

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