I study landscape ecology and through my studies have discovered a love for plants. Plants are not only beautiful, but also have countless fascinating survival strategies. To bring some nature into my home too, I take care of houseplants and herbs on every windowsill I can find. Favourite fruit: rhubarb and all kinds of berries Favourite vegetables: onions and garlic.
Weeping figs are some of the most beloved houseplants. Find out how to take care of your Ficus benjamina and what to do if your weeping fig is losing leaves.
If you find the right spot for your Ficus benjamina trees, which are also called Benjamin figs or weeping figs, they don’t need much care. Even so, there are some important things to remember about watering and fertilizing your weeping fig to keep it happy and healthy and stop it from losing its leaves.
The weeping fig, also known by its scientific name Ficus benjamina, is a popular houseplant and outdoor tree prized for its graceful, cascading branches and lush, deep green foliage. While weeping figs are relatively low maintenance, proper pruning is essential to maintaining their ornamental shape and encouraging healthy growth. This comprehensive guide will teach you when, where, and how to prune your weeping fig to maximize its beauty and vigor.
Why Pruning is Important for Weeping Figs
Pruning serves several vital purposes for weeping fig trees
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It maintains a shapely form by removing unruly, asymmetrical growth. This showcases the signature graceful, drooping branches.
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It promotes fuller growth by cutting back leggy stems and forcing out multiple new shoots below each cut A well-pruned plant will be bushier and more compact
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It improves air circulation and light penetration within the canopy, preventing fungal diseases.
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It controls size so the plant does not outgrow its space. Pruning prevents your weeping fig from turning into a massive, overgrown monster.
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It removes any dead, diseased, damaged, or crossed branches, improving overall health.
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It rejuvenates older plants by stimulating new growth to replace tired, woody stems. Pruning reinvigorates your plant.
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It shapes the tree into an aesthetically pleasing form according to your vision. Think of it like giving your weeping fig a haircut!
When to Prune Your Weeping Fig
Timing is crucial when pruning weeping figs. The best time is late winter or early spring before growth resumes. This gives the plant time to recover before it pushes out new foliage. Avoid pruning during fall or right before winter dormancy.
For indoor weeping figs, aim to prune in early spring. Outdoor trees are best pruned in late winter in frost-free climates, or early spring after the last frost elsewhere. You can also remove dead or damaged branches anytime they appear.
Tools Needed for Pruning Weeping Figs
Gather the following supplies before pruning your weeping fig:
- Bypass hand pruners for smaller stems
- Loppers for thicker branches
- Hand saw for very large branches
- Disinfectant like isopropyl alcohol
- Clean cloths
- Gloves to protect hands from sap
- Tarp or drop cloth to catch falling debris
Clean and sterilize tools before and during pruning to prevent disease transmission. The milky sap of weeping figs can irritate skin, so wear gloves for protection.
How to Prune a Weeping Fig Step-by-Step
Follow these steps for pruning your weeping fig:
Step 1: Remove All Dead or Diseased Growth
Examine the entire plant and cut away all dead, dying, or diseased branches first. These provide entry points for pests and pathogens if left in place. Make cuts at the base of each branch or back to healthy wood.
Step 2: Eliminate Crossing, Congested, or Excessive Branches
Look for branches that rub or cross over each other and prune away the less desirable one. Also remove any stems that seem too crowded or are growing erratically. This opens up the interior to light and air movement.
Step 3: Cut Back Overly Long or Leggy Stems
Identify any shoots that are growing disproportionately long compared to the rest of the plant. Prune these back to an outward facing bud or leaf node. This encourages bushier regrowth.
Step 4: Thin Out Overgrown Areas
If certain areas are excessively overgrown, selectively remove about 15-20% of the stems at their base. Focus on taking out shoots that are weak, thin, or cluttering the center.
Step 5: Shape the Tree as Desired
Step back occasionally as you prune and visualize the shape you want to create. Sculpt an aesthetically pleasing form by removing unwanted branches and growth.
Step 6: Make Final Adjustments
Do a final walk-around, cleaning up any remaining awkward branches. Snip off any stray shoots to refine the shape. Remove any other small inner branches that seem excessive.
Follow Proper Cutting Techniques
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Always use sharp, sterile pruners and loppers to ensure clean cuts that heal quickly. Jagged cuts from dull blades invite pests and diseases.
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Cut just above an outward facing bud or leaf node, angling slightly away from the bud. This directs new growth in the direction you want.
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Avoid leaving branch stubs, which die and rot back. But do not cut so close that you damage the branch collar.
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If sap drips from cuts, stick a leaf over the wound to stop the flow. The sap can yellow carpets or floors.
Post-Pruning Care
Proper aftercare ensures your weeping fig recovers quickly after pruning:
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Keep the soil consistently moist but not soaked for 2-3 weeks. Avoid fertilizing until new growth emerges.
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Mist the leaves daily for added humidity, or run a humidifier nearby. Weeping figs prefer 40-60% humidity.
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Move the plant to a sunny location indoors or provide bright light from a grow lamp. This energizes regrowth.
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Inspect for pests like spider mites which may attack stressed plants. Apply insecticidal soap if pests are found.
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Monitor for new growth. Once buds begin swelling, resume normal care and fertilize every 2-3 months during the growing season.
Common Pruning Mistakes to Avoid
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Over-pruning leads to excessive leaf loss. Never remove more than 20% of the foliage at once.
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Pruning too late causes sap dripping into new leaves and flowers. Stick to late winter/early spring pruning.
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Using old, dull tools crush stems rather than cutting them cleanly. Always utilize sharp implements.
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Cutting too close to the trunk or parent branch damages the protective branch collar. Leave 1⁄4 inch stub.
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Allowing cut branches to lie around spreads disease. Remove and dispose of debris promptly.
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Failing to clean tools between plants enables infections to spread. Sterilize pruners with every new cut.
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Neglecting aftercare stunts recovery. Weeping figs need extra water and humidity post-pruning.
Key Takeaways
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Prune weeping figs in late winter or early spring before growth resumes. Never prune right before winter dormancy.
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Sterilize and sharpen tools before pruning to prevent disease transmission through open wounds.
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Eliminate all dead, diseased, crossed, congested and errant branches first when pruning.
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Judiciously remove about 15-20% of live branches to thin congested areas and shape the plant.
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Make precision cuts just above outward facing buds using clean, sharp implements.
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Provide extra moisture, humidity and bright light after pruning to nurture rapid regrowth.
With the proper technique and aftercare, pruning encourages weeping figs to flourish. Your plant will reward you for your diligent pruning efforts with lush new foliage, beautiful form and optimal health.
Ficus benjamina care: fertilising
Complete fertilizer should be given to your Ficus benjamina at the start of March to make sure it grows well. For example, we can suggest our Plantura All Purpose Plant Food because it has ingredients that help plants grow lush leaves and strong roots. Add some fertilizer pellets to the top layer of soil and then put a layer of mulch over the whole thing. Weeping figs do not need any additional nutrients during the winter months.
- Great for many garden plants
- Promotes healthy plant growth & an active soil life
- Child-safe fertilizer that lasts a long time and doesn’t contain any animal products
Tip: You can also use coffee grounds to fertilise your weeping fig. Let the grounds dry out beforehand to avoid mould growing on the soil. Then simply work two teaspoons of coffee grounds into the soil while repotting. Coffee grounds are a good way to feed your plants, but don’t use them too often because they are slightly acidic and can lower the pH of the soil.
Repotting Ficus benjamina
If you buy a Benjamin fig, you should repot it right away into good soil because the soil it comes in doesn’t usually meet the needs of this plant. You could use our Plantura Organic All Purpose Compost and add about a third of sand to make it drain better. Our soil keeps water in well and has all the nutrients that weeping figs need to stay healthy and happy.
- Perfect for all your house, garden & balcony plants
- For strong
- Peat-free & organic soil: CO2-saving composition
As this plant does not like changes to its environment, avoid repotting too often. It’s fine to give your Ficus benjamina a bigger pot and new soil every three to four years in the spring. While you are doing this, always inspect the root ball and remove any unhealthy roots. Also, make sure the bottom of the new pot has a drainage layer so it doesn’t get too wet.
Prune this: Ficus Tree overgrown and in need of a trim and a prune!
FAQ
How far back can I prune a ficus?
How do you make weeping figs bushy?
What month do you prune fig trees?
How to get rid of scale on weeping fig?
Should you trim weeping figs?
Sometimes a little trim is a cosmetic affair and just helps your plants look their best. When it comes to weeping figs grown indoors, it’s best to keep your pruning to a minimum and not cut away too much living material at once.
How do you prune a weeping fig tree?
Weeping fig (ficus benjamina) is grown as a tree or bush, inside or outside. Cut them with pruning shears at the point where they meet healthy branches or the tree trunk. Prune wayward branches any time of year. If they are too long and ruining the look of the tree, use shears to clip them to the desired length. Place the cut next to a bud.
How do you care for a weeping fig tree?
Remove twigs that are one to two seasons old, in order to maintain the shape you’ve created. Trim weeping fig trees over time if you need to cut off quite a bit. For the health of the tree, you should not prune more than 10 percent to 30 percent of the healthy wood per growing season.
What is a weeping fig?
Ficus Benjamina is the plant’s name most commonly known as a weeping fig. It is a flowering plant native to Asia and Australia and is most commonly used to decorate indoors. Being an indoor plant requires particular care to ensure it looks great.
How do you repot a weeping fig?
When you’re repotting your Ficus Benjamina, it’s important to use soil that helps create the perfect growing environment for your Weeping fig. You should use a light, well-draining soil mix to help the plant’s roots get enough oxygen and prevent them from standing in water for too long.
Should you prune a fig tree during dormancy?
If you need to give your tree the buzz cut of the pruning world, what’s known as a “hard prune,” this is best done during dormancy. As mentioned, this is not recommended for weeping figs grown indoors and should be avoided unless it’s time to fall back on a last ditch effort at rejuvenating your plant.