Why is my plant losing leaves?

It is likely reacting to a change in its environment like light levels or temperature.

How often should I water it?

Water when the top few centimeters of soil feel dry to the touch.

Plant guide

Weeping Fig.

Ficus benjamina

Pronounced FY-kus ben-JAH-min-uh

Also known as Ficus, Java fig, Javatree, Malayan banyan, Weeping Fig, benjamin fig, benjamin-tree, oval-leaf figtree

The weeping fig is a classic houseplant known for its elegant, arching branches and glossy leaves. It thrives in bright, consistent light and prefers to stay in one spot once it is settled. It can be a bit dramatic if moved, so try to keep it away from drafty doors or vents.

At a glance

Care level: Moderate
Plant type: Evergreen tree
Light: Bright indirect light is best, though it can handle some morning sun.
Indoor light: Bright indirect
Water: Every 7 to 10 days
Mature size: Up to 3 meters tall indoors
Growth rate: Medium
Hardiness: USDA 10 to 12
Bloom time: Rarely flowers indoors.

Care

Keep the soil consistently moist but never soggy, and watch for leaf drop if the plant is moved or experiences sudden temperature changes. Wipe the leaves occasionally to keep them free of dust so the plant can breathe. If you notice yellowing leaves, it is often a sign of overwatering or poor drainage.

Watering: Water when the top few centimeters of soil feel dry to the touch.
Feeding: Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer during the active growing season.
Pruning: Trim back long branches in spring to maintain a desired shape.
Repotting: Repot only when the roots have filled the current container.
Soil: Well draining, peat based potting mix
Soil pH: 6.0 to 6.5
Temperature: 15 to 24°C
Humidity: 40 to 60%
Drought tolerance: Low
Lifespan: Perennial, can live for decades with proper care.
Deer and rabbits: Moderate

Signs it needs repotting

Roots growing out of the drainage holes.
Water running straight through the pot without soaking in.
Stunted growth during the active season.

Safety

People: The milky sap can cause skin irritation and is toxic if ingested.
Pets: This plant is toxic to cats and dogs if ingested.
Children: Keep this plant away from small children as the sap is irritating and the leaves are a choking hazard.
Contact allergens: The milky latex sap is a known skin irritant.
Airborne allergens: The plant can release latex allergens into the air which may affect sensitive individuals.
Edibility: The plant is not intended for consumption and may cause digestive upset.

How to identify it

Arching, slender woody branches
Glossy, pointed oval leaves
Milky white sap when cut
Draping, weeping growth habit

Height: 1.5 to 3m
Spread: 0.9 to 1.8m
Leaves: glossy green, evergreen
Flowers: insignificant white, 0.5 to 1cm
Fruit: red

Problems to watch for

Leaf DropCommon
Spider MitesCommon
MealybugsUncommon
Root RotUncommon
Scale InsectsUncommon
Sooty MoldUncommon
Fungus GnatsRare
ThripsRare

By symptom

Plant problems by symptom

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Growing it

Propagation: cuttings, air layering
When to plant: spring, summer
Overwintering: Keep the plant away from cold drafts and heating vents. Reduce watering slightly during the winter months.
In containers: It grows very well in containers, provided the pot has excellent drainage and is at least 30 centimeters wide.

Stem Cuttings

1. Take a 15 centimeter cutting from a healthy stem.
2. Remove the lower leaves.
3. Place the cutting in water or moist potting mix.
4. Keep in bright, indirect light until roots form.

Group plants with similar water needs to maintain consistent humidity levels.

Grows well with

Peace Lily · They share similar light and moisture requirements.
Philodendron · They thrive in the same indoor conditions.

Similar species

Rubber Plant · It is a related species with larger, thicker leaves.
Fiddle Leaf Fig · It shares the same genus and indoor care needs.

Science

Family: Moraceae
Genus: Ficus
Order: Rosales
Class: Magnoliopsida
Native range: South and Southeast Asia to Northern Australia.
Conservation: Not currently of conservation concern.

It grows as a hemiepiphyte in the wild, often starting life on another tree before sending roots to the ground.

Value to wildlife: provides shelter
Pollinators: wasps
Uses: indoor ornamental, air purification

Through the year

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Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

Salinity: 2/9
Soil reaction: 6/9
Light: 6/9
Moisture: 5/9
Nutrients: 5/9
Temperature: 8/9

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

Why is my plant losing leaves?: It is likely reacting to a change in its environment like light levels or temperature.
How often should I water it?: Water when the top few centimeters of soil feel dry to the touch.

Where the name comes from

The name Ficus is the Latin word for fig, while benjamina refers to the species.

Good to know

It is the official tree of Bangkok.
It is often braided or trained into topiary shapes.
It is highly sensitive to drafts.

Also in

Plants toxic to cats and dogs

Keep your weeping fig growing

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This guide was generated with AI on September 26, 2026 and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.