Why is my Ficus dropping leaves?

It is likely reacting to a change in its environment like a draft or a new spot with different light.

How often should I water it?

Water when the top inch of soil feels 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, typically 10 to 20 years indoors.
Deer and rabbits: moderate

Signs it needs repotting

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

Safety

People: The milky sap contains latex which can cause skin irritation and is toxic if consumed.
Pets: This plant is toxic to cats and dogs if ingested.
Children: Keep this plant out of reach of small children as the sap is irritating and the leaves are a potential choking hazard.
Contact allergens: The latex sap is a common contact allergen that can cause dermatitis in sensitive individuals.
Airborne allergens: The plant can release airborne particles that may trigger asthma or allergic reactions in people with latex sensitivities.
Edibility: The sap is considered toxic if ingested and can cause significant gastrointestinal distress.

How to identify it

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

Height: 0.9 to 3m
Spread: 0.6 to 1.5m
Leaves: green, evergreen
Flowers: 0cm

Common problems

Scale insects — These small sap sucking insects appear as brown bumps on stems and leaves.
Spider mites — Tiny mites that cause stippling on leaves and create fine webbing.
Leaf drop — The plant sheds leaves in response to sudden changes in light, temperature, or drafts.

Growing it

Propagation: cuttings, air layering
When to plant: spring, summer
Overwintering: Keep the plant away from cold drafts and heating vents during the winter months. Reduce watering slightly as growth slows down in lower light.
In containers: It grows very well in containers and can be kept at a manageable size with regular pruning, requiring at least a 10 inch pot.

Stem cuttings

1. Take a 6 inch cutting from a healthy stem.
2. Remove the lower leaves.
3. Place the cutting in a glass of water or moist potting mix.
4. Keep in bright, indirect light until roots form.

Group plants with similar humidity needs to create a microclimate that helps them thrive.

Grows well with

Peace Lily — They share similar light and moisture requirements for indoor settings.
Pothos — This trailing plant adds a nice contrast to the upright form of the fig.

Similar species

Rubber Plant — It is a related species with much larger, thicker leaves.
Fiddle Leaf Fig — It shares the same genus but features distinct violin shaped foliage.

Science

Family: Moraceae
Genus: Ficus
Order: Rosales
Class: Magnoliopsida
Native range: South and Southeast Asia to northern Australia.
Conservation: It is not currently listed as a threatened species in its native range.

It grows as an epiphyte in its early stages before sending down aerial roots to become a large tree.

Uses: Indoor ornamental, Air purification, Topiary subject

Through the year

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Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

Salinity: 2/9
Soil reaction: 6/9
Light: 6/9
Temperature: 7/9
Moisture: 5/9
Nutrients: 5/9

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

Why is my Ficus dropping leaves?: It is likely reacting to a change in its environment like a draft or a new spot with different light.
How often should I water it?: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.

Where the name comes from

The name Ficus is the Latin word for fig, while benjamina refers to the specific epithet often associated with its smaller, Benjamin-like leaves.

Good to know

It is the official tree of Bangkok, Thailand.
The plant is highly sensitive to being moved or rotated.
It can grow into a massive tree in its natural tropical habitat.

Also in

Plants toxic to cats and dogs

Is your weeping fig looking unwell?

This page is a general guide. Pocket Botanist diagnoses problems from a photo of your actual plant, works out watering for your light and conditions, and reminds you when care is due.

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