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Weeping Fig · Ficus benjamina

What are these bugs on my Weeping Fig?

Pests like scale and spider mites love to hide on Weeping Figs. These insects suck the sap and weaken your plant over time. Inspect the undersides of the leaves and the stems for any signs of movement or bumps.

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pests on a plant
Photo: Jules Verne Times Two, CC BY-SA 4.0

Check these first

  1. Inspect the undersides of leaves for tiny webs.
  2. Check the stems for small, hard brown bumps.
  3. Wipe leaves with a damp cloth to see if debris comes off.

Likely causes

  1. Spider Mites

    Most likely

    How to tell: You see tiny white stippling on the leaves and fine webbing between branches. These mites thrive in dry, indoor air.

    What to do: Wipe the leaves down with a damp cloth to remove the webs. Increase humidity around the plant and use neem oil once a week until they are gone.

  2. Scale Insects

    Possible

    How to tell: Small, hard brown bumps appear on the stems or the undersides of leaves. They do not move and look like part of the plant.

    What to do: Scrape the bumps off gently with your fingernail or a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. Repeat this weekly until no new bumps appear.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your weeping fig

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

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When to worry

If the infestation covers the entire plant, it can be difficult to save. Treat it immediately when you see the first few bugs.

Stopping it coming back

Wipe your plant leaves down every month to keep them clean and dust free. This makes it harder for pests to hide and thrive.

Weeping Fig: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your weeping fig and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.

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Questions people ask

Can I use soap to kill these pests?
Yes, a mild solution of dish soap and water works well for many pests. Just be sure to rinse the leaves afterward.
Do I need to isolate my plant?
Yes, move the infested plant away from your other houseplants immediately. Pests can spread quickly to your other greenery.

Guides to these causes

More problems with Weeping Fig

Back to the Weeping Fig guide

This article was generated with AI on from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.