Why is my Ficus dropping leaves?

It likely experienced a sudden change in light, temperature, or drafty conditions.

How often should I water it?

Water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.

Plant guide

Chinese Banyan.

Ficus microcarpa

Pronounced FY-kus my-kro-KAR-pah

Also known as Chinese Banyan, Hill's weeping fig, Indian Laurel, Indian laurel fig, Indian-laurel, Laurel Fig, Malay banyan, curtain fig

The Chinese Banyan is a popular choice for indoor bonsai because of its thick, woody trunk and glossy leaves. It is a sturdy tropical tree that adapts well to container life. You will love how its aerial roots add a touch of drama to your space.

At a glance

Care level: Moderate
Plant type: Tropical tree
Light: Bright indirect light is best for healthy growth.
Indoor light: Bright indirect
Water: Every 5 to 10 days
Mature size: Up to 50 feet outdoors, but stays small in containers.
Growth rate: Medium
Hardiness: USDA 9 to 11
Bloom time: Rarely flowers indoors

Care

Keep the soil consistently moist but never soggy to avoid root rot. Watch for yellowing leaves which often signal overwatering or a sudden change in light. It appreciates high humidity so misting the leaves occasionally helps keep it happy.

Watering: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Feeding: Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer during the growing season.
Pruning: Trim back new growth to maintain your desired shape.
Repotting: Repot when the roots have filled the container or the soil has broken down.
Soil: Well draining potting mix.
Soil pH: 6.0 to 7.0
Temperature: 15 to 29°C
Humidity: 40 to 70%
Drought tolerance: Moderate
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 soil.
Slowed growth during the active season.

Safety

People: The sap contains latex which can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Pets: This plant is toxic to cats and dogs if ingested.
Children: Keep away from young children as the sap is irritating and the small fruits could be a choking hazard.
Contact allergens: The milky latex sap can cause contact dermatitis if it touches skin.
Airborne allergens: Some people may experience respiratory irritation from the dust or sap particles.
Edibility: The fruit is generally considered inedible and may cause digestive upset.

How to identify it

Glossy dark green oval leaves
Thick and gnarled woody trunk
Visible aerial roots on mature specimens
Small round figs appear on branches

Height: 1.5 to 15m
Spread: 1 to 10m
Leaves: dark green, glossy, evergreen
Flowers: white, greenish, 0.5 to 1cm
Fruit: yellow, red, purple, Late summer

Problems to watch for

Leaf DropCommon
Scale InsectsCommon
Spider MitesCommon
MealybugsUncommon
Root RotUncommon
Sooty MoldUncommon
ThripsUncommon

By symptom

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Growing it

Propagation: cuttings, air layering
When to plant: spring, summer
Overwintering: Move indoors before the first frost. Keep it in a bright spot away from cold drafts or heating vents.
In containers: It grows very well in containers and is a classic choice for bonsai, requiring a pot with excellent drainage.

Stem cuttings

1. Take a 10 cm cutting from a healthy stem.
2. Remove the lower leaves.
3. Place in moist potting mix or water.
4. Keep in a warm, bright location until roots form.

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

Grows well with

Peace Lily — They share similar light and humidity requirements.
Pothos — It makes a nice ground cover around the base of the tree.

Similar species

Rubber Plant — It is a related species with larger, thicker leaves.
Fiddle Leaf Fig — Another popular indoor fig with distinctively shaped foliage.

Science

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

It thrives in humid tropical environments and often starts as an epiphyte on other trees.

Value to wildlife: provides shelter, food source for birds
Pollinators: bees, beetles
Uses: ornamental houseplant, bonsai subject, shade tree in warm climates

Through the year

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Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

Salinity: 2/9
Soil reaction: 6/9
Light: 7/9
Temperature: 8/9
Nutrients: 5/9
Moisture: 6/9

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

Why is my Ficus dropping leaves?: It likely experienced a sudden change in light, temperature, or drafty conditions.
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 microcarpa refers to the small fruits produced by the tree.

Good to know

It is often called the Chinese Banyan.
It is a popular choice for beginners learning the art of bonsai.
In its native habitat, it can grow into a massive tree with a wide canopy.

Also in

Plants toxic to cats and dogs

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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.