When should I plant a fig tree?
- Planting and Growing Figs. Fig trees are best planted in late winter or early spring – this is especially important if you have long hot summers.
- Fig Varieties. There are four main types of figs – Common Fig, Caprifigs, Smyrna, and San Pedro. ...
- Buying Fig Trees. ...
- Propagating Fig Trees. ...
- Pest and Problems. ...
- Harvesting Figs. ...
- Storing and Preserving Figs. ...
How do you care for a weeping fig tree?
How to Grow and Care for Weeping Fig (Ficus)
- Weeping Fig Care. In tropical climates, weeping fig can be grown as specimen trees that reach up to 60 feet in height, and they are sometimes planted and pruned as ...
- Types of Weeping Figs. F. ...
- Pruning. ...
- Propagating Weeping Fig. ...
- Potting and Repotting Weeping Fig. ...
- Overwintering. ...
- Common Pests. ...
- Common Problems With Weeping Fig. ...
How to easily grow a fig tree indoors?
- Choose a planter and make sure there are holes for drainage in the bottom. ...
- Remove the fig tree from its small pot and remove all the clumps of dirt by hand. ...
- Water the fig plant until water comes out the draining holes, but don’t allow the fig to sit in the extra water. ...
- Prune your tree when it reaches the size you want. ...
What type of fig tree to plant?
The 16 Types of Fig Trees
- Brown Turkey Fig. The Brown Turkey fig tree (Ficus carica) is native to the South and West Coast region of the United States.
- Peter’s Honey Fig. Take your taste buds for a ride when you partake in Peter’s Honey figs. ...
- Desert King Fig. ...
- Yellow Long Neck Fig. ...
- Panache Tiger Stripe Fig. ...
- Excel Fig. ...
- Osborne Prolific Fig. ...
- Kadota Fig. ...
- LSU Purple Fig. ...
- Celeste Fig. ...
How did weeping fig get its name?
Name story There are times where the branches and stems have grown downwards to the point where it touches the aerial roots. Furthermore, fig is originated from the genus name, ficus referring to the meaning of fig tree. Hence, it is called the weeping fig.
Can you eat weeping fig fruit?
Can you eat weeping fig fruit? According to the Minnesota Department of Health, the berries/figs are considered non-toxic to humans. Although the small berries are non-toxic, most consider these figs to be inedible due to their extremely bitter taste and small size. Only trees grown outdoors will produce fruit.
Is ficus same as weeping fig?
Weeping fig (Ficus benjamina's common name is known as the ficus tree) grows as a large broadleaf evergreen tree in tropical and subtropical climates, but it is more often grown as a houseplant in homes, offices, and featured in interior commercial landscaping.
What is the use of weeping fig?
Weeping Fig (Ficus benjamina) - Use. The Weeping Fig belongs to that category of plants that were used by humans for practical, therapeutic, and relatively recently for ornamental purposes.
Are weeping fig leaves toxic?
As most tropical plants, weeping figs are fast growers and may need to be repotted up to once per year, but do so in the early spring for best results. Weeping fig is mildly toxic to humans and pets.
What does a ficus tree symbolize?
Symbolism. Ficus benjamina is also known as the weeping fig. The figs that grow on it in the wild means that Ficus is seen as the tree of peace and abundance and the Middle East. The seeds in the fruit represent unity and universal understanding and knowledge.
How long do weeping figs live?
“With the right care, a ficus tree can live for about 20 years.”
Can you cut back a weeping fig?
You can prune your weeping fig to keep it in shape or to keep it a certain size. Prune in winter, when the plant is dormant. As soon as you cut a stem, sap will drop, so wear gloves to protect your skin and cover the area beneath to protect the floor.
Is weeping fig toxic to dogs?
Toxic plants and signs and symptoms of poisoning Weeping Fig Tree – Toxic to cats and dogs, causing dermatitis from skin contact with the plant, and oral irritation, excessive drooling, and vomiting if ingested.
How does the weeping fig purify air?
☘ Ficus Benjamina is a member of the same Ficus group that was part of NASA Clean Air Study and it was found very effective in improving indoor air quality by removing formaldehyde, xylene and toluene. ☘ The weeping fig is a very effective air purifier.
Do weeping fig trees grow figs?
Yes, weeping figs will bear fruit if grown outdoors. They will produce flowers which are then pollinated by wasps to produce the figs. The trees never bear fruit when they are grown solely indoors. They rarely flower indoors.
Do weeping figs lose their leaves in winter?
If your plants summer outdoors and move inside for winter – dropping ficus leaves (greater than 20% is expected) as it acclimates to its new indoor environment. If your plants are inside all along, leaf drop can come from the reduction of light during winter, low humidity, and drier indoor conditions from heat.
Is ficus tree fruit edible?
The fruit is edible, but the plant is not usually grown for its fruit. The leaves are very sensitive to small changes in light.
Are Ficus fruits edible?
The Edible Fig (Ficus carica) with its handsomely lobed leaves and edible fruit is a picturesque tree with a dramatic spreading habit. One of the longest cultivated fruit trees, it is native to Asia Minor, and has been commonly naturalized in the Mediterranean region.
Are all fig tree fruits edible?
All native figs are edible, but this is the most palatable, very sweet.
Can you eat curtain fig fruit?
They are also popular specimens for bonsai cultivation, often called Ginseng Bonsai. Ficus plants release a caustic, poisonous milky sap that can be a skin and eye irritant and also cause stomach upset if ingested.
What is a weeping fig?
Weeping fig (also known as the ficus tree) grows as a large broadleaf evergreen tree in tropical and subtropical climates, but it is more often grown as a houseplant in homes, offices, and featured in interior commercial landscaping.
Why is my weeping fig dropping?
4 Use insecticidal soap or other natural means specific to each pest in order to save your weeping fig from damage.
How fast does a weeping fig grow?
Weeping fig grows fast, about a couple of feet a year, which is why it's important to keep an eye out for repotting and pruning needs.
Why do ficus trees lose leaves?
The most common problem with the easy-going weeping fig is leaf drop. The ficus tree can lose leaves due to any type of stress, including:
How to keep a weeping fig warm?
Consider setting your thermostat to regulate temperature fluctuations in your home. In the summertime, do not use heavy air conditioning, since weeping figs will suffer if the indoor temperature drops below 70 degrees Fahrenheit. As tropical natives, weeping figs prefer high humidity.
How tall do weeping figs get?
When grown indoors, the plants are normally pruned to keep them about 3 feet to 6 feet tall, and their trunks are sometimes braided for decorative appeal. It is a fast grower and may need to be repotted up to once per year, but do so in the early spring for best results. Weeping fig is toxic to humans and pets. 12
When should I repot a weeping fig?
Take your cues from the plant and be prepared to repot annually in many circumstances. Move a weeping fig plant to a new pot in early spring, whether you're giving a new plant a more permanent home or repotting an existing plant.
What is a weeping fig?
Ficus Benjamina or as it's more commonly known, the Weeping Fig, is a common indoor houseplant which comes in multiple different looks and styles. It can be grown as a tall indoor tree with leafless braided trunks, or a tall bushy indoor plant, or even as a short pot plant. The leaves on the all green variety are unremarkable and because ...
How to propagate a weeping fig?
If the stems are quite young, supple and " new " opposed to older more woody ones, then you can propagate the Weeping Fig through stem cuttings. Cut a stem matching the above criteria, which is an inch or two long and then remove some of the leaves from this cutting if there's a lot. Two or three remaining leaves is ample to get the new plant going. Push the cutting a few centimeters into fresh potting soil and keep warm and the soil moist.
What is the easiest fig to grow?
The all green variety, F. benjamina is perhaps the most common and easiest to grow, but there are several variegated varieties available if you prefer. Weeping Figs can also have interesting variegated leaves. The most beautiful of the variegated types is perhaps F. benjamina 'Starlight ' - it has small patches of green on ...
Why does my Ficus plant have leaves?
It happens because your Ficus is quite smart but also rather sensitive to change. It wants its leaves in certain angles and positions to maximise the available light to allow photosynthesis at its full potential.
What is the most beautiful variegated plant?
The most beautiful of the variegated types is perhaps F. benjamina 'Starlight ' - it has small patches of green on the leaves but large sections are cream coloured (see the picture above or in the gallery). Although its look is unusual it's not overly popular so you may need to search it out from specialist growers.
Is a weeping fig toxic to pets?
The Weeping Fig is a Ficus which means the sap within the plant is generally mildly toxic to most pets and people. It has a milky irritating sap in the stems and leaves that can cause gastrointestinal issues if eaten and skin irritation if the sap is allowed get into small cuts on the skin.
Do weeping figs need to be repotted?
Plants older than this will only need very occasion repotting, otherwise you risk heavy leaf fall. Very mature Weeping Fig's which are heavy to move, are best off not being repotted at all (unless you feel it's essential). Instead, they benefit more from scrapping off the top inch or two of soil and top dressing with fresh compost every couple of years.
What is a weeping fig tree?
Weeping Fig Tree Overview. Part of the Ficus plant genus, the weeping fig is an attractive indoor plant. It has arching branches and long pointed leaves, and while it doesn’t usually produce flowers or fruit when grown indoors, it is a simple-to-care-for plant that grows with relative ease. This plant has a modest appearance ...
When to propagate weeping figs?
It is easiest to propagate weeping figs during the summer months.
Why do figs shed leaves?
They shed leaves whenever they are moved or even when there are variations in watering or sunlight patterns.
How much humidity does a fig need?
Weeping fig trees need high humidity levels of 50 to 70 percent. Leaf loss can be an indicator of a number of ailments, but lack of humidity is a frequent culprit. To maintain adequate humidity, particularly in the dry winter months, you can place a humidifier near the plant.
How long are the leaves of a longleaf fig?
The longleaf fig produces leaves that are ten inches long and taper to a narrow point. This plant holds its leaves better than the weeping fig.
Which holds its leaves better, a fiddle leaf fig or a rubber plant?
This plant holds its leaves better than the weeping fig. The fiddle leaf fig has dull, fiddle-shaped leaves that grow to up to fifteen inches in length. Rubber plants, too, are commonly grown as houseplants, but have springier, denser leaves than the weeping fig.
Why do my ficus plants have white spots?
Some scientists have suggested that these white spots are a way for the plants to get rid of accumulated slats, minerals, and toxins.
What is a Weeping Fig?
Originally from South East Asia and Northern Australia, weeping figs are an evergreen tropical plant that are suitable for indoor growing and as an outdoor tree in the right environment. In the US, that means USDA Growing Zones 9-11.
Best Species and Cultivars of Weeping Figs
There are plenty of varieties of weeping figs, so you can usually find one that suits your taste and space.
How to Plant Weeping Figs
Weeping figs need bright, indirect sunlight. They can be right in front of a window if the sunlight is filtered by sheer curtains. Some cultivars, such as the heavily variegated types, even grow best with lower light levels.
Caring for Weeping Figs
Weeping figs are heavy feeders and need consistent nutrients. The easiest way is to use slow-release fertilizer specific to indoor plants. That way, each time you water, the plant gets an extra boost.
Companion Planting for Weeping Figs
If you have an area in the house that humidity-loving plants thrive in, try these as companions. They all have similar humidity and watering requirements. The enemy of all of these plants is low humidity and overwatering.
Common Problems and Solutions for Growing Weeping Figs
Here’s what to look for when keeping an eye on the health of your weeping fig.
What is a weeping fig tree?
Weeping figs ( Ficus benjamina) are elegant trees with slender gray trunks and a profusion of green leaves. Weeping fig tree care depends on whether you are growing them indoors or outdoors.
How hardy are weeping figs?
Once established, weeping figs are fairly drought and heat tolerant. They are said to be hardy to 30 F. (-1 C.) but just one hard frost can cause severe damage to the tree. However, when grown in areas with less harsh winters, most will rebound provided the roots are protected. Adding a 3- to 4-inch (7.6 to 10 cm.) layer of mulch can help.
How tall do weeping fig trees grow?
It is almost as if indoor and outdoor weeping figs are different species. Indoors, weeping figs are attractive container plants that rarely grow above 6 to 8 feet (1.8 to 2.4 m.). Outdoors, however, the trees grow into huge specimens (up to 100 feet (30 m.) tall and 50 feet (15 m.) wide) and are often used for hedges.
Why do my fig trees drop leaves?
Outdoor problems with weeping figs include freezing temperatures, severe drought, high winds and insect pests, especially thrips. Weeping fig tree care can be tricky since issues are often hard to diagnose. No matter what the problem, the tree reacts the same way: it drops leaves. Most experts agree that the number one cause of leaf drop in weeping fig is overwatering (especially indoors). A good rule of thumb is to keep your tree’s soil moist but never wet, backing off the watering in the winter.
Can you prune a weeping fig tree?
In fact, with regard to weeping fig tree pruning, it readily accepts severe pruning, so don’t hesitate to remove any dead foliage when you see it. If you want to do weeping fig tree pruning to shape or reduce the size of the tree, you can take off up to one-third of the outer growth of the canopy at a time.
Can weeping figs be grown indoors?
That being said, weeping figs only thrive outdoors in USDA plant hardiness zones 10 to 11. Therefore, most weeping figs are grown as indoor plants. If you are fortunate enough to live in one of these warm, tropical-like areas though, caring for weeping figs outdoors is something you need to know.
Do weeping figs like sun?
If you read up on weeping fig plant information, you find that the plant prefers well-drained, moist, loamy soil and thrives in a location with bright, indirect sunlight indoors. Outdoors is pretty much the same with a few exceptions. The tree can grow well in full sun to shade. Once established, weeping figs are fairly drought and heat tolerant.
How tall can a weeping fig grow?
You can also grow an indoor Weeping fig plant up to 10-feet in height with smooth, gray bark and shiny, green leaves.
Why are my ficus leaves turning brown?
A fungal disease called Anthracnose may invade the weakened ficus plant that will darken the leaves into the brownish shade.
What is tip blight?
Tip blight or phomes tip blight affects the tips of young leaf and new shoots of Weeping fig.
Why are my leaves curling?
Yellow, curling leaves, or yellow with curling leaves may suggest that your plant is either not getting enough water or lacks nutrients like Nitrogen and Magnesium.
Do weeping figs shed leaves?
I brought a weeping fig a few years ago that managed to grow a couple of feet every year, but for the last few weeks, my beloved plant started shedding an enormous amount of leaves.
Why Is My Weeping Fig Sticky?
Your weeping fig is sticky because it has been infested with scale insects, mealybugs, spider mites.
What causes honeydew on figs?
Spider mites will also cause honeydew on your fig as they feed on the sap, but they can be easier to get rid of than the first two types of insects.
What is the sticky liquid that insects secrete when they feed on plants?
There are quite a few kinds of insects that secrete a sticky liquid known as honeydew when they feed on plants.
What happens if you get mealybugs on a fig tree?
If you end up with lots of mealybugs on your weeping fig, you may notice yellowing leaves and drooping, so you need to get rid of them before they take over.
What is the black mold on my ficus?
And under damp conditions, things may become even worse if the honeydew on your ficus gets taken over by an unsightly black fungus known as sooty mold .
How to treat mealybugs on plants?
For best results, wash off what mealybugs you can then treat every inch of the plant with neem oil – every stem, top, and bottom of leaves, and the entire trunk.
Characteristics
Description
- Weeping figs are tropical trees native to Southeast Asia but can be grown successfully as houseplants in colder climates in regular room-temperature conditions. Indoors and out, weeping figs have 5-inch long glossy green leaves on droopy branches. Outdoors the weeping fig grows up to 60 feet tall, but indoors the tree can grow in a container and be pruned to control size or traine…
Culture
- Any good, fast-draining potting soil will likely do. Weeping figs do not require soil that is especially high in nutrients or organic matter. If re-potting, use a soil-based potting soil that contains perlite, sand, and vermiculite for improved drainage. Keep the plant steadily moist, but do not allow it to sit in water or it will drop leaves and suffer from root rot. In its native environment, plants typicall…
Climate
- The trees do best with nighttime temperatures between 65 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit and daytime temperatures between 75 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Consider setting your thermostat to regulate temperature fluctuations in your home. In the summertime, do not use heavy air conditioning, since weeping figs will suffer if the indoor temperature drops below 70 degrees.
Prevention
- As tropical natives, weeping figs prefer high humidity. If they become too dry, indoor trees may begin to lose their leaves. Consider using a humidifier to regulate humidity levels in your home. Keep the soil moist around the base of your tree, and mist the trees leaves occasionally to prevent them from drying out.
Management
- Although it is a little more challenging, it is possible to overwinter weeping figs in temperate areas without massive leaf-dropping, but it will require careful attention to watering and temperature.
Cultivation
- These plants are heavy feeders and need plenty of fertilizer throughout the growing season. If your plant is dropping leaves despite having ideal lighting, temperature, humidity, and fertilizer levels, try supplementing with a little magnesium and manganese. If that does not work, check for common pests including aphids, mealy bugs, scale, and whitefly. A healthy ficus is a fast-growin…