Plant Care Guides / Indoor / Moderate Care
The weeping fig is the classic indoor tree. It grows into a graceful, slender-trunked plant with a dense canopy of small, pointed, glossy leaves that give it a refined, almost bonsai-like elegance. This covers the standard green form as well as the variegated Golden King, Twilight and Vivian varieties. It has been popular for decades, and for good reason, but it has earned a reputation for being fussy, which is really just one thing: it hates being moved.
The weeping fig drops leaves when it is stressed, and almost anything can stress it: a new position, a cold draught, a change in watering, even turning the pot. The trick is to find a spot it is happy in and then leave it alone. Once settled, it is a steady, reliable plant that can live for years. Some leaf drop in autumn or after a move is normal, not a death sentence.
Bright, indirect light. Variegated forms (Golden King, Twilight) need more light to keep their colour. Green forms tolerate medium light, though growth thins. A little gentle morning sun is fine, but avoid hot afternoon sun.
Water when the top few centimetres of soil dry out. It does not like soggy soil, so let it drain properly. In winter, reduce watering. It copes with normal household humidity but appreciates a mist now and then, especially if the leaves start looking dull.
Feed every two weeks through spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertiliser. Reduce to monthly in autumn and stop in winter.
Repot every two to three years in spring, or when roots circle the pot. Use a well-draining potting mix. A heavy pot helps with stability. Avoid repotting unnecessarily, because the disruption can trigger leaf drop.
Ask about availability. We keep a changing range of indoor plants. WhatsApp us to see what is in store, or pop in and we will help you choose.
