Indoor Weeping Ficus

• Weeping ficus is not really a demanding plant, but you'd never know it from its reputation. Plants will suddenly drop all or most of their leaves in direct response to environmental change -- from being moved, exposure to cold air, too little light and too much or too little water. Weeping ficus sometimes also loses leaves in autumn, as the days get shorter. But after these shocks plants will usually grow new foliage. Weeping ficus needs bright indoor light, and can tolerate more light intensity when humidity is high. Warm temperatures are also important. Daytime temperatures between 75 and 85 degrees F and night temperatures of 65 to 70 degrees F are considered ideal. Plants are very cold-sensitive, so avoid placing them near a drafty or cold window or an exterior door.
  
  

General Weeping Ficus Care

• Keep weeping ficus evenly moist when they are actively growing, though plants can be kept somewhat dryer in winter. Fertilize weeping ficus monthly during spring and summer growth periods, using half-strength water soluble fertilizer solution, gradually cutting back on fertilizer in fall. Weeping ficus can tolerate being somewhat root bound. Wash individual leaves occasionally, using only warm water, and shape and prune plants as needed. Plants can be propagated any time by air layering and from cuttings taken in summer.
  
  

Watering Weeping Ficus

• Water weeping ficus thoroughly, and make sure the entire root ball is soaked every time you water. Allow excess water to drain out of the pot, steadily flushing out fertilizer salts from the soil to prevent root damage. Dump out the drained water within 10 minutes. The surface of the plant's potting soil should be dry to the touch when you water again; keeping soil too wet can cause fatal root rots. But don't allow soil to get too dry, or it will pull away from the container walls. Weeping ficus trees that alternate between being too wet and too dry will frequently drop their leaves.
  
  

Devising a Watering Schedule

• University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension recommends a consistent weekly watering schedule for weeping ficus. If you think a plant needs more or less water, don't water more frequently. Instead adjust the amount of water you provide. Leaf drop may tell you when your watering routine needs adjustment. Under watering is the likely problem if bright yellow leaves drop. You may be over watering if green, immature of branch-tip leaves drop. A weeping ficus may need repotting into a larger container if you find yourself truly needing to water more often.