There are a couple of members of the Ficus genus called banyan trees. These plants grow as epiphytes (a plant that grows on top of another). The seeds are usually deposited by birds and will settle in the cracks and crevices of the host tree, where they will germinate. As the banyan tree begins to grow, it sends a complex web of roots down the trunk of the host tree. These roots will eventually envelope the entire trunk and choke out the host tree, which results in the host tree's death. This is of course unless the host tree is a palm tree. A palm tree has a different anatomy as compared with a tree like an oak tree. The host palm tree may not die as a result, but it will be competing with the epiphytic Ficus.
Weeping Figs are popular indoor plants known for their shiny evergreen foliage and downward arching stems that give them a weeping look. The trees can be grown in many different styles. They can be grown indoors as potted plants that grow rather slowly. In very mild climates, they can grow outside where they can be pruned into shrubs or hedges. If left alone Weeping Figs can grow to be very large trees. This tree, as an indoor plant, can also be found in a variegated form.
| Plant Types: | Interior Plant, Perennial, Tree |
| Light: | Partial Shade to Full Sun |
| Height: | 6 feet to 8 feet |
| Width: | 3 feet to 4 feet |
| Zones: | 10a to 11b |
| Bloom Color: | Unknown |
| Leaf Color: | Green |
| Special Features: | Attractive foliage, Attracts birds, Invasive, Not North American native |
| Shape: | Rounded, Spreading or horizontal, Weeping |
| Fertilizer: | Miracle-Gro® Water Soluble All Purpose Plant Food, Blood Meal, Fish Emulsion, Composted Yard Trimmings, High-Nitrogen Fertilizer |
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Sow seeds in spring and be sure to keep the temperature between 60 and 70°F. The seeds can be sown indoors in pots to be transplanted later. Make rooted cuttings in spring or summer. Provide bottom heat to promote root development.
The Weeping Fig's fruits are small and inedible.
This very popular indoor plant grows very differently indoors than it does outdoors. Indoors, these plants are usually potted and will only reach a fraction of its potential height and width. In nature, the Weeping Fig can quickly reach 100 ft. tall and 50 ft. wide.
Performs best in moist, yet well-drained loamy soil.
During the growing season, Weeping Figs can be fertilized once per month. They do best with high nitrogen fertilizers. Provide a liquid fertilizer.
Ficus generally respond well to heavy, even pruning. Remove all dead growth and about a third of the outer growth on stems and branches.