Grow Light for Ficus Benjamina: Easing Leaf Drop Under Steady Light
A grow light for ficus benjamina, the weeping fig, gives it steady light in a dim room. Clemson Cooperative Extension notes leaf drop is the most common problem with this plant, plus low light is one of the causes.
The short answer
Weeping fig prefers bright indirect light. An NC State Extension newsletter notes indoor ficus needs at least 150 footcandles for 10 to 12 hours a day, seven days a week. University of Maryland Extension advises no more than 16 hours of light a day. Move the plant as little as you can.
Why does weeping fig drop leaves indoors?
Clemson Extension lists over watering, under watering, drafts, lack of nitrogen plus low light as causes of leaf drop. Weeping figs often shed leaves when moved to a new spot or repotted, it notes.
NC State Extension notes the plant is very sensitive to light. When moved, it may drop leaves plus grow new ones suited to the new light. It dislikes cold plus should sit away from drafts.
How much light does ficus benjamina need?
NC State notes this ficus does well in bright indirect light but survives in shade. An NC State newsletter on acclimatization gives a minimum of 150 footcandles for 10 to 12 hours a day. It adds that Florida research found growing plants under 80% shade for five weeks cut leaf drop by 50% once they moved indoors.
| Factor | Target | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Light type | Bright indirect | NC State, Clemson |
| Minimum indoors | 150 footcandles | NC State newsletter |
| Hours | 10 to 12 a day | NC State newsletter |
| Upper limit | 16 hours a day | Maryland |
| Moves | As few as you can | NC State |
Source: NC State Extension, Clemson Cooperative Extension plus University of Maryland Extension.
How do you set a grow light for a weeping fig?
Maryland Extension notes light intensity drops quickly as the light moves farther from the plant. Set the light close enough for even light across the canopy. Time it for 10 to 12 hours a day, staying under the 16 hour limit Maryland advises.
Clemson advises placing weeping fig away from heat vents plus drafts. Pick the spot for the plant plus light once, since each move can trigger more leaf drop.
How to: step by step
- Pick a spot away from vents plus drafts.
- Set the light above the canopy.
- Put the light on a timer.
- Run it 10 to 12 hours a day.
- Water on a steady schedule.
- Leave the plant in place.
Troubleshooting
Leaf drop after a move: the plant is adjusting to new light. NC State notes new leaves follow.
Thin growth: low light. Move the light closer.
Leaf drop near a vent: drafts. Clemson advises moving the plant away from vents.
For more on lights see grow lights for cannabis plus led light distance cannabis. Read grow light timers to set hours. Kind Seed Co also stocks cannabis seeds.
Sources
- Weeping ficus, Clemson Cooperative Extension HGIC
- Ficus benjamina (weeping fig), NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox
- Acclimatization of foliage plants, NC State University Horticulture
- Lighting for indoor plants, University of Maryland Extension
FAQ
Will a weeping fig regrow lost leaves?
NC State Extension notes that when a weeping fig is moved, it may drop leaves plus produce new ones suited to the new light. Leave it in place so it can adjust.
How does distance change grow light output?
University of Maryland Extension notes light intensity depends on the distance from the source plus drops quickly as distance grows. Move the light closer if growth looks thin.
How many hours of light does a weeping fig need?
An NC State Extension newsletter gives 10 to 12 hours a day, seven days a week, at 150 footcandles or more. Maryland Extension advises no more than 16 hours a day in total.
Can a weeping fig go outside in summer?
Clemson Cooperative Extension notes the plant may be moved outside in warm months to a spot with morning sun plus afternoon shade. Expect some leaf drop with the move.
What causes ficus leaf drop?
Clemson Cooperative Extension lists over watering, under watering, drafts, lack of nitrogen plus low light. It notes leaf drop is the most common problem with weeping fig.
