Pest Problems

• Thrips and aphids are small pest insects that feed on a variety of garden and houseplants, including weeping figs. They eat on the underside of leaves, sucking nutrients from the veins of the leaves and causing them to become weak and stop growing. Serious infestations cause leaves to start to curl, turn yellow and sometimes drop prematurely from the tree. Young, new leaves are especially susceptible to damage. Apply a mild pesticide to the weeping fig tree.
  
  

Transplant Shock

• New weeping fig trees, when moved from a nursery or orchard to a new house, often lose all of their leaves within a few days; leaves turn yellow and curl, then drop from the tree. This is not a sign that a "bad" tree has been purchased, nor is it indicative of the tree's imminent demise. Transplant shock causes the tree to shed its leaves and grow new ones as it adjusts to its environment. Keep the growing environment healthy for the weeping fig to encourage new leaves.
  
  

Temperature and Sunlight

• Weeping figs are highly sensitive to sudden changes in the temperature or amount of sunlight they receive. Direct sunlight during the hottest portion of the day causes the leaves of the fig to become scorched, which leads to leaf curl and potentially premature leaf drop. Temperature changes, especially exposure to cold or freezing temperatures, causes severe leaf curl and weakens the growth of the weeping fig. Keep the tree in an area where it receives indirect sun throughout the day and where the temperature remains relatively constant.
  
  

Watering

• Weeping figs require regular watering to maintain their health and growth, but excess water is as detrimental to the tree as drought. Too much water in the planter or soil causes the roots to suffocate, which leads to leaves that swell and then wilt and curl. Additionally, drought causes leaves to dry out, turning yellow and brown at the edges, and curl. Water the weeping fig weekly, but make sure water drains from the planter to keep the leaves healthy.