Elegant and softly weeping, the Weeping Fig (Ficus benjamina 'Natasja') is a compact, bushy little tree clothed in masses of small, glossy, deep green leaves on fine, arching stems. 'Natasja' is one of the daintier, dwarf forms, keeping a neat rounded shape that brings a calm, tree-like presence to a shelf, desk or bright windowsill.

It makes a lovely green anchor in a room and is a well-known air purifier too. Weeping figs like consistency, so once you have found it a happy, bright spot, it is best left there rather than moved about.

Care at a glance

Light: Bright, indirect. It wants good light to stay full and leafy. Avoid deep shade and harsh direct midday sun.

Water: Keep the compost lightly and evenly moist in spring and summer, letting the top couple of centimetres dry between waterings. Ease off a little in winter.

Humidity: Enjoys a little extra humidity. Average rooms are fine, though brown leaf tips can point to very dry air.

Temperature: Warm and steady, ideally 16C and above. Keep it away from cold draughts, radiators and sudden changes, which can cause leaf drop.

Feed: A houseplant feed every few weeks through spring and summer.

Note: The milky sap can irritate skin and it is toxic if chewed, so best kept away from curious pets and little ones.

As a living plant, size and shape vary from one to the next, so yours will be one of a kind.