Ficus

Ficus,Fig Tree, Rubber Tree, Weeping Fig, Fiddle Leaf Fig

Ficus is a large genus of trees and shrubs in the fig family, native to tropical and warm temperate regions worldwide. They are popular houseplants for their often thick, glossy, leathery leaves and tree-like form. The care varies based on the specific leaf size and variegation. Like other figs, they produce small, inedible figs, though flowering/fruiting is very rare indoors. Popular cultivated varieties include Ficus elastica (Rubber Tree), Ficus benjamina (Weeping Fig), and Ficus microcarpa (Ginseng Ficus).

Care Guide

LIGHT

  • Requires bright, indirect light to thrive and prevent leaf drop.
  • Variegated and dark-leaved types benefit from a few hours of direct morning sun.
  • Insufficient light will cause leaf yellowing and shedding, especially on the Weeping Fig.

WATER

  • Prefers to be kept slightly moist during the growing season. Allow the top 1-2 inches of soil to dry out between waterings.
  • Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom.
  • Overwatering causes leaf drop (especially on the Weeping Fig) and root rot.
  • Reduce watering significantly in the winter.

SOIL

  • Needs a well-draining, slightly rich potting mix.
  • A blend of standard potting soil with perlite or coarse sand will ensure proper drainage.

GROWTH HABIT

  • Ideal conditions: Consistent bright light, warm temperatures (65-80F), and average to moderate humidity.
  • Growth rate & size: Growth rate is moderate to fast under ideal conditions. Most are trained as indoor trees, reaching 6-10 feet tall.

PROPAGATING

  • Propagated by stem tip cuttings or by air layering on woody stems in the spring/summer.
  • When cutting, the stem will ooze a milky sap (latex); allow the cut end to dry slightly before rooting in water or moist soil.
  • Air layering is excellent for creating a full-sized clone.

PRUNING

  • Pruning is necessary to maintain shape and control size. Prune the main leader to encourage bushiness.
  • Weeping Figs require regular pruning to maintain a dense canopy.
  • Remove lower branches to encourage a tree-like form.

REPOTTING

  • Repot when the plant is root-bound or top-heavy, typically every 2-3 years.
  • Repot in the spring or early summer.
  • Use a heavy pot (terracotta or ceramic) only slightly larger than the previous one to prevent tipping.

FERTILIZING

  • Feed regularly during the spring and summer growing season (monthly).
  • Use a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer or a slow-release granule.
  • Stop fertilizing in the fall and winter.

FLOWERING

  • Produces small, inconspicuous, non-showy figs.
  • Flowering/fruiting is extremely rare on indoor houseplants.

TOXICITY

  • Toxic to humans and pets. All parts contain a milky sap (latex) that can cause skin and eye irritation, and digestive upset if ingested.

PRO TIPS

  • Ficus plants hate being moved; sudden changes in light or temperature will cause them to drop a large number of leaves.
  • Wipe the glossy leaves with a damp cloth to remove dust.
  • The plant benefits from being placed outdoors in a protected area during the summer months.

Variability in Care

Most varieties of this plant follow the standard care above, but some require adjustments.

Rubber Trees

Examples: Ficus elastica 'Tineke', Ficus elastica 'Ruby', Ficus elastica 'Burgundy'

  • Have the thickest, most durable leaves and are generally the most forgiving Ficus houseplants.
  • The highly variegated types ('Tineke', 'Ruby') require brighter light to maintain their colors.
  • More tolerant of drying out slightly between waterings than the Weeping Fig.

Weeping Figs

Examples: Ficus benjamina 'Starlight', Ficus benjamina

  • The most sensitive of the group; extremely prone to dropping leaves when stressed by moving, low light, or temperature changes.
  • Require consistent, bright light and frequent pruning to maintain a dense shape.
  • Leaves are thinner and need higher humidity to prevent crispy tips.

Bonsai/Ginseng Figs

Examples: Ficus microcarpa 'Ginseng', Ficus benghalensis

  • Often have exposed, thick, gnarled roots (caudex) or a very compact form.
  • Require less frequent watering than large-leaved forms due to their small pot size, but the soil should never fully dry out.
  • The exposed roots should be protected from direct sunlight to prevent burning.

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