Selection of Indoor Ficus Plants

Ficus plants are one of the most popular foliage plants suitable for growing as ornamental house plants. The genus includes trailing types, bonsai, and of course the indoor ficus tree.

Creeping Fig – Ficus Pumila

Creeping fig ficus plants are climbing plants that are very easy to care for and maintain. Small leaves and wiry-like stems will creep anywhere you allow them to. These are very different plants compared to the tree-type ficus. You’ll need to be prepared to do some pruning and provide a suitable pot or even a moss stick.

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Fiddle Leaf Fig – Ficus Lyrata

The fiddle leaf ficus is a tree-type plant with the largest leaves of all from this genus. This species is sensitive to low light and cold temperatures, so a grower must be cautious when growing the lyrata indoors. It grows up to 3 metres tall which makes it a brilliant ornamental plant for rooms with tall ceilings.

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Rubber Plant – Ficus Elastica

The rubber plant (ficus elastica) is another tree-like species with four popular varieties. The most popular is the decora which has large green oval-shaped leaves and the robusta which has larger leaves. It’s not as sensitive as the fiddle leaf fig and can tolerate lower light conditions. Make sure you don’t overwater this Ficus plant.

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Weeping Fig – Ficus Benjamina

Weeping figs are the most popular Ficus plants from the ficus genus and one of the most common of all ornamental house plants grown today. This is a small tree with many cultivars including the popular variegated type. Just like bonsai’s, these need pruning regularly to create that full bush-like appearance.

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Ficus Plants Guide

The ficus genus of ornamental plants is a range of species that are very popular for growing indoors, whether in a house, conservatory, office, or hotel. They are not hard plants to grow; most people just above beginner level can grow and maintain them very well.

The two most popular Ficus plants are the weeping fig (small tree) and the rubber plant (much larger tree).

CARE BASICS

• Temperatures: Most thrive well in average temperatures of 60 – 75°F (15 – 24°C.
• Light: Bright light with indirect sunlight, but check the specific plant.
• Watering: The tree types do not like to be over-watered and find it hard to recover after damage caused by over-watering Be careful here and read the instructions for each species.
• Humidity: Average humidity is fine with some misting.
• Propagation: Some are very hard and others easier. They’re propagated by stem tip cuttings or air layering – depending on the species.

COMMON PROBLEMS

• Losing bottom leaves: Most of the tree types will lose leaves after turning yellow, but the check conditions are OK.
• Browning leaf edges: Usually to do with lack of water, low humidity, lack of light, or a combination.
• Dry leaves: Too much direct sunlight, artificial heating or low humidity.
• Losing leaves all of sudden: This can be caused by sudden temperature changes, moving the plant, or cold drafts but over-watering is the common culprit.

Note: Check information about a specific species for accuracy (care and problems).

Elyssa Goins

Elyssa Goins is an experienced house plant hobbyist who maintains over a hundred plants. She is a gardener, beekeeper, and a proud mother of four.  She is a member of the American Horticultural Society, has a published study in the National Social Science Association, and loves to talk about her love of plants.  For the past twenty years, she’s been all about growing and caring for various fruits, veggies, herbs, livestock, kids, and houseplants. Managing a big garden to feed four growing kids and raising dairy goats has taught her so much about being an excellent plant parent and now is her time to share with you.