Ficus Tree Care Guide: 5 Types of Indoor Ficus Plants

The ficus tree is a type of fig tree in the Moraceae family of flowering plants. Native to Asia and the Mediterranean region, the ficus tree features dark green leaves and thin stems. Some deciduous varieties of the ficus tree, like the Ficus carica 'Celeste,' produce fig fruits.

In tropical environments, ficus trees are rapid growers that can reach 60 feet in height. Smaller cultivars make for popular houseplants and bonsai gardens, and these plants naturally purify and improve indoor air quality.

Ficus trees can feature braided trunks and leaf canopies. Popular varieties of ficus trees for indoor plants include:

1. 1. Fiddle leaf fig (Ficus lyrata): The fiddle leaf fig is native to tropical regions of Africa and features veined, fiddle-shaped leaves. Fiddle leaf figs can grow up to seven feet tall.
2. 2. Weeping fig (Ficus benjamina): The weeping fig, also known as the Benjamin fig, can have braided trunks and features dark green, glossy leaves. Weeping figs can grow up to six feet tall.
3. 3. Rubber fig (Ficus elastica): The rubber fig—also called a rubber tree, rubber plant, or Indian rubber bush—is native to Southeast Asia and has oval-shaped leaves. You can prune a rubber fig to keep it as a tabletop plant or let it grow up to 10 feet tall as an indoor tree.
4. 4. Ficus Audrey (Ficus benghalensis): Also known as the banyan tree or Indian banyan, this low-maintenance ficus has dark green leaves with light veins and can grow up to 10 feet tall as a potted houseplant.
5. 5. Variegated creeping fig (Ficus pumila 'Variegata'): This ficus has small green leaves outlined in white. You can plant this small-leaf fig plant as a hanging plant.

The ficus tree is prone to leaf drop if not correctly cared for, so follow these tips to keep your plant in good health:

• Place your ficus in indirect light. Put your ficus tree in an area that has a rotating level of indirect light throughout the day. Variegated varieties, such as the 'Starlight,' can be placed in medium light, but direct sunlight may cause leaves to drop.
• Keep your plant in one spot. Ficus trees are sensitive to humidity and light changes, so keep your potted plant in the same place in your home.
• Wait for the soil to dry between waterings. To prevent overwatering, make sure the water completely drains through the drainage holes. Wait for the soil to dry completely between waterings.
• Mist your ficus tree. These tropical plants require growing conditions with high humidity levels. Keep a spray bottle of water on hand for misting and cleaning. Every week or two, spray your ficus tree and gently wipe its leaves with a damp cloth to remove any dust.
• Fertilize your tree in the spring. Throughout the growing season, fertilize your potted ficus tree monthly to promote growth.
• Protect your ficus tree from pests. Ficus plants attract spider mites, mealybugs, and aphids when their health is waning. Treat your plant with neem oil and ensure it’s receiving enough water.
• Prune your ficus tree. Prune the plant in the spring and summer months to stimulate new growth and prevent it from growing too large.
• Repot your ficus tree. When the roots take up more than three-quarters of the potting container, repot your ficus plant. Generally, repotting is best done in the late winter or early spring before the plant’s growing season. Use a well-draining potting soil mix that’s low in acidity.

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