Ficus

For centuries, Ficus plants have been a popular choice for decorating people’s homes. From the more traditional fiddle leaf fig to the less common triangle ficus, this genus of plants provides a wide range of interesting species. Although they may be a bit finicky about their environment, if you manage to get it right, these plants can thrive for years and bring plenty of lush growth as well as clean air into your home.

Fiddle Leaf Fig – Ficus lyrata is the plant that everyone thinks of when they hear the word Ficus. It is the most popular indoor focus for a good reason. It has a beautiful brown trunk and wide shiny leaves that do look somewhat like fiddles. The leaves are broader at the bottom than at the top and are deeply veined. Outdoors, in their native home of Africa, a fiddle leaf can grow up to 60 feet tall! Indoors they are fast growers and can reach 10 feet tall in only a few years. They like humidity between 30-60 percent and evenly moist soil.

Creeping Fig – Ficus pumila is a climbing variety of Ficus that originates in east Asia. It grows thin, delicate vines covered in bright green leaves trimmed in white. It is self-clinging and will happily grow up a moss pole or along the walls of your rooms. It also looks lovely cascading over the edge of a hanging pot. This Ficus easiest one of the easiest to grow and thrives in 50 percent humidity levels or higher.

African Fig Tree – Ficus cyathistipula is a tree Ficus or shrub, depending on how you prune them. It grows natively in a tropical forest in Africa and has shiny, oval leaves that are elongated. The African Fig, with its striking glossy dark green leaves, is a lovely addition to any home. It is easy to take care of and can tolerate typical indoor living conditions. This particular fig is known for its branching growth pattern and its flaking bark, which is reminiscent of birch bark. It is particularly sensitive to sunburn, so do not place it in front of direct light or southern windows.

Mistletoe Fig – Ficus deltoided is an evergreen shrub or small tree that is native to Southeast Asia but is often grown indoors as a houseplant. It has shiny, waxy green leaves with yellow undersides and triangular black glands between the veins. This species produces yellowish, inedible figs throughout the year and can also be used as a bonsai specimen. It prefers medium to high light, drier soil, and medium humidity with temperatures over 55 degrees Fahrenheit. It can tolerate low light and may survive short periods of cold weather down to 30 degrees F. Lastly, it is easy to prune and rarely has pest or disease issues. This Ficus grows about three feet tall indoors.

Burgundy Rubber Tree – Ficus elastica ‘Burgundy’ is one of the most beautiful Ficus plants that you can grow indoors. It is famous for its thick, glossy leaves that grow up to 12 inches long and 5 inches wide. The base of the leaf stalk is pink and purple and stands out against the green. It grows aerial roots along the trunk. It is native to the rainforests of South America and Inda, and as you can imagine, it likes humidity in the 65-80 percent range. A humidifier is a good idea with this Ficus. If happy, it will require very little maintenance and grow 13 feet tall indoors!

Weeping Fig – Originating in India and spreading throughout northern Australia, Ficus benjamina is a beautiful evergreen tree that can grow up to 50 feet tall outdoors. It is typically seen in tropical climates as either a decorative tree or hedge. This species has become extremely popular for growing indoors due to its pleasing shape and ability to thrive in diverse conditions. Indoor plants usually reach between two and ten feet in height. The trunk of Ficus benjamin has a pale brown hue with a thick canopy of foliage, and it is sometimes braided for a more ornamental look. The leaves are glossy and oval-shaped, reaching up to four inches long. Additionally, the branches of this tree are known for their graceful arching. Its stems also contain milky sap, though it rarely fruits or flowers when grown indoors.

Banana Leaf Ficus – Ficus binnendiijkii’ Alii’ is a gorgeous indoor houseplant with strappy bamboo-like leaves. It is often sold with a braided trunk and grown into a bonsai or tree shape. The leaves are olive green and require very little care. This ficus tree grows 6-8 feet tall indoors and needs 60-80 percent humidity.

Ficus Ginseng – Ficus microcarpa has quite a few common names. It is called Laurel Fig, Indian Laurel, Chinese Banyan, Strangling Fig, and Curtain Figh, among others. It is famous for its thick trunk and large aerial roots that grow above the soil. It is an excellent bonsai tree with dark green leaves that are shiny and ovular. In tropical climates, it will grow 60 feet tall and wide outdoors. Inside, you can expect it to reach five feet tall. It is very easy to propagate because the aerial roots will send up offsets that you can snip off and plant separately.

Ficus Audrey – Ficus benghalensis Audrey is also called Banyan Tree and is the national tree of India. In its native home, it grows 98 feet tall. Indoors it will reach 6-10 feet tall. It is a unique woody Ficus with a white trunk, aerial roots, and paddle-shaped leaves. The leaves are dark green on top and lighter on the underside with lime-green veins. This variety is not tolerant of low light and can actually benefit from 1 or 2 hours of direct sunlight per day.

Curly Creeping Ficus – Ficus pumila ‘Curly’ is a fun variety of Ficus to grow. It has wavy leaves that are green with lime and chartreuse stripes. It is a vining variety, and each stem can grow up to 8 feet long. It is a vigorous climber and will peel the paint from your walls if you pull it off. This is an easy variation that isn’t particular about humidity. It thrives in average household humidity levels of 50 percent.