Grown as decorative plants, edible plants, and religious symbols, the Ficus is one of the most popular plants today. From the Fiddle Leaf Fig to the Rubber Tree, Ficus are widely loved for their unique foliage. They bear the appearance of small trees, characterized by a single trunk and a spreading canopy of leaves. While relatively easy to grow and care for, certain species are notorious for being a bit finicky when indoors. Native to India and South Africa, there are over 850 species of Ficus! They can grow to around 6 feet high and 3 feet wide in an indoor setting, and up to 70 feet tall in their native environment. When given ideal conditions, they are quick growers. Coming from Latin, “Ficus” translates directly to “fig”. Nearly all Ficus produce figs, however only one species produces the variety of edible figs found in grocery stores. The figs produced by this species house an incredibly unique internal, or inverted, flower structure. Each different fig requires a specific species of wasp to enter in order to pollinate the internal flower structure. Fig wasps have formed a symbiotic relationship with Ficus: The figs provide a safe shelter for wasps to lay their eggs, and in doing so the Ficus is pollinated! Ficus plants are toxic to humans and animals if consumed.
Ficus plants thrive in bright indirect light. Some mature plants can tolerate direct sunlight as well.
Water using filtered or rain water when soil is 85% dry.
Ficus will do best in higher humidity environments, ideally between 40%- 60%, but can tolerate lower humidity. They do well in average room temperatures of 65- 80 degrees, growing better in temperatures in the high 70s. They do not like drafty or cold spots, and get moody when moved around too much which will lead to leaf drop.
To propagate, use cuttings with green growth at the tips, and woody bases. Place the cutting in water and wait for roots.
Ficus plants are easily stressed by moving. Stress often leads to leaf drop. If you must move your ficus, do so carefully and gradually.
