As a cousin of the Fig Tree, ficus trees and ficus plants with their luscious foliage are native to several tropical regions and enjoy a long history. Part of the rich history and reputation of ficus trees or rubber plants lies in their decorative and even spiritual significance.
As an interesting fact, the famous tree under which the Buddha received enlightenment was said to be a member of the Ficus genus itself. So, if you want to add a patch of green tranquillity to your home, you've likely arrived at the right place right here among the "holy" Ficus Trees.
Also generally known as fig trees, ficus plants can be great indoor plants, as they are easy to grow and well-adapted to indoor conditions. These medium to large-sized ornamental plants can also help improve the air quality indoors.
Ficus plants range from large trees to woody shrubs to trailing vines. The ficus comes in many shapes and sizes that make this a popular focal point in your home. If you've been wondering which ficus plants are best to grow indoors, read on to find the top 5 Ficus Indoor Plants for every season.
Because some Ficus trees can maintain their tree-like shape regardless of their size, it makes them ideal for growing as bonsais or as big houseplants in large spaces. The plant is used for ornamental purposes. It's generally kept indoors in the living room.
Get one or all five of these ficus genus plants today and add them to your indoor collection. You won't regret getting some of the most popular plants in the ficus family for a few good reasons. Let's look at them in more detail below.
Ficus Lyrata
Ficus Lyrata, also called the Fiddle-Leaf Fig or Banjo Fig, is an ideal indoor ficus specimen plant with distinctive foliage. Featuring large, veined, violin or banjo-shaped leaves, this ficus plant is a favourite among indoor plant lovers for obvious reasons.
As a species of flowering plant in the mulberry and fig family, the Ficus Lyrata is native to Western Africa where it grows mostly in lowland tropical rainforests. In its natural habitat, this Ficus Genus can grow up to 15 meters tall.
Caring for the Fiddle Leaf Fig
Renowned as a brilliant air cleaner, this Ficus plant is a piece of cake to take care of. Simply choose a spot with equal exposure to shade and sun, and be sure to mist and water regularly - and you should be all good to grow this ficus plant indoors.
The south-facing windows receive the brightest indirect sunlight for the longest time, which makes them the ideal location for Fiddle Leaf Figs. In this regard, be sure to not place your plant directly by the window or you could risk leaf burn and/or leaf loss.
The Fiddle Leaf Fig with its luscious foliage can grow to 6 feet. Moreover, much like its close cousin, the Ficus Lyrata, it's mostly about location when it comes to growing this ficus plant. This West-African native loves to be placed in a spot that's not directly in line with direct sun or airflow.
Ficus Starlight
Also called the Ficus Benjamina or Variegated Weeping Fig, this ficus tree is another popular indoor choice for those with an eye for natural beauty and a soft spot for indoor greenery.
The creamy-white and dark green coloured leaves on the Ficus Benjamina are unmistakable and unmissable. The Ficus Benjamina plant will also purify the air by removing harmful pollutants and unwanted toxins.
Caring for the Ficus Benjamina
Lighting & watering
Be sure to place the weeping fig in indirect, bright light. Most ficus plants need to be watered once per week, and the Ficus Starlight is no exception. Allow the water to drain out from the drainage holes of the pot of the Ficus Benjamina into a saucer below.
It is moreover advised to mist the weeping fig regularly, whilst avoiding over-watering. Growing the indoor ficus tree in this manner is sure to pay off in due time.
Ficus Tineke
The Ficus Tineke, also known as the Rubber Plant, is an amazing indoor plant that features amazing lush green leaves with creams and pinks that brighten up any indoor space.
This rubber plant also has some air-purifying qualities and will grow to a maximum height of spread of 2.5-4m and 1-1.5m over a 10-20 year period.
Caring for the Ficus Tineke
Watering & lighting
Ficus Tineke has proven to be no hassle when it comes to caring requirements. It will only require watering when the top soil in the pot is dry to the touch.
In the meantime, be sure to give it a few mists of fresh water for cleansing. However, avoid allowing the plant to sit in water as this will have a longer-term effect. Of course, you want to keep this ficus plant in bright but indirect light. Buy your Ficus Tineke today to add a touch of natural greenery to your home.
Ficus Abidjan
As a member of the Rubber plant family, Ficus Elastica Abidjan can make for an excellent addition to your indoor living area. Providing a type of retro vibe with its dark purple and reddish leaves, these plants can make for great interior decorative additions.
Ficus Abidjan is a relatively fast-growing indoor plant. Being native to eastern parts of South Asia and Southeast Asia, therefore it will add a tropical look to your interior.
Caring for the Ficus Abidjan
Watering & lighting
When it comes to Ficus tree care, it's not difficult to do. Ficus Abidjan is a plant that can be cared for in 3 very easy steps. The first step would be to water the plant when the topsoil is dry. What you want to achieve is to keep the soil moist.
The second step to growing this ficus indoors is to mist the plant about once a day to freshen up the leaves and, finally, and thirdly, avoid letting the plant sit in water for any length of time as this will damage it in the long term and might cause leaf drop. Ficus Abidjan plants are sourced and availed to the UK public at large, so you can buy yours today on our website, hassle-free.
Ficus Ginseng
Known to grow in tropical parts of the world and native to Southeast Asia, the Ficus Ginseng features tiny, glossy leaves that grow from narrow elevated roots, stretching out from a thick trunk.
Ginseng Ficus Plants are ideal for anyone new to the world of bonsai growing. Commonly regarded as one of the easiest bonsai trees to grow thanks to its tolerance, many homeowners find themselves getting into a new hobby. Ficus Ginseng plants are obtainable from our friendly nursery here.
Caring for the Ficus Ginseng
Watering & lighting
Ideally, you want to water these tiny ficus plants every two to three weeks in the Spring and Summer months. Then, space out your watering in the Fall and Winter months.
When caring for ficus plants indoors, it's good to note that this plant is wise in storing up water through its roots - so be careful of overwatering as this might lead to losing leaves.
Ficus Ginseng pruning requirements
Properly caring for the miniature ficus tree requires regular pruning. Ideally, you'd want to prune back to two leaves after eight leaves have grown. Careful leaf pruning can also be used to reduce leaf size, as some Ficus Bonsai species normally grow sizeable leaves.
If you want to thicken the tree trunk, the Ficus should best be left to grow freely for one or two years while you restrain from any pruning. In this regard, it's recommended that any larger wounds should be covered with cutting paste following the pruning after this period.
