Ficus

A very popular houseplant known for giant, eye-catching bush and tree forms, Ficus loves to take up bright light spaces. They are typically seen against giant windows or sunrooms, boasting vibrant green foliage. They are more commonly known as fig trees, however, when treated as an indoor houseplant, they don’t produce any fruit.

Native to East Asia, they are known to be tempermental as houseplants, but this is usually deduced to not enough light. The amount of light is typically underestimated when it comes to ficus, and while they can acclimate to lower contexts, you want to be sure it is getting enough light to dry out sufficiently between waterings. Long periods of remaining wet leads to yellowing and shedding of foliage.

It is normal, though for most Ficus to go through a period of transfer or transplant shock. They may drop leaves in protest of moving from a different lighting, space, or watering schedule to another. Be patient! They typically get over their tantrum after a few months. They love to be rootbound and rarely need a re-pot unless the watering becomes increasingly frequent.

Ficus Elastica, also known as the Rubber Plant, comes in a variety of colors and variegations on leather-like leaves. They are more tolerant of lower light conditions, and a slightly slower grower than their fiddle leaf sister. They make excellent options for splashes of color in a bright light room.

Light:

Bright direct or indirect light. Direct light is ideal for most ficus, but typically no more than four hours or filtered.

At a higher maturity, they can acclimate to harsher light but might go through periods of leaf burn.

Ficus Elastica does perform well in medium lighting but does grow slower.

Water:

Allow soil to get 70-80% dry between watering, then soak well.

Varieties:

Lyrata (Fiddle Leaf Fig), Altissima, Audrey, Moclame/Daniella, Alii, Benjamin, Triangularis, Pumila (creeping fig), Green Island, Quercifolia (String of Frogs)

Ficus Elastica (Rubber Plant): Tineke, Ruby, Burgundy, Robusta