Finding Ficus

Ficus is a genus of beautiful and low maintenance plants that grows in tropical and subtropical climates. They are native primarily to tropical areas of East Asia, they are distributed throughout the world’s tropics. 

Most Ficus species are evergreen. They are happy virtually in any situation that avoids direct blazing sunshine and will thrive in a spot with consistent watering schedule. When grown indoors and pruned on occasion, they grow about 6 feet tall and the trunks are braided. When grown outdoors in tropical climates, they reach up to 60 feet in height!

With many plant varieties, this perennial favorite is also trained as a bonsai. The stems of young plants are flexible and are sometimes twisted. Hunker down and learn more about Ficus species and basic plant care in growing one! 

Ficus Elastica Tineke 

Native to southeast Asia and arguably easier to care for than its infamous relative Fiddle Leaf Fig, Ficus Elastica ‘Tineke’ has striking cream, pink, and green variegation on its thick leaves that it almost looks like a watermelon!  

Shopleaf Tip: Make sure to wear gloves while pruning, because their interior milky latex sap can be irritating to your skin. The leaves are mildly toxic to humans and pets too. 

Ficus maclellandii ‘Alii’ or Narrow Leaf Fig  

Amongst all Ficus plant species, this one is the easiest to care for. They thrive best in indirect sunlight and the soil should be moist but not soggy. Also called Banana fig, this evergreen houseplant has long stems and the long leaves give the indoor tree a bushy appearance. You can keep the height shorter with yearly pruning!

Ficus Elastica Black Prince 

Known to be a good luck plant according to Feng Shui, Rubber Plants also remove bacteria and mold spores from the air. Not only does it improve air quality, the sap of these trees in the wild can be harvested after seven years to make rubber.

They grow slower indoors, and can be kept and shaped by trimming and pruning as needed. The leaves are in the shades of dark green with maroon veins to dark reddish-brown color with green edging. It can grow up to 12” long and the trees themselves grow to 20 feet or more. The Ficus Elastica cultivars such as the ‘Black Prince’ have leathery green leaves with cream edging.

Ficus Audrey

Bearing a striking resemblance to Rubber Trees, Ficus Audrey is more forgiving in nature, relatively easier to care for than Rubber Plants but equally striking. It swaps out the glossy, rich, burgundy leaves for a small, velvet and emerald one cut by light green veins. The trunk is almost white and birch-like. 

When cut, the ficus leaves can release harmful sap so best to keep away from kids and pets. Always wash your hands too after pruning. The Ficus Audrey may be less finicky and more tolerant about water than other large houseplants, but it still doesn't like to be soaked too long or left too dry. Audrey prefers high levels of bright, indirect or direct sunlight and needs to be acclimated to long periods of direct sun.

Ficus Lyrata 

Commonly referred to as the Fiddle Leaf, Ficus Lyrata has semi-lobed, large, heavily-veined leaves that is almost reminiscent of a violin. These are native to tropical parts of Africa and the tree variant can reach a height of 12 to 15m.

This Ficus variety is a great focal point in any living room and fairly fast growers.They are not demanding and can thrive in the right growing conditions: bright, filtered light and moderate amount of moisture in the soil. Don’t forget to rotate it so it will not lean on one side!

PLANT CARE

Light

Ficus in general loves light. They thrice best in spaces with lots of bright but indirect sunlight. Some varieties, when slowly acclimated, can be placed under full sun.

Water

Ficus plants need consistent, but moderate watering. Water evenly and thoroughly, until the water runs through the drainage holes of your pot. Our Ecopots have drainage holes that will help prevent root rot.

Soil

A ficus needs well-draining, non-acidic, fertile soil. Soil-based potting mixes should work well for this plant and provide the nutrients it needs.

Humidity

Misting the leaves can provide additional ambient moisture during dry spells, with less threat of root rot. Do not let the root ball dry out and check the soil before watering.

Troubleshooting

• Falling leaves happen when the plant tries to adjust to an unfamiliar environment. Keep them away from drafty windows, radiator or heating vent. They’re not big fans of fluctuating temperatures and will show their unhappiness by dropping leaves.
• Over watering or under watering can also cause falling leaves. 
• Leaves pointing up is an indicator that the plant needs more sunlight. Move it to an area where it will receive bright, indirect light. 
• Curling leaves on the entire plant are caused by uneven moisture. Remember that the rubber tree doesn’t require much water as it takes most of its moisture from the atmosphere.
• Ficus can be vulnerable to pests, such as mites and aphids, Consider using Neem Oil to keep your plants pest-free!

Ever wanted to grow your Ficus family? Ficus trees are popular foliage indoor plants and they are very easy to care for. Our Ficus Starter Pack includes a different variety of textures with shiny leaves and gracefully arching branches.