How To Care For Ficus

Ficus

☀️- Prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate moderate light. Avoid direct sunlight, which may scorch the leaves, and low light, which can hinder growth.

💧- Water when the top 2-3 cm of soil feels dry particularly over spring and summer. During autumn and winter you can let it dry mostly but not crispy dry as the roots can go into a shock with irregular watering.

🌡️- Thrives in temperatures between 18°C to 26°C. Avoid cold drafts, sudden temperature changes, and temperatures below 15°C.

🪴- Repot every 2-3 years in spring or when roots become pot-bound. Use a well-draining potting mix and ensure the pot has adequate drainage holes.

🐾- Not pet friendly.

Potted plant held in a store setting

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Ficus plants, members of the Moraceae family, are among the most popular indoor trees, admired for their glossy foliage and stately presence. With varieties like the weeping fig (Ficus Benjamina), fiddle-leaf fig (Ficus Lyrata), and rubber plant (Ficus Elastica), there’s a Ficus for every interior. Native to tropical and subtropical regions, they thrive in warm, bright environments with stable conditions.

Place your Ficus in bright, indirect light. While they can tolerate some direct morning sun, harsh midday rays can scorch their leaves. Avoid low-light spots, as it can lead to leaf drop. Maintain temperatures between 18–24°C and keep the plant away from draughts, air conditioning, or sudden temperature changes, which they are sensitive to.

Water when the top 2–3 cm of soil feels dry. Ensure good drainage and avoid waterlogging, as Ficus plants are prone to root rot. During winter, reduce watering slightly. These plants prefer moderate humidity, but most common varieties can adapt to standard indoor levels. We would recommend you try to be regular with watering and keeping an eye on overwatering or drying out too much. 

Repot every 2–3 years or when roots begin to outgrow the pot. Use a peat-free, well-draining soil mix, and avoid pots that are too large, as they prefer a snug fit.

Problems

  • Leaf drop: Sudden environmental changes, overwatering, or underwatering.
  • Brown edges: Low humidity or inconsistent watering.
  • Yellowing leaves: Overwatering or poor drainage.
  • Leggy growth: Insufficient light.