10 Quick Tips for Success with Ficus
1. Provide enough light
Ficus trees prefer bright, indirect light and can tolerate some direct sunlight. However, too much direct sun can burn the leaves, so find a balance. They prefer bright but not direct sunlight. Not getting enough sun at home? Check out plant lighting!
2. Don't water too much
One of the most common problems when growing ficus is overwatering. Be careful not to water too often, as this can lead to root rot and the ficus losing leaves. Wait until the top half of the soil is dry before watering, and water thoroughly once you do.
3. Fertilize regularly
Ficus trees benefit from regular plant nutrition, especially during the growing season. Use a potted plant nutrient and follow the instructions on the label.
4. Grooming & pruning
Ficus trees benefit from regular pruning to encourage new growth and maintain the desired shape. Be sure to use clean, sharp scissors and make cuts just above a leaf node. You can top the plant if you want it to branch.
5. Avoid drafts
Ficus trees are sensitive to drafts and can be damaged by sudden cold or warm air currents. Keep your ficus tree away from doors and windows that may be opened and closed frequently. The fiddlehead ficus is particularly homely and does not like to be moved too often. Otherwise, the leaves will fall off.
6. Replant regularly
Ficus trees do not like to be root bound and can suffer if their roots are too crowded. Be sure to choose a pot that is only slightly larger than the root ball of your plant. Repot at least once a year for best results, or every three years if you renew the soil annually.
7. Handle with care
Avoid handling your ficus too much, as the leaves are prone to damage and can easily fall off. If you move it, be prepared that it may get a shock and lose leaves.
8. Keep the blades clean
Use a soft, clean cloth dampened in lukewarm water and gently wipe the leaves to remove any dirt or dust from the ficus leaves. The ficus has large leaves and to keep it looking its best, it is a good idea to wipe the leaves so that the "pores" of the leaves do not become clogged with dust. This improves photosynthesis and makes the leaves more resistant to pests.
9. If the ficus loses leaves
If your ficus begins to shed leaves excessively, it could be a sign of stress due to improper care or a change in environment. Try to identify the cause and make the necessary adjustments to improve the plant's care.
10. Be patient
Be patient with your ficus. It may take time for it to adapt to its new environment and start to thrive. Proper watering, light and nutrition are the keys to beautiful ficuses.
Popular Fig Varieties
Ficus is a genus with around 900 species! Most people think of the ficus when they say ficus, but that is just one of many varieties. Here are 5 of the most popular ficus varieties for indoor growing:
Fiddlehead fig ( Ficus lyrata )
The fiddlehead fig is perhaps the most sought-after ficus tree right now. It is known for its large, fiddle-shaped leaves that shine and create dynamics in the home. The fiddlehead fig originates from Africa and is available in both large and more compact varieties.
Window fig or Rubber fig ( Ficus elastica )
Ficus elastica has long been a favorite in Swedish homes and was at its most popular in the 1930s when it graced every Swedish window sill. It is available in solid dark green leaves, but also with marbled leaves that are dark green with touches of white and pink or yellow. The window ficus is particularly known for its thick, shiny leaves and tall, tree-like growth habit.
Benjamin ficus ( Ficus benjamina )
This ficus comes from Southeast Asia and has a hanging growth habit with delicate, shiny leaves. The Benjamin ficus is sensitive to changes in light and temperature, so it is important to place it in a stable place and avoid exposing it to drafts.
Climbing fig ( Ficus pumila )
A smaller ficus that creeps or climbs. Perfect for hanging baskets or as a ground cover in larger pots. It has small, heart-shaped leaves and thrives in humid environments. Climbing ficus fits perfectly in the terrarium!
Banyan ficus (Ficus benghalensis)
This ficus comes from India and has a tree-like growth habit and large leaves with veins. Banyan ficus is a relatively easy-care plant, but it may need to be pruned regularly to maintain the desired shape.
Many ficuses can be grown indoors, so it's worth exploring different options and choosing one that suits you.
Light and Placement
Ficus trees are generally considered low to medium light plants, so they can tolerate a variety of light conditions. However, they do best in bright light or indirect light. They can also tolerate sunlight quite well, but be aware that too much sunlight can damage the leaves.
The fiddlehead ficus does best in indirect sunlight and should be turned occasionally so that all leaves get light. The same applies to the window ficus and other ficus elastica varieties, bright but not direct scorching sun.
Watering Ficus
It is generally best to water ficus when the top half of the soil feels dry to the touch. Water preferably with room temperature water. For plant lovers who often forget to water their plants, rubber ficus and violficus are relatively drought-tolerant ficus varieties.
Ficus trees are prone to root rot, so it is important to empty the drainage tray or saucer after watering to prevent the roots from sitting in excess water. When your ficus tree loses leaves or when they turn yellow, it is a sign to increase or decrease the amount of water. You should then check the roots. If the roots are mushy, water the plant less often. If the roots are dry, increase watering. You can also use a moisture meter to check if your ficus tree needs water!
For window ficus, it should be watered about 1 to 2 times a week depending on the season, but keep in mind that it wants to dry out properly between waterings.
Temperature and Humidity
Ficus trees prefer temperatures between 18 and 24 degrees during the day and 16 and 18 degrees at night. Some ficus varieties (Ficus benjamina, Ficus pumila and Ficus microcarpa) can tolerate slightly cooler temperatures and survive down to 10 degrees or lower (but not frost!)
If you decide to take your ficus tree outdoors during the summer, it is important to gradually acclimate the plant to outdoor conditions by placing it in a shady spot for a few days before moving it to a sunnier spot, such as under a larger tree.
Ficus trees generally thrive in humid environments and grow best when the relative humidity is between 40 and 60 percent. Window ficus trees can tolerate dry air, but spray or wipe the leaves to keep them clean and more resistant to pests.
Soil and Transplanting
The best soil for ficuses is well-drained and nutrient-rich. Good soil for ficuses should contain a mixture of peat-free soil or coconut fiber and perlite or vermiculite to promote drainage and make the soil airy. You can also mix in a little material like pumice or perlite into regular potting soil, as this helps the soil to be loose and fine.
A pH range of 6.0 to 6.5 is good for Ficus. Avoid using soil from your garden, as it may not have the right texture or pH for indoor plants.
When your Ficus has moved in with you and started to feel at home, it may be time to repot it. This is best done in the spring, just like for most plants. After that, you should repot the ficus in good soil at least once a year for best results. But it is enough to repot it every three years as long as you renew the soil annually or add a draining substrate, but skip extra nutrition as it gets so much of the micro and macro elements in the new soil for the first five to six weeks.
Nutrition
Ficus trees benefit from regular fertilization. Fertilize your ficus tree during the active growth period (summer to fall). You will then see new, healthy growth. For best results, use a liquid plant food.
Pruning Ficus
Ficus trees tolerate pruning well and can benefit from regular trimming to maintain a healthy shape and encourage new growth. The best time to prune a ficus tree is during the growing season (spring and summer). This is when the plant is actively growing and can recover more quickly from pruning.
It is generally best to remove no more than a third of the plant's crown at a time to avoid stressing the plant.
Stem your Ficus
You can easily prune all your fig trees yourself. Pruning involves removing the lowest branches so that the crown is higher up and the trunk is more visible. Pruning fig trees is popular and creates an elegant look. Prune the branches close to the trunk from below and up to the height you want, a few decimeters or several meters.
How to Make a Ficus Tree Branch
The ficus can become a very large tree and if you want to maintain its size or reduce its size while still giving it a beautiful shape, you should make sure to prune it. Pruning the plant also helps to encourage new growth from the sides of the central trunk.
Important: Keep in mind that the white sap can irritate the skin, so be careful to wash your hands after handling and preferably wear gloves. If you prune too hard, the plant can "bleed" into a kind of white milky sap. Wait until spring and do it as carefully as you can.
Top the plant if you want it to branch. Use the removed top as a cutting and place it in potting soil, so it can form roots and give you a new plant.
Propagating Ficus
It is easy to propagate ficus trees by taking cuttings. Propagation can be done at any time of the year, but you will get the best results during the growing season.
Step by Step Guide | Stem Cuttings
- Choose a healthy stem from the mother plant and cut a 10 to 15 cm piece with clean, sharp scissors or a knife. You will get a fairly long piece (three to four leaves plus a couple of centimeters of bare stem).
- Remove the lower leaves from the cutting, leaving only the top few leaves.
- Dip the lower end of the cutting in rooting powder if desired. This will encourage root growth. (Optional)
- Fill a small pot with a well-drained potting soil mixture, such as a mixture of coco coir and perlite. Water the mixture well.
- Insert the cutting into the soil by making a hole with a pencil or spoon.
- Place the pot in a warm, well-lit spot away from direct sunlight and water your cutting well. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
- Roots should form within a few weeks to a few months, depending on the ficus species and conditions.
Options in Water:
You can also root your stem cutting in clean water and wait for the roots to grow. Put in water, it usually takes a few weeks for the roots to appear, but as soon as you have a few centimeters you can replant the cutting in a small pot with soil. Remember not to do this during the ficus' winter dormancy (November to March) as it does not want to be disturbed.
Common Pests and Diseases
Improper care and lack of humidity are the main reasons why pests can appear on your ficus. Spider mites are probably the most common pest. When pests are present, it is best to isolate your plant until it is completely pest-free.
The most common problems:
Spider mites: Causes silvery spots and thin webs. Treat with predatory mites for best results.
Aphids: Small green or black insects. Spray away or use beneficial insects.
Woolly aphids: Small white fluffy insects. Treat by killing them by hand with a cotton swab dipped in T-red or use beneficial insects.
Thrips: Small insects that cause silvery streaks. Treat with predatory mites such as Montdorensis or Orius from Ferns.
At Ormbunker, we have natural solutions with beneficial animals that are perfect for combating all of these problems.
Frequently Asked Questions about Ficus
Why is my fig tree getting yellow leaves?
If your ficus tree is getting yellow leaves, it could be due to several different things. The most common are overwatering or nutrient deficiency, or a combination. To avoid this, always make sure the soil has dried out before watering.
Since the ficus is sensitive to being moved around, this can also be the reason for yellow or dropped leaves. It is a stubborn plant that can counter by killing half of its leaves in just a few days if it is disturbed during its winter dormancy.
If you suspect that your ficus has given up, you can try scratching the outermost layer of bark on the trunk. If it looks brown a little bit deeper, it's a sign that it's Game Over. If it's green or white, it can be saved!
Why is my fig tree losing leaves?
Temperature changes or insufficient light are the most common reasons for ficus to lose leaves. Make sure you don't open a window or door and let in cold drafts, or don't put the plant near radiators. Also, make sure your ficus is getting enough light.
In winter when the days get shorter it may naturally lose its leaves, but when the days get longer in spring it also grows new leaves.
Additionally, it can also lose leaves if it is overwatered or underwatered. You can feel whether the soil is wet or dry by touching it and act accordingly.
Why is my ficus tree leaning?
One of the most common causes is lack of support. If your plant is growing tall and has a thin stem, it may need proper support. Another cause could be insufficient light, and it will start leaning towards the light sources.
Is Ficus Poisonous?
Unfortunately, the ficus is poisonous to pets but also to humans. The sap from the ficus can cause irritation as soon as it comes into contact with the skin. So keep an eye on your animals while you have this plant in your home. The plant sap can irritate the skin when you prune the plant or take cuttings.
Do Ficus Bloom Indoors?
Fig blossoms are uncommon indoors. In the wild, fig trees can flower and produce figs, but indoors conditions are rarely optimal for flowering. Focus instead on the beautiful leaves!
Summary
Fig trees are fantastic plants for Swedish homes. They are relatively easy to care for if you give them the right conditions. Remember:
✓ Bright, indirect light: avoid strong direct sunlight
✓ Let the soil dry between waterings: overwatering is the most common problem
✓ Dry the leaves: keeps them healthy and resilient
✓ Avoid moving them: especially fiddlehead ferns are homesick
✓ Regular fertilization: during the growing season
✓ Prune for shape: encourages bushier growth
✓ Wear gloves: the plant sap can irritate the skin
✓ Be patient: it takes time to get used to
Window ficus ( Ficus elastica ) is perfect for beginners with its easy care and tolerance to dry air. Fiddlehead ficus (Ficus lyrata) is more demanding but will reward you with its stunning leaves. Choose the variety that suits your home and your level of experience!
We at Ormbunker love ficuses and are happy to help if you have questions about how to make your ficus thrive!
