Ficus

The figs: a huge, pantropical genus of trees, shrubs and climbers, and the source of some of the most striking foliage houseplants there are, from the fiddle-leaf fig to the rubber plant. They want more light than most, and they have one famous quirk: they hate being moved. This guide covers the genus; the standout species get their own cards.

Care at a glance

Origin & history

A giant, ancient genus. Ficus is one of the largest genera of woody plants, more than eight hundred species of figs spread across the world's tropics (Plants of the World Online, n.d.). It belongs to the mulberry family, not the aroids, and every part, cut, weeps a milky white latex. The houseplants are the ornamental-leaved figs: fiddle-leaf, rubber plant, weeping fig and their kin.

The famous fig “fruit” is really a hollow, urn-shaped case lined on the inside with tiny flowers, pollinated by specialized fig wasps that crawl in to reach them. It is one of the tightest partnerships in nature, though it is not something a houseplant fig will show you indoors.

What the houseplants do share is a taste for bright light and steady conditions. Give them that and they are handsome, long-lived and largely trouble-free.

Care in depth

Light. Figs want more light than most foliage houseplants: bright, indirect light at least, with many happy to take some gentle direct sun. The big statement plants, fiddle-leaf and rubber, in particular want a genuinely bright spot. Too little light gives weak, dropping growth.

Water. Let the top inch or two of mix dry, then water thoroughly and let it drain fully; a fig should never sit in water. They are touchy about both extremes, so aim for a steady rhythm rather than long dry spells followed by a flood. Ease off in winter.

Substrate and warmth. Pot in a fertile, well-draining mix in a pot with drainage. Keep them warm, 60 to 80°F (16–27°C), and away from cold drafts, radiators and open winter doors. Wear gloves when pruning: the latex sap is a skin irritant.

Common problems & pests

What you see	Likely cause	What to do
Sudden leaf drop	A change: moved, draft, temperature or water swing	Return to a stable, bright, draft-free spot; wait.
Lower leaves yellowing and dropping	Overwatering or low light	Let it dry; move brighter; steady the routine.
Brown leaf edges	Dry air, or over- or under-watering	Even watering; a little more humidity.
Sticky residue, small bumps	Scale (the classic fig pest)	Wipe down; horticultural oil; repeat.
Fine webbing or cottony tufts	Spider mites or mealybugs	Rinse; insecticidal soap or oil.

In this genus

Each plant inherits the genus care above; the note is only what differs. Photos to come.