Ficus Tree Care: Tips For Growing Ficus Indoors


Ficus trees are a common plant in the home and office, mainly because they look like a typical tree with a single trunk and a spreading canopy. For all of their popularity though, ficus plants are finicky. However, if you know how to care for a ficus tree, you'll be better equipped with keeping it healthy and happy in your home for years.
Learn About Ficus Houseplants
What is commonly referred to as a ficus is technically a weeping fig. It's a member of the Ficus genus of plants, which also includes rubber trees and fig fruit trees, but when it comes to houseplants, most people refer to a weeping fig (Ficus benjamina) as simply a ficus. Ficus trees can maintain their tree-like shape regardless of their size, so this makes them ideal for bonsais or for massive houseplants in large spaces. Their leaves can be either dark green or variegated. In recent years, some imaginative nurseries have started to take advantage of their pliable trunks to braid or twist the plants into different forms.
Growing Ficus Indoors
Most ficus trees enjoy bright indirect or filtered light with variegated varieties happily able to take medium light. Bright, direct light may result in scalding of the leaves and leaf loss. Ficus trees also cannot tolerate low temperatures or drafts. They need to be kept in temperatures above 60 degrees F. (16 C.) and actually prefer temperatures above 70 degrees F. (21 C.). Cold drafts from windows or doors will harm them, so make sure to place them somewhere where drafts will not be an issue.
How to Care for a Ficus Tree
When growing ficus indoors, it's important to maintain a relatively high humidity around the plant. Regular misting or setting the ficus tree on a pebble tray filled with water is a great way to increase their humidity, but keep in mind that while they like high humidity, they don't like overly wet roots. Therefore, when watering, always check the top of the soil first. If the top of the soil is wet, don't water as this means they have enough moisture. If the top of the soil feels dry to the touch, this indicates that they need water. Also while caring for a ficus plant, be aware that they are rapid growers and require plenty of nutrients to grow well. Fertilize once a month in the spring and summer and once every two months in the fall and winter.
Common Problems When Caring for a Ficus Plant
Almost everyone who has owned a ficus tree has asked themselves at some point, “Why is my ficus tree dropping its leaves?” A ficus tree losing its leaves is the most common problem these plants have. Leaf drop is a ficus tree's standard reaction to stress, whether it's from any of the following:
- Under or overwatering
- Low humidity
- Too little light
- Relocation or repotting
- Drafts
- Change in temperature (too hot or cold)
- Pests
If your ficus is losing its leaves, go through the checklist of proper ficus tree care and correct anything that you find wrong. Ficus are also prone to pests such as mealybugs, scale, and spider mites. A healthy ficus tree will not see these problems, but a stressed ficus tree (likely losing leaves) will surely develop a pest problem quickly. “Sap” dripping from a ficus houseplant, which is actually honeydew from an invading pest, is a sure sign of an infestation. Treating the plant with neem oil is a good way to handle any of these pest issues.
Gardening tips, videos, info and more delivered right to your inbox!
Sign up for the Gardening Know How newsletter today and receive a free download of our most popular eBook "How to Grow Delicious Tomatoes."

Heather Rhoades founded Gardening Know How in 2007 and built it up to what it is today.
-
15 Garden Trends To Avoid in 2024: Experts Warn Against These Outdated Designs
Garden trends come and go. We asked gardening experts to share the outdated trends that should be retired – and what you can do instead.
By Melanie Griffiths Last updated
-
How To Overwinter Ollas For Years Of Use: Get More From Irrigation Pots
If you overwinter ollas properly, you'll keep these unique watering pots from cracking. Here's how to protect them in erratic winter temperatures so they last longer.
By Mary Ellen Ellis Published
-
Tips For Repotting Fiddle Leaf Fig Plants
Fiddle leaf fig roots don’t mind tight quarters, but when it’s time to repot, learn here how to do it.
By Teo Spengler Last updated
-
Propagating A Ficus Tree: How To Propagate Weeping Fig
If you grow a weeping fig, you may want to share with friends or just keep its growth under control with propagation. Read on for more.
By Mary Ellen Ellis Last updated
-
Growing A Long-Lasting Ficus: Caring for A Large Ficus Tree Indoors
Have you ever wondered how big a potted ficus tree can grow? If so, click here to find out more!
By Mary Ellen Ellis Last updated
-
Splitting A Ficus Tree: How To Divide A Large Ficus
Splitting a ficus tree isn’t as difficult as it sounds. Click the following to learn how and when to split a big ficus.
By Teo Spengler Published
-
Ginseng Ficus Pruning: How To Grow A Ficus Ginseng Bonsai Tree
If growing and caring for a bonsai tree seems too difficult, consider diving into the miniature tree world with a ginseng ficus. Growing ginseng ficus as a bonsai tree is a great idea for a hobby for yourself or as a gift for a fellow gardener. Learn more in this article.
By Mary Ellen Ellis Last updated
-
Ficus Ginseng Tree Info – Information On Ficus Ginseng Care Indoors
What is a ficus ginseng tree? It is native to south and eastern Asian countries. It is in the Ficus genus but has a chubby trunk, which is similar to ginseng roots – hence this common name. Click this article for more ficus ginseng tree info.
By Bonnie L. Grant Last updated
-
What Is A Longleaf Fig – Learn About Longleaf Fig Care
While there are many smaller species of houseplants available, some growers choose larger plants, like ficus. When planted into containers, many tall plants create lush, dense foliage displays. The longleaf fig is just one example. Learn about growing it here.
By Tonya Barnett Last updated
-
Fiddle Leaf Fig Pruning: When To Trim A Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree
Wondering how to keep your fiddle leaf fig “fit as a fiddle?” Fiddle leaf fig pruning is one good way to keep the plant in top form by giving it good form. So, let’s get a sharp pair of pruning shears in hand and learn how to prune fiddle leaf fig in this article.
By Shelley Pierce Last updated