Ficus tree size and lifespan are important considerations when choosing to grow this popular houseplant. In the wild, these are tall trees. Indoors, you can restrict growth by growing them in containers.
Growing Ficus Indoors
Ficus is infamously finicky. Outside its native range, confined to a pot indoors, it can be difficult to grow. Ficus trees need bright light. They like regular watering but will struggle if the soil stays damp all the time. They also don’t like to be moved, so find the best spot and stick with it.
If you want to attempt growing a ficus inside, understand its needs first. You’ll want to consider how long it will grow and as well as how big it could get in order to provide it with the best conditions.
How Tall Do Ficus Trees Grow?
The natural height and the houseplant height of a ficus are two different things. Height also varies depending on which ficus you grow.
- Ficus benjamina is the most common houseplant ficus. Also known as weeping fig, it’s native to southeast Asia and can grow up to 40 feet (12 m.) there. As a houseplant, it is usually about 10 feet (3 m.) tall.
- Ficus elastica is also popular for its attractive foliage. Also known as rubber tree, this plant is native to South Asia and can grow up to 100 feet (30.5 m.) tall. In a container, you can reasonably keep F. elastica 6 to 10 feet (2-3 m.) tall.
- Ficus lyrata, also known as fiddle-leaf fig, this African native grows to 100 feet (30.5 m.) in its home range. Indoors, you can cap it at 10 feet (3 m.).
Growing it in a container will naturally keep a tall ficus tree smaller. To maintain a reasonable size, don’t replant into a larger pot until it is very root bound. Give it a new container that is only a little bit bigger.
How Long Do Ficus Trees Live?
The ficus lifespan is long compared to some other houseplants. These are large trees in their native ranges, so they have lifespans comparable to trees.
How long a ficus tree lives indoors depends on its care and growing conditions. If you do everything right, it can live for decades. Some people have grown the same tree in a container for 40 plus years.
That a ficus can grow tall and live for many years is a great reason to consider it as a houseplant. The care you put into growing a ficus will reward you with years of plant companionship.
-
Bold & Beautiful Festive Bloomers: 6 Christmas Flowering Plants For A Big Holiday Buzz‘Tis the season for celebration and easy living, so make sure your plants are up to it. These dynamic Christmas flowering plants will help you see out the season in style
-
9 Thoughtful Stocking Stuffers For Gardeners They'll Actually Use – Starting At $10Stocking stuffers often end up an after-thought, but not these! Explore expert-curated stocking stuffers for gardeners that they'll use for years to come.
-
Tips For Repotting Fiddle Leaf Fig PlantsFiddle leaf fig roots don’t mind tight quarters, but when it’s time to repot, learn here how to do it.
-
Propagating A Ficus Tree: How To Propagate Weeping FigIf 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.
-
Splitting A Ficus Tree: How To Divide A Large FicusSplitting a ficus tree isn’t as difficult as it sounds. Click the following to learn how and when to split a big ficus.
-
Ginseng Ficus Pruning: How To Grow A Ficus Ginseng Bonsai TreeIf 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.
-
Ficus Ginseng Tree Info – Information On Ficus Ginseng Care IndoorsWhat 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.
-
What Is A Longleaf Fig – Learn About Longleaf Fig CareWhile 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.
-
Fiddle Leaf Fig Pruning: When To Trim A Fiddle Leaf Fig TreeWondering 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.
-
Fiddle-Leaf Fig Care – How To Grow A Fiddle-Leaf Fig TreeYou may have seen people growing fiddle-leaf figs in southern Florida or in containers in well-lit offices or homes. The huge green leaves give the plant a definite tropical air. If you want information on fiddle-leaf fig care, this article can help.
