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Ficus for Indoors Weeping, Creeping, Rubber and Fiddleleaf
Some of the best indoor foliage plants belong to the ficus family. Most of them share the nickname "fig" even though the tiny fruits usually go unnoticed. The family offers shrubs, trees and vines that are easy to grow and demand very little attention. Leaves and stems of almost all ficus bleed a white, sticky sap or 'rubber' if pruned.
A plant that is a favorite in lots of homes, offices and shopping malls is Ficus benjamina, Weeping Fig. It is available as a tree or a bush and can grow up to 15 feet or be kept small enough to fit comfortably indoors. Tree form weeping figs are often available with interesting braided trunks. The leaves are 2-3 inches long, half as wide and a glossy medium green color. This plant is constantly being improved and you can now choose a variety with creamy white variegation.
Another ficus favorite is the rubber plant, Ficus elastica. It has very large, bold leaves on stiff upright stems. The leaves can be up to 10 inches long and half as wide. The traditional variety of this plant offers dark green glossy leaves and gets to be a large plant. Its country cousin is native to India and grows up to 100 feet. Thankfully, plant breeders have developed much more compact versions for us. The variety 'Robusta' offers leaves with a burgundy overtone.
For a totally different look, try a fiddleleaf fig, Ficus lyrata. It has absolutely huge (15 inch long by 10 inch wide) fiddle-shaped leaves that are dark green. In the right place, this is a very handsome plant.
The delicate vine you most often see covering intricate stuffed topiaries is Creeping fig, Ficus repens (a.k.a. F. pumila). It will also grow in a pot by itself, but it is perfect for covering the mossy surfaces of topiaries. The plant vines and clings, sending out fine roots everywhere. Creeping fig has small (about an inch) round dark green leaves on flexible stems that can be wrapped around almost anything.
One of the newer, more interesting varieties of fig is called alii. It looks very much like a weeping fig except it has long (about 6") narrow strap-like leaves.
Tips for Growing Healthy Ficus
What are the light requirements for ficus?
They prefer average to high light, but be sure to avoid the direct afternoon sun in the summer. They will tolerate a little less light, but won't be as lush.
How much water do they need?
Weeping fig, rubber plants and fiddleleaf figs all like to stay just barely moist. Give them a chance to dry slightly between watering. Creeping fig likes to stay evenly moist and will not tolerate repeated wilting. All figs do best when given room temperature water.
Do they have any special temperature requirements?
They will all do well in average indoor temperatures and can tolerate it cooler at night.
Do ficus need much humidity?
Creeping fig will do best where it is humid and all the other varieties tolerate average indoor humidity. Mist them once or twice a week, especially if it is hot.
How much fertilizer do they require?
In the growing season, feed them every two or three weeks with a water soluble or liquid fertilizer. In the winter, cut back to once a month, half strength.
What type of soil do they prefer?
Ficus do well in a well-drained, peat-based potting soil such as Bachman's Mighty Earth Potting Soil.
When should I repot my ficus?
Weeping figs, fiddleleaf figs and rubber plants all like to be slightly crowded in their container. When they are young and actively growing, repot in early spring. As they mature, simply replace the top few inches of soil each spring. When creeping fig is grown in its own container, repot it each spring. When it is growing on a topiary, repotting isn't necessary.
Will they need any grooming?
They will all need a few leaves clipped off now and then and an occasional shower to remove the dust. Weeping fig benefits from occasional pruning to keep it well shaped. Long tendrils of the creeping fig will need to be wrapped or pinned to the topiary.
How are they propagated?
Rubber plants and fiddleleaf figs are propagated by air-layering. Weeping and creeping figs are propagated by rooted cuttings.
Troubleshooting Problems with Ficus
What causes leaf drop?
This can be a problem, especially with Weeping figs. They resent any sudden changes in light or temperature and can drop a lot of leaves. A plant will usually acclimate to its new surroundings in about 30-60 days. Just be patient and new leaves will emerge. Rubber plants and fiddleleaf figs may loose lower leaves as they mature, especially if the light is too low. Under watering is another cause of leaf drop in rubber plants and fiddleleaf figs.
What makes leaves turn yellow?
This is usually an indicator of too much water. Make sure the container is not sitting in a saucer of water for more than an hour or two. Yellow leaves also occur with under-watering or in plants recently moved to a new location.
Why do they wilt?
This is a typical response to being too dry. Soak the root mass and see if the plant recovers. It can also be a response to a sudden chill or due to the plant being in saturated soil.
Why are some leaves so pale?
Make sure you are feeding them enough. Lighter colored leaves usually indicated a lack of fertilizer. Leaves may take on a bleached appearance if they are receiving too much direct sun.
What makes them grow too tall and leggy?
This is a response to too little light or keeping them too warm.
What causes brown patches on the leaves?
Look at the patches carefully. Large, irregular patches are probably the result of sun burn or leaf shine products. Small brown bumps might be scale insects. Sometimes brown patches will develop if the plant is kept too cold.
If the leaves get sticky spots or black sooty areas, what is the cause?
Look for insects. Many insects exude a sticky sap that can support the growth of a black sooty mold.
Are they prone to insect problems?
Ficus can have problems with aphids, whiteflies, mealybugs and scale. Check them occasionally and use an insecticide recommended for indoor use.
Do they have problems with diseases?
The only disease problem to watch for is root rot from over watering.
