Everything you need to know about the Ficus, also known as the Fig Tree. Varieties, care, ideal location, and our XXL Ficus collection all in one place.
The most important thing in 30 seconds
+The Ficus is a tropical tree-like plant with over 800 species worldwide
+Likes a consistent bright spot with indirect sunlight, few changes
+Slightly toxic to dogs and cats due to white sap, place out of reach
+Ficus Benjamina is on the NASA Clean Air Study list as an air-purifying plant
+Leaf drop is a typical stress response, recovers under stable conditions
+Repot every 2 to 3 years in spring, fertilize during growing season for lush growth
About this Fig tree planting guide
A Ficus, botanically known as Ficus, is a tropical tree-like plant from the Moraceae family originating from the rainforests of Africa, Asia, and Australia. The Ficus genus includes over 800 species, ranging from compact desk plants to stately tree-like houseplants up to 3 meters tall.
The Ficus is loved for its lush foliage, powerful appearance, and air-purifying properties. Whether it's the graphic Lyrata, the classic Benjamina, or the sculptural Microcarpa Ginseng, each variant brings its own character to your interior.
In this guide, you will discover the differences between the main Ficus species. Plus, learn how to care for the plant, prevent leaf drop, choose the ideal location, and which XXL Ficus plants we offer in our collection.
Whether you are looking for a stately eye-catcher for your living room or an air-purifying office plant, this guide gives you all the insights plus a complete overview of our Ficus collection.
Did you know?
Three facts about the Fig tree that you may not have known yet.
🌳
Belongs to the largest plant family
The Ficus genus counts more than 800 species, making it one of the most diverse plant genera in the world. From small houseplants to giants up to 30 metres tall.
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Strangler figs live on other trees
Some Ficus species start as an epiphyte on a host tree and grow down towards the ground. Once rooted they can eventually overgrow the host tree.
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Leaf drop under stress
Ficus reacts strongly to change by dropping leaves. Moving, draughts or sudden temperature swings can cause leaf loss. Give the plant time to adjust.
Fig tree types and differences
Ficus Lyrata fiddle leaf (100 to 180 cm)
Hoogte, 100 to 180 cm
The fiddle-leaf fig with large, violin-shaped leaves. A stately plant with a graphic look for modern interiors.
Ficus Benjamina weeping fig (80 to 200 cm)
Hoogte, 80 to 200 cm
Classic Ficus with small glossy leaves and gracefully drooping branches. A popular air-purifying office plant.
Ficus Microcarpa Ginseng (40 to 80 cm)
Hoogte, 40 to 80 cm
Bonsai-like Ficus with a strikingly thickened trunk. Compact and sculptural, perfect for desks and small spaces.
Top 5 Fig tree
Onze favoriete planten voor een Fig tree interieur, gekozen door onze stylingexperts. Met per plant de reden waarom hij werkt.
Voeg top planten toe via het pillar_top_plants metafield op deze pagina.
Fig tree care step by step
Follow these steps to keep your Fig tree healthy.
1
Watergift
Water your Ficus moderately. Keep the compost slightly moist but never soggy. Once a week during the growing season, once every 10 to 14 days in winter. Avoid waterlogging, as it is one of the main causes of leaf drop.
2
Light and location
A Ficus likes a bright spot with indirect sunlight. Avoid direct midday sun, which can scorch the leaves. The Ficus needs a fixed spot and dislikes being moved, as that causes leaf drop.
3
Bemesting
Feed your Ficus every 2 to 3 weeks from March to September with liquid houseplant food. No feed is needed in winter. Preferably use a balanced feed for green houseplants.
4
Verpotten
Repot your Ficus every 2 to 3 years in March or April. Choose a pot 3 to 5 cm larger in diameter with good drainage. Use airy compost for green houseplants. For the bonsai variety, use special bonsai compost.
5
Pruning and shape
Prune your Ficus in spring or summer for a nicely compact shape. Pruning releases white latex, so wear gloves as it can irritate the skin. Dusting the leaves regularly promotes photosynthesis.
Frequently asked questions about the Fig tree
Answers to the most frequently asked questions about the Fig tree.
How often should I water my Ficus?+
A Ficus wants water once a week in spring and summer and once every 10 to 14 days in winter. Let the top 2 cm of compost dry out between waterings. Too much water is the main cause of leaf drop and yellow leaves.
Is a Ficus toxic to dogs and cats?+
Yes, the Ficus is mildly toxic to pets. The white latex released from damaged leaves or stems can cause skin and stomach irritation in dogs and cats. Place the plant out of reach of pets that like to nibble.
What is the difference between Ficus Lyrata and Benjamina?+
The Lyrata has large, leathery fiddle-shaped leaves and grows upright with a stately look. The Benjamina has small glossy leaves and gracefully drooping branches. The Lyrata is more graphic and modern, the Benjamina more classic and better at purifying air.
How long does a Ficus live?+
With good care a Ficus can live 20 to 50 years as a houseplant. In the wild some species live for hundreds of years. A fixed spot, regular watering and repotting every 2 to 3 years all contribute to a long life.
Why is my Ficus dropping leaves?+
Leaf drop on a Ficus is usually a stress response to change. Common causes are moving, draughts, sudden temperature swings or too much water. Give the plant a fixed spot and keep watering consistent, and it usually recovers quickly.
Can a Ficus stand in the shade?+
No, a Ficus needs plenty of indirect light. In shade the plant drops its leaves and does not grow well. Ideally place the Ficus 1 to 2 metres from a window where lots of light comes in without direct midday sun.
Hoe verpot ik mijn Ficus?+
Repot your Ficus in March or April into a pot 3 to 5 cm larger in diameter. Use airy compost with good drainage. For the Microcarpa Ginseng use special bonsai soil. Water sparingly in the first week after repotting to avoid root damage.
Which size Ficus fits my space?+
For desks and small spots choose a Microcarpa Ginseng of 40 to 80 cm. For atmosphere in the living room a Lyrata or Benjamina of 120 to 180 cm works beautifully. If you have high ceilings, an XXL Ficus of up to 2.5 metres can become a real eye-catcher.
Plant concepts explained
Moraceae
The scientific family name to which all Ficus species belong, also called the mulberry family.
Bladval
Dropping leaves in response to stress, such as a move or draught. A typical Ficus phenomenon that recovers under stable conditions.
Melksap
White liquid that seeps from a Ficus's stems and leaves when damaged. It can irritate the skin and is mildly toxic.
Wurgvijg
A Ficus species that starts as an epiphyte on a host tree and eventually grows around its trunk, which may kill the host.
Bonsai
A plant grown in miniature form. The Ficus Microcarpa Ginseng is often grown as a bonsai with a strikingly thickened trunk.
Variegatie
White, yellow or cream spots or stripes in the leaf, common in ornamental selections of Ficus Benjamina and Lyrata.
Prachtige bananenplant ontvangen. Groot, frisgroen blad en duidelijk van goede kwaliteit. Hij werd stevig verpakt geleverd en kwam zonder schade aan.
De plant staat hier in op kantoor en geeft meteen veel sfeer. Verzorging is tot nu toe eenvoudig en hij oogt erg gezond. Zeer tevreden over de kwaliteit en service. Zeker een aanrader om hier te bestellen. Ik had 3 planten tegelijk besteld - alle 3 waren ze top.
De Ficus Lyrata is precies zoals verwacht. Mooie volle plant, gezond blad en netjes op hoogte. Hij kwam goed verpakt binnen en had geen beschadigingen.
Staat hier nu een paar weken op kantoor en doet het uitstekend. Duidelijke verzorging, geen gedoe. Prijs-kwaliteit klopt en de levering was snel. Ik zou hier zeker opnieuw bestellen.
Prachtige Kentia palm echt een goed website om planten te kopen!
Prachtige palm. Volle bladeren. 15cm hoger dan aangegeven (altijd goed). Geen dode punten, mooi groen. Werd geleverd in een op maat gemaakte kartonnendoos. Erg stevig - blij mee!
