Ficus includes trees, shrubs and climbing plants in the mulberry family, Moraceae. Large leaves, branching silhouettes, trailing stems or forms trained as bonsai: the right choice depends on your space, the available light and the growing conditions.
Which Ficus should you choose for your interior?
| Species | Decorative appeal | What to plan for |
|---|---|---|
| Ficus elastica | Large, thick leaves | A bright position and room for future growth |
| Ficus benjamina | Fine foliage and graceful branches | A stable position protected from cold draughts |
| Ficus lyrata | Large, fiddle-shaped leaves | Good light reaching the whole plant |
| Ficus microcarpa | A small-tree silhouette, with trained forms available | Watering matched to the pot and rootball |
| Ficus pumila | Small climbing or trailing leaves | A support or container that allows the stems to develop |
Compare the dimensions of the plant offered with your ceiling height, available width and access for maintenance. A tree’s height in its natural habitat does not indicate the height of a specimen grown in a pot.
Indoor Ficus and garden fig trees: what is the difference?
Tropical Ficus grown indoors appreciate steady temperatures and need protection from cold. Hardiness varies by species, so one minimum temperature cannot apply to the entire genus.
The fruiting fig, Ficus carica, is a deciduous tree that can be grown in gardens in many regions. Choose a variety suited to the climate and a sunny, sheltered position. Container-grown plants and young shoots need particular attention when frost is expected.
For large tropical Ficus, such as Ficus macrophylla, check winter temperatures and the space needed by the roots before planting in the ground.
How should you care for a potted Ficus?
Light and position
Place common indoor Ficus in a bright location, filtering scorching sunlight when needed. Avoid sudden temperature changes and positions immediately next to a radiator or air-conditioning vent.
Watering and drainage
Check how dry the growing medium is before watering. Needs vary with the species, season, pot size and light. Water when the plant needs it, allow surplus water to drain, then empty the saucer or decorative outer pot. Reduce watering when growth slows.
Repotting and leaf care
Repot when the roots need more space, using a slightly larger container with drainage holes. Our guide to choosing the right pot size explains the measurements to check. Gently dust large leaves with a damp cloth, without oil or leaf-shine products. Wear gloves when pruning, as the latex can irritate the skin.
Does a Ficus really purify the air in a room?
Results obtained in a sealed laboratory chamber do not justify a promise that a potted Ficus will clean the air in a home or office. Choose it for its foliage and the greenery it brings to your space; airing rooms and ventilation remain essential.
20 Ficus species to discover
This overview includes indoor species and trees grown by collectors. The sizes given are approximate and vary with the climate and growing conditions. When buying, check the characteristics of the specimen offered and the conditions suited to its species.
1. Ficus elastica (Rubber plant)
- Origin: India, Indonesia
- Size: Up to 30 metres in the wild; 2–3 metres indoors
- Foliage: Large, thick, glossy leaves, dark green or variegated
- Care: Bright light away from direct sun; moderate watering
- Distinctive feature: Thick foliage and a bold silhouette
2. Ficus benjamina (Weeping fig)
- Origin: Southeast Asia, Australia
- Size: 2–10 metres
- Foliage: Small green or variegated leaves
- Care: Indirect light and regular watering without excess
- Distinctive feature: Sensitive to changes of position, which can cause leaf drop
3. Ficus lyrata (Fiddle-leaf fig)
- Origin: West Africa
- Size: Up to 15 metres; 2–3 metres indoors
- Foliage: Very large, prominently veined, fiddle-shaped leaves
- Care: Plenty of light and moderate humidity
- Distinctive feature: A striking choice for architectural interiors
4. Ficus microcarpa (Ginseng fig)
- Origin: Southeast Asia
- Size: Often grown as bonsai
- Foliage: Glossy oval leaves
- Care: Bright indirect light; let the growing medium dry slightly between waterings and avoid standing water
- Distinctive feature: Its silhouette varies with the cultivated form, including ginseng and bonsai
5. Ficus pumila (Creeping fig)
- Origin: East Asia
- Size: A creeping or climbing plant
- Foliage: Small, heart-shaped leaves
- Care: Tolerates partial shade; regular watering
- Distinctive feature: Suitable for ground cover or trailing displays
6. Ficus religiosa (Sacred fig)
- Origin: India, Nepal
- Size: Up to 30 metres
- Foliage: Heart-shaped leaves with a long tip
- Care: Sunlight and moisture
- Distinctive feature: A sacred tree in Hinduism and Buddhism
7. Ficus benghalensis (Banyan)
- Origin: India
- Size: A very large tree
- Foliage: Large, thick leaves
- Care: Cultivars such as ‘Audrey’ can be grown in bright interiors with a well-drained growing medium
- Distinctive feature: Can develop substantial aerial roots in its tropical habitat
8. Ficus rubiginosa (Rusty fig)
- Origin: Australia
- Size: 10–20 metres
- Foliage: Leaves dark green above and reddish brown underneath
- Care: Tolerates drought
- Distinctive feature: A robust species
9. Ficus deltoidea (Mistletoe fig)
- Origin: Southeast Asia
- Size: A shrub whose size depends on growing conditions
- Foliage: Thick, evergreen leaves of variable shape
- Care: A bright position, free-draining growing medium and watering adjusted to drying
- Distinctive feature: Small decorative fruits that can turn orange or red
10. Ficus petiolaris (Rock fig)
- Origin: Mexico
- Size: A small tree
- Foliage: Leaves with reddish veins
- Care: Prefers poor, dry soils
- Distinctive feature: Distinctive roots
11. Ficus sycomorus (Sycamore fig)
- Origin: Africa, Middle East
- Size: Up to 20 metres
- Foliage: Large, coarse leaves
- Care: A warm climate and strong light
- Distinctive feature: A biblical tree mentioned in the Old Testament
12. Ficus racemosa (Cluster fig)
- Origin: India, South Asia
- Size: 10–15 metres
- Foliage: Simple, deciduous leaves
- Care: Requires warmth and moisture
- Distinctive feature: A sacred fig in several Asian cultures
13. Ficus citrifolia (Strangler fig)
- Origin: Central and South America
- Size: A very large tree
- Foliage: Glossy oval leaves
- Care: A tropical climate
- Distinctive feature: Develops roots that can surround other trees
14. Ficus natalensis (Natal fig)
- Origin: East Africa
- Size: A small to medium-sized tree
- Foliage: Glossy leaves
- Care: Tolerates indoor conditions better than some other Ficus
- Distinctive feature: Frequently used for bonsai
15. Ficus congesta
- Origin: Pacific islands
- Size: A small tree
- Foliage: Red new growth
- Care: Moderate watering and good light
- Distinctive feature: Decorative young foliage
16. Ficus vasta
- Origin: East Africa
- Size: 10–15 metres
- Foliage: Large, thick leaves
- Care: Tolerates drought
- Distinctive feature: Its aerial roots recall those of a banyan
17. Ficus thonningii
- Origin: Sub-Saharan Africa
- Size: Up to 20 metres
- Foliage: Evergreen foliage
- Care: Bright light and well-drained soil
- Distinctive feature: A tropical species: check its suitability for the winter temperatures in the intended location
18. Ficus craterostoma
- Origin: Tropical Africa
- Size: A small tree
- Foliage: Broad, veined leaves
- Care: Filtered light and moderate humidity
- Distinctive feature: Used in agroforestry
19. Ficus septica
- Origin: Southeast Asia, Pacific region
- Size: 5–10 metres
- Foliage: Large, bright green leaves
- Care: Fast growth in warm climates
- Distinctive feature: Check the species’ own requirements before choosing a position
20. Ficus hispida
- Origin: India, Southeast Asia
- Size: 5–10 metres
- Foliage: Rough-textured leaves
- Care: Requires considerable warmth and moisture
- Distinctive feature: Its fruits grow directly on the trunk
In summary
When choosing a Ficus, start with the light, available space and temperatures in its intended position. Indoor specimens, bonsai and large tropical trees need different arrangements. Appropriate watering and effective drainage make everyday care easier.
NATURA tips
- Keep your plant’s botanical name so you can find suitable care advice.
- Measure the space and the opening of the decorative outer pot before choosing a large specimen.
- If the foliage changes, check watering, light and temperature fluctuations before taking action. Read our guide to yellow or brown leaves.
Looking for a Ficus for your interior or a planting project? Contact NATURA with the dimensions of your space and a few photographs of the intended position.