Ficus plants

Meet the ficus family

In the plant kingdom, ficus plants are a very large family numbering around a thousand different species, and among houseplants they are very popular features of homes, offices and shopping centers. Ficus plants, also called fig trees and sometimes known as "rubber plants," are ornamental mainly for their leaves and can grow from small shrubs to large, majestic trees. These woody plants are especially popular for being low-maintenance, for their fast growth and for many other benefits: for example, they are natural air purifiers.

 

A little fig tree history…

Fig trees probably got their name from their sweet, flask-shaped fruit, figs, which contain vitamins A and C, for example. Figs have been confirmed to have beneficial effects that help lower high blood pressure. On the other hand, their sap can irritate the eyes, and in some people the fruit can trigger allergic reactions.

These plants most often come from Asia and the Mediterranean, where they became part of local religious belief. There is a species called ficus religiosa (sacred fig), which is sacred to followers of Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism. In Buddhism, the most famous Buddhist teacher, Gautama Buddha, attained spiritual enlightenment under a ficus religiosa. Perhaps that is why monks still come to meditate under these trees.

 

 

… and latex

You may not have known this, but fig trees are among the plants that produce a thick white fluid: latex. This fluid is used to make rubber and natural rubber products. No wonder the largest plantations are found in the fig trees' homeland, Asia.

Contact with the skin can cause irritation, and the fluid can likewise irritate the digestive system if swallowed. That is why it is a good idea to keep an eye on small children and animals if there is a fig tree in your home.

• Fun fact: latex is exactly why ficus cuttings sometimes root poorly. This can happen because the latex dries and the new roots then have trouble getting through it. Various sources say this is easy to prevent: just soak the cutting for two hours in warm or lukewarm water, which lets the latex drain away so the cutting does not get “clogged.”

 

 

Photo: The most common ficus trouble is leaves dropping and drying out, usually because of bigger changes in conditions at home, a move or drafts.

 

Low-maintenance (or not): what does that mean?

If you have already gotten to know ficus plants, you may have found that even though they are said to be low-maintenance, sometimes the opposite is true. So is a ficus suitable for beginners? The truth is that ficus plants really are low-maintenance and do not need much to be happy. But “they do not need much” means you have to be really diligent about giving them the little they do need. So what is the most common problem? Watering.

 

Watering

Like most plants, ficus plants cannot survive without water, but they will not thrive if they get too much of it. A bit confusing, right? In short, the more leaves they have, the more water they need. The brighter the spot, the more water. If they are growing fast, they need water. BUT that does not mean keeping them constantly wet, or the ficus will rot, drop its leaves or get spots on them. The simplest approach with a ficus is always to wait until the top layer of the potting mix dries out. A dry plant is definitely easier to save than a rotting one. The water should always be at least room temperature: with cold water, some species may also drop their leaves.

 

Light

They are rewarding companions that do well in both direct and diffused light. In summer, you can move these plants outdoors, but harsh sun can scorch their leaves. 

Watch out for drafts: if there is one thing ficus plants really dislike (apart from incorrect watering), it is drafts. You would notice quickly, because ficus plants react to a change in temperature by dropping their leaves.

 

Potting mix

Ficus plants are not fussy about potting mix. A regular potting mix for houseplants or palms will do. On the other hand, it is not a good idea to use a potting mix that is too sandy, a clay-heavy mix that does not breathe at all, or pure peat, which suits ficus plants but dries out fairly quickly and then has a harder time taking up water. A good solution is to put a drainage layer of expanded clay under the plant and mix regular potting mix with perlite, or add a smaller amount of pine bark or coconut chips for a more airy potting mix. Since ficus plants do not like long-term waterlogging either, the drainage layer lets excess water run off, and aerating the soil helps it dry out evenly.

 

One big family, or a thousand shades of ficus

As we have already mentioned, there really are a great many ficus plants: they grow to different sizes, have leaves of different sizes, shapes and colors, creep or form dense crowns… there really is plenty to choose from. That is why in this article we have picked the best-known and most widespread species to introduce in more detail. However, this is not an exhaustive list, and you can definitely come across other members of this diverse plant family.

Perhaps the best-known houseplants (and not just among ficus plants) are elastica, lyrata and various kinds of benjamina. Either you have them at home, or you have surely come across them in a store or an office, or while visiting someone.

 

 

 

Photo: Ficus plants with large leaves, especially the "elastica" type, benefit not only from misting but also from an occasional wipe with a damp cloth or leaf wipes to remove dust.

 

Ficus Elastica

It is one of the oldest mainstays of home jungles, as it has been grown in Europe for over 200 years. You may also come across elastica under the names rubber fig or simply rubber plant. It is nicknamed the rubber plant because it contains a white fluid, latex, which is used to make rubber. Latex is not dangerous in itself, but it can irritate the skin and cause nausea. Elasticas are prized for their large, leathery leaves, which can come in various colors. They are fairly low-maintenance, but you need to be careful to water them correctly.

Popular elasticas include the classic green ficus elastica robusta, the variegated ficus tineke, the almost black Abidjan (or Burgundy) or the less common but gorgeously streaked ficus Shivereana.

 

 

Photo: A large Ficus Lyrata with big lyre-shaped leaves that look magnificent even from a distance.

 

Ficus Lyrata

Another very popular houseplant, with so-called lyre-shaped, fiddle-like leaves with wavy edges. It grows large, with a beautifully full crown, but there is also a dwarf form that is ideal for homes thanks to its smaller size: the so-called Ficus lyrata Bambino. Both of these ficus plants are a bit more demanding than elasticas, but they make up for the extra care with their extraordinary look.

 

Ficus Benjamina

Perhaps the most typical ficus of all, one you would find in just about every grandma's or mom's home: a smaller or larger shrub with tiny glossy leaves and interestingly twisted branches. Yes, that's the one. And again, it is not just the all-green varieties: there are plenty of kinds of benjamina too, for example with white or yellow variegation. Benjaminas are a bit more sensitive than elasticas and may drop their leaves if they do not get enough care. But once they settle in, they look great for many years.

In the end, we cannot resist introducing at least a few more members of this diverse family. Without a doubt, the ficus triangularis boasts an unusual and interesting leaf shape: its tiny leaves resemble triangles or little hearts. Again, it comes in a green or a variegated version.

 

We will also introduce a ficus you would not place in this family at first glance: ficus pumila and its variegated little brother White sunny. It does not look like the shrubs and trees above, because it is a creeping variety, which again comes in green and variegated forms. If nothing else, it shows just how diverse ficus plants are: living proof instead of promises.

 

Photo: Ficus microcarpa Ginseng grown and pruned as a bonsai.

 

And that's not all: how about a bonsai?

Fig trees are also common bonsai subjects, especially the benjaminas introduced above, but all the species mentioned are suitable. Ficus plants are generally easy to shape (by pinching and wiring), and their trunks thicken fairly quickly, which makes them good bonsai candidates.

It should be said, though, that as bonsai they are somewhat more demanding to care for. Still, the main things to watch are watering (always water once the soil has dried out), drafts and water temperature (ideally water left to stand until it reaches room temperature). With the wrong care, ficus plants may again drop their leaves, but they tend to grow them back, so be patient and do not give up on them.

 

“Personally, I love ficus plants! I have several kinds at home, but my favorite is the absolutely gorgeous Shivereana. At first we always had to get used to each other, but now they bring me nothing but joy. Ficus plants obviously just need a little patience, so don't give up on them!”

 

Photo: Ficus Shivereana.

 

Ficus plants have their unusual species too

Among ficus plants, you will also find plenty of variegated varieties and houseplants. One of the most stunningly colored is Ficus elastica Shivereana with its speckled pattern, which is also called "mojito." 

Rarer, very hard-to-find species also include the variegated Ficus lyrata variegata with its large lyre-shaped leaves.

 

Author: Mgr. Jana Beránková