How to Grow Ficus

Most houseplants in the genus Ficus need plenty of bright, indirect sunlight. Place near south-facing or southwesterly facing windows and away from heating or air conditioning vents as they do not like drafts. At lower light levels, ficus may drop leaves. For a ficus that can tolerate some lower light, try the rubber plant.

Indoor plants typically prefer temperatures between 70- and 85-degrees F. If temperatures drop below 60 degrees F ficus tends to suffer.

Ficus can be moved outdoors during the summer months. Like any plant that is moved from indoors to outside, give it a chance to acclimate by placing it in a protected, shady area. Even outdoors, ficus will need an area that protects it from the direct sun, which can cause leaf drop. The ornamental plants rarely bloom or produce fruit. 

Any houseplant, especially ficus, needs to be in a container that has adequate drainage. Ficus needs rich, well-drained soil. Use a good quality potting mix. 

Weeping figs typically like higher humidity levels and warmer temperatures, while other types of figs, such as the rubber plant can handle medium humidity levels. If your home environment is quite dry, consider adding a humidifier or using another method to add humidity. 

Ficus plants can be quite finicky. They need consistent water but avoid overwatering and don’t let them get too dry either. Water when the top 2 inches of soil is dry. When water is needed, water until it drains out the drainage holes. Empty extra water from the saucer. 

Plan on repotting your ficus every couple of years. A way to tell it needs to be transplanted into a larger container is to check the drainage holes. If roots are extending out the holes, it’s time to repot. Fill in with quality soil fix and a slow-release fertilizer for houseplants. Follow label directions.

Fertilizing

• During the active growing season between spring and early fall is the best time to fertilize houseplants. Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer once each month at half the strength recommended on the label. When plant growth slows during the fall and winter months, cease fertilization. 
• The longleaf or narrow-leaf fig, sometimes called banana leaf fig, is an exception to monthly fertilizing during the growing season. It needs fertilizing only a couple of times during the growing season.

Controlling Pests, Diseases, and Other Problems

• Frequent watering or poor soil that does not drain adequately can result in root rot. Use a quality potting mix. If needed, mix in perlite to facilitate drainage. Underwatering can also be a problem and cause leaves to drop. 
• Mealybugs, scales, and mites can be problems. Clemson Extension recommends using a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to wipe off insects such as mealybugs. Scale insects may need to be scraped off with a fingernail. Repeated water sprays can help control spider mites.

• Clemson Extension recommends washing weeping fig leaves occasionally in plain, warm water to help the leaves “breathe” and improve their appearance.
• Prune ficus as necessary to maintain its shape or to promote a bushier habit. If plants become too tall and leggy, give the plant a light pruning just above a growth node. Winter is the best time to prune when the plant growth is the slowest. Ficus emits sap when cut so wear gardening gloves to avoid skin irritation.
• Keep the plant near windows with bright, indirect light. If needed, consider placing a full spectrum LED light about two feet away.