The ficus is one of the most popular and perhaps most temperamental houseplants in the world.
Varieties range from lush trees up to six feet high to tiny leafed trailing types.
All types of Ficus need average warmth(no lower than 50 degrees).
Details of a ficus benjamina or weeping fig in flowerpot
The tree types prefer bright light while the trailing and bushy types need partial shade.
Watering needs also vary depending on the throw in.
Never use cold water on any Ficus.
The trailing types also need to be misted regularly to provide the extra humidity they need.
It produces dark green leaves and small green fruits year round pretty but inedible.
Creeping Fig (Ficus pumila)
This name is given to several trailing types.
All have thin wiry stems and make excellent ground covers.F.
pumila minimafeatures tiny 12 inch long leaves whileF.
pumila repenshas slightly larger leaves.
There is also a variegated variety.
All need evenly moist soil at all times and additional humidity provided by misting or a humidity tray.
The most popular varieties areF.
elastica robustawith its thick, deep green leaves and upright habit,F.
elastica tricolor, with variegated leaves of green, cream, and white, andF.
elastica Black Princewhose leaves are such a dark green they appear black.
Details of a ficus benjamina or weeping fig in flowerpot
All prefer bright light and soil that is allowed to dry out between waterings.
Weeping Fig (Ficus benjamina)
This is the Ficus most people know.
It has arching branches with four inch long, pointed leaves.F.
This is one plant that doesnt like to be fussed over.
For the other varieties, overwatering is usually the cause.
This can also occur if the plant is put in direct sunlight.
Although they can be fussy, the ficus family make beautiful plants for any home!
