Intro to Ficus Trees
Different types of ficus trees have made statements in homes for years. With their relative ease of care, drastically varying foliage, and impressive tree-like heights at their maturity, it’s no wonder why people are drawn to them; you’re basically bringing a tree indoors.
With the recent boom in popularity of the Fiddle Leaf Fig, there is more attention than ever on ficus plants. Despite the popularity, however, Fiddle Leaf Figs are a little more high-maintenance than most.
In this journal, we’ll also look at alternatives to the Fiddle Leaf Fig (Such as Ficus elastica, Ficus Audrey, Ficus Benjamina, and Ficus Daniella), detailing their needs and characteristics.
Ficus Audrey
The Ficus Audrey, or Ficus benghalensis, is one of our favorites. Its velvety, deep green leaves featuring prominent veins give the drama a Fiddle Leaf provides while being significantly less finicky. Native to India, these plants can grow to massive heights and widths.
Thankfully, the Ficus Audrey won’t grow nearly as tall or wide indoors. A good soak when the top few inches of soil is dry and some direct or bright, indirect sunlight is all this beauty needs to thrive in your home.
Rubber Tree
Ficus elastica, more commonly known as a rubber tree, is one of the more well-known types of ficus. Its wide, dark green leaves and maroon veins make this plant a showstopper.
Also native to India, this plant grows to enormous heights in the wild, and the sap produced by the plant can actually be used to make low-grade rubber.
Rubber trees are arguably one of the more easygoing types of ficus, needing water when the soil is dry a few inches down. As with pretty much every ficus tree, direct or bright, indirect sunlight will help your plant grow the best it can.
Ficus Alii
The Ficus Alii, or Ficus maclellandii, is a newer variety of ficus. Out of all of the ficus trees, this one has a little bit more of a tropical flair with its clustered and pointed olive green leaves.
Originally grown in Hawaii, and now also native to Southeast Asia, the Ficus Alii can reach about ten feet tall in its natural habitat. Watering roughly once every week and giving it bright, filtered sunlight or some direct sun will give the Ficus Alii the best care it can receive indoors.
Ficus benjamina
The Weeping Fig, or Ficus benjamina, is a classic, being one of the more recognizable types of ficus. Its small, tapered, and shiny emerald leaves are a departure from the typically larger leaves of other kinds of ficus trees.
The Weeping Fig is not only native to Asia, but also to Australia; it’s even being naturalized in states like Florida and Arizona.
This particular ficus is notorious for dropping leaves while being acclimated to a new home, pushing out new growth once situated. Like most ficus trees, watering about once a week when the soil is dry a few inches down and giving it plenty of bright light will ensure it’ll live a long life.
Fiddle Leaf Fig
Without a doubt the most popular ficus tree right now is the Fiddle Leaf Fig, or Ficus lyrata. This particular ficus is native to the lowland tropical rainforests of Western Africa and the covers and articles of design publications everywhere.
The Fiddle Leaf Fig is gorgeous, yet it’s also tricky to take care of in some cases. Once the soil is dry a few inches in, thoroughly drench it to the point where water flows out of the drainage hole in the container. Couple this with tons of direct or bright, ambient sunlight, and the Fiddle Leaf Fig should thrive for years to come. For those looking for an in-depth guide, check out our how-to on Fiddle Leaf Figs.
Ficus Daniella
With its thick, waxy, oval-shaped leaves, the Ficus Daniella, or Ficus Moclame, is one of the cuter varieties of ficus trees.
Like some other types, this one is native to Western Africa, growing to immense heights in nature. The care is pretty standard here—water approximately once a week when the soil begins to feel dry, and give the Ficus Daniella plenty of bright, filtered light to keep it happy.
Ficus trees come in all shapes and sizes. Whether it’s the large, dramatic leaves of the Fiddle Leaf Fig, the dark and moody vibe of the Rubber Tree, or the elegance of the Ficus Audrey, each Ficus makes for a show-stopping indoor tree worthy of your space.
Written by: Egan Thorne
Photos & Illustrations by: Emily Kellett