Ficus Tree Plants Buying Guide & Care Tips

Explore the versatility of the different types of ficus plants! You’ll be enchanted by Lively Root’s stunning live ficus trees for sale! Aside from their visual appeal, these popular houseplants come with a number of benefits that have made them the favorite indoor plants in many homes.

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Benefits of Ficus Indoor Plants

• Air-purifying: Many plants from the Ficus family, like the Weeping Fig (Ficus benjamina) and the Rubber Plant, are excellent air-purifiers, cleansing the air in your home from chemical toxins and pollutants like formaldehyde, benzene, xylene, and toluene.
• Hypoallergenic: Not only are ficus varieties like the Burgundy Rubber Tree (Ficus robusta 'Burgundy') visually gorgeous, but they’re also some of the best plants for people suffering from allergies, as they are hypoallergenic.
• Low-maintenance: Most ficuses are relatively easy to grow; they require regular watering and sufficient light but do not need frequent repotting and pruning, making them great plants for beginners.
• Improving sleep: Because plants provide additional oxygen, they increase the air quality in your home and promote relaxation, significantly improving your sleep.
• Boosting productivity: Recent studies show that plants alleviate stress and boost productivity, helping with focus and concentration, making them perfect for offices.

Ficus Types: Select the Right One for You

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Ficus plants come in various shapes and sizes, with many leaf colors and patterns. Some are more adaptable and low-maintenance, making them a good choice for people on the go. Other varieties require more effort, but they will reward you with spectacular and lush foliage when their needs are met. 

In natural environments, ficus trees can grow very tall. Although much more compact when grown indoors, ficuses range from large plants to small varieties. All ficus plants are mildly toxic for pets when ingested. Here are some varieties to consider when choosing the best indoor ficus tree for your home:

Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree

• Distinct characteristics: The Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree (Ficus lyrata) is a trendy home décor plant with broad bright green leaves in the shape of a fiddle.
• Requirements: Needs bright but indirect sunlight and enjoys consistently moist soil and high humidity levels.
• Level of care: Requires extra care.
• Pet-friendliness: Toxic to ingest

Ficus Ginseng

• Distinct characteristics: The Ficus Ginseng (Ficus microcarpa 'Ginseng') is a bonsai plant with dense dark green leaves growing from a thick trunk with exposed roots; most bonsai ficus trees for sale only grow about 8 inches tall.
• Requirements: This tiny tree needs bright, indirect sunlight and consistent watering. Make sure the water drains well from the pot. It enjoys high humidity.  
• Level of care: Requires extra care.
• Pet-friendliness: Toxic to ingest

Ficus Audrey

• Distinct characteristics: The Ficus Audrey (Ficus Benghalensis) is a graceful ficus tree with bright green leaves laced with lighter green veins; it can reach up to 10 ft tall.
• Requirements: It grows best in bright, indirect light and needs to be watered consistently, but ensure good soil drainage.
• Level of care: It’s easy to care for.
• Pet-friendliness: Toxic to ingest

Climbing Fig

• Distinct characteristics: The Climbing Fig (Ficus pumila) is an elegant climber with small, vibrant green leaves and woody stems.
• Requirements: Thrives in bright, indirect sunlight; if grown outdoors, it’s best placed in the shade, as direct sunlight can damage its leaves. It needs plenty of water but should be planted in well-draining soil. 
• Level of care: Requires extra care.
• Pet-friendliness: Toxic to ingest

How to Care for Your Ficus Tree Plant: Maintenance Tips

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Here’s how to keep your ficus indoor plant thriving and looking its best:

Light and Watering

A ficus plant grown indoors needs a location with plenty of bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight will scorch its leaves and should be avoided. Water regularly to prevent your plant’s soil from drying over several inches. However, the pot should provide good drainage so the soil is never soggy.

Temperature and Humidity

Ficuses prefer an evenly warm temperature from 55°F to 75°F and high humidity levels. You should bring your ficus indoors during the cooler months if you grow it as a porch plant in the summer.

Soil and Fertilizer

Using a well-draining indoor potting mix for your ficus is best, with some added perlite to provide optimal drainage. Feed your plant with a balanced liquid or granular fertilizer every month during the growing season.

Repotting, Pruning, and Cleaning

Most ficus trees for sale don’t need to be repotted right away. Repot once in 1-2 years, choosing a slightly larger pot. Prune any damaged leaves or branches and clean the leaves occasionally with a damp cloth to remove dust.  

Common Issues

Leaf loss is a common ficus plant issue, often caused by sudden temperature swings, overwatering, or underwatering. Watch out for insect pests, such as white flies, mealybugs, and spider mites.

Adorn Your Home or Office With a Stunning Ficus Plant From Lively Root!