ficus

There are hundreds of species of ficus plants native to tropical regions of Asia, the Americas, and Africa.

Light: Most ficus species require bright, indirect light.

Water: Water when the top 2-3” of soil dries out. Very sensitive to overwatering, so better to under water than over water.

Humidity: Normal, household humidity is fine, but ficus does benefit from the added humidity of a pebble tray or humidifier.

Soil: Ficus need nutrient-rich soil with ample drainage.

Nutrients: Ficus plants are fast growers. Feed with slow-release pellets at the beginning of spring, and then feed with liquid fertilizer monthly during the growing season. During the fall and winter, feed bi-monthly.

Pests/Diseases: Prone to mealybugs, spider mites, and scale. Overwatering can lead to root rot.

Toxicity: The sap of a ficus plant contains latex and can be highly irritating. Toxic to animals and humans.

Notes: Ficus plants respond to stress with leaf drop. Stress may come from moving the plants position too suddenly, exposure to drafts, over watering, underwatering, and too-low light.