Ficus

( FYE - kuss )

At-A-Glance Information

This genus includes evergreen and deciduous trees, shrubs, and vines, some of which produce edible fruits. All species need regular waterings, and sun exposure needs vary depending on the species grown. This genus has a very wide variety of species, all of which are relatively easy to grow. Species are commonly known as Fig Trees or simply Figs, and are native to tropical and semi-warm temperate zones. Most are found in southwest Asia and the Mediterranenan. 

Ficus Species and Varietals

The genus Ficus is comprised of over 850 species and is a member of the plant family Moraceae. The best growing zones for Ficus and Fig trees vary depending on the species, and some species are best known as indoor plants. For more information, see the descriptions below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Ficus altissima (Council Tree, Lofty Fig)
This species is a large, evergreen strangler Fig, often beginning life as an epiphyte. Host trees are typically overwhelmed and killed. When planted as shade trees in the ground, they typically have such a wide root system that they are too large for most urban areas. Individual trees typically reach up to 100 feet tall when grown outdoors, and have multiple trunks. These trees are commonly grown as indoor houseplants or in containers outside of their native range. Cultivar 'Yellow Gem' has yellow-tinted and variegated foliage.

Ficus aurea (Florida Strangler Fig, Golden Fig, Higueron)
These fast-growing trees are native to Florida, the northern and western areas of the Caribbean, northern Mexico, and areas of Central America down through Panama. These trees can reach up to 100 feet tall and produce green foliage that varies in shape. Fruits are yellow when ripe. 

Ficus auriculata (Ficus roxburghii) (Roxburgh Fig, Elephant Ear Tree)
This deciduous species briefly loses its leaves, and can be grown as a shrub or small tree. It is native to India and grows best in zones 20-24, H1 and H2. It reaches 15-25 feet tall and wide, and has large leaves. Large fruits (more ornamental than edible) are produced in clusters on the trunk and in the framework of larger branches. This species can be shaped into a small tree, espaliered, or planted in a large container. It is wonderful near swimming pools and needs full sun and some protection from wind.

Ficus benghalensis (Ficus indica) (Ficus krishnae) (Banyan, Banyan Fig, Indian Banyan)
This species is native to the Indian subcontinent, and is one of the largest trees in the world by canopy coverage. It is a type of strangler fig, and is evergreen. Ripe fruits are bright red, and foliage is green. These trees typically form aerial roots that grow downward until they hit soil and root.

Ficus benjamina (Benjamin Tree, Benjamin Fig, Weeping Ficus)
Best in zones 13, 23, 24, H1, H2 or grown as an indoor specimen, this Fig is native to India and Malaysia. In ideal growing conditions, these trees can reach up to 60 feet tall and just as wide or wider. Great for a shade tree or specimen tree for large areas. This species will spread via an invasive surface root system. In California, this tree often is about half the size, and is used as an entryway or patio tree. Leaves are shiny green and drooping. New plants are easy to propagate from cuttings taken in late spring or summertime. Needs a frost-free, wind-protected location to perform well, but can be grown in either sun or shade. This species is a popular houseplant. Variety 'Exotica' has wavy-edged leaves.
Ficus carica
This species of Ficus cultivated for its sweet fruit, and is native to western Asia and the eastern Mediterranean region. These trees are fast-growing, reaching 15-30 feet tall and wide, but where temperatures are cooler, it is mostly seen as a shrubby plant. They can be grown in containers, espaliered, or be allowed to keep their natural habit in the ground. Trunks become gnarled with old age, and branch structure is generally pleasing. They bear crops twice a year, once in early summer on the previous year's wood, and once in late summer or early fall on the current season's growth. 
'Black Jack'
This variety has fruit with purple skin and sweet pink flesh. Great when grown in warmer climates; fruit dries well on the tree.
'Celeste'
('Blue Celeste', 'Celestial')
This tree produces violet-tinted fruit with rosy-amber flesh. Great as fresh fruit, and also dries well on the tree in warm climates.
'Conadria'
Thin-skinned fruit with violet-blushed white skin. Flesh is white to red and has good flavor. Can take intense heat without splitting open.
'Desert King'
​Fruit with green skin and red flesh, better in cooler climates like the Northwestern United States. Bears fruit one time in summer.
'Genoa' ('White Genoa')
​This variety produces fruit with green-yellow skin and strawberry to yellow flesh. Great in coastal valleys in California.
'Improved Brown Turkey'
​Brown-purple fruit on a tree that does well in most climates. Great small garden tree.
'Italian Everbearing'
​Large, brownish-red fruit that is good when eaten fresh or dried.
'Kadota' ('White Kadota')
​Greenish-yellow tough skinned fruit that grows well in hot, interior valleys.
'Lattarula' (Italian Honey Fig)
​Green skinned fruit with amber flesh. Good in the Northwest, where it ripens in summer and fall.
'Mission' ('Black Mission')
​Large tree that produces purple-black figs with pink flesh that are good fresh or dried. Popular variety grown in California.
'Osborn Prolific' ('Neveralla')
​Dark red-brown skin and amber flesh tinged with pink. Sweet fruit; best when eaten fresh. Great in coastal areas of Northern California and the Pacific Northwest. Does not bear well in warm climates.
'Panachee'
​Skin on fruit is green-yellow and has dark green stripes. Flesh is strawberry colored and sweet, but somewhat dry. Best when eaten fresh. Produces one crop late in summer after a long, warm growing season.
'Peter's Honey' ('Rutara')
Green-yellow skinned fruit with amber flesh. Needs lots of warmth to produce well.
'Texas Everbearing'
Fruit has mahogany to purple skin, with strawberry colored flesh. Bears young and produces well in the Southwestern United States.

Ficus citrifolia (Shortleaf Fig, Giant Bearded Fig, Jaguey, Wild Banyan Tree, Wimba Tree)
Native to southern Florida, the Caribbean, Mexico, Central America, and northern South America south to Paraguay, this species typically reaches about 50 feet tall when mature, and has green foliage with lighter veining. Fruit is sweet and can be eaten raw. They are dark red when ripe and yellow while still developing.

Ficus dammaropsis (Highland Breadfruit, Kapiak)
These tropical evergreen trees are native to New Guinea, and produce large leaves up to 3 feet long and 2 feet wide. This species produces the world's largest fig fruits, and are edible but not commonly eaten; they look a bit like large artichokes. This species is valued for its bold tropical leaves and relative cold tolerance, and is cultivated as a garden ornamental in frost-free climates.

​Ficus deltoidea diversifolia (Mistletoe Fig)
This evergreen shrub grows well in zones 19-24, H1, H2 or indoors, and is native to Southeast Asia. It is a slow grower to 8-10 feet tall and about half as wide, with an interesting open, twisting branch pattern. Leaves are thick and dark green, and specked with tan and black. Green to yellow fruit is produced continuously throughout the year. As an outdoor plant, it is commonly grown in a container on patios. It needs partial shade for good performance.

​Ficus elastica (Rubber Tree, Rubber Bush, Rubber Plant, Indian Rubber Bush, Indian Rubber Tree)
This species is an evergreen shrub or tree, and grows best in zones 13, 16, 17, 19-24, H1 and H2 or indoors as a container plant. Rubber Tree is native to India and Malaysia. It can reach 60-100 feet tall, but is most commonly seen topping out at about 40 feet, and used as a small tree or shrub in shaded patios and garden entrances. Comes back quickly if killed by frost. Great in containers; this is a foolproof indoor plant that needs partial to full shade if grown outdoors.

Ficus erecta (Ficus beecheyana) (Japanese Fig)
This species is native to Bangladesh, Assam, Vietnam, southern China, Taiwan, South Korea, the Ryukyu Islands, and Japan. The species forms a shrub or small tree that reaches up to 23 feet tall. It grows naturally around streams and is deciduous to semi-deciduous. Fruits are small and sweet.

Ficus exasperata (Sandpaper Tree, Forest Sandpaper Fig, White Fig, Sandpaper Leaf Tree)
These plants are native to tropical Africa and southern Asia. The species forms a small to medium-sized tree that can reach between 66 and 98 feet tall when mature. It forms aerial roots to support its heavy branches and forms buttress roots over time. Flowers can be pink purple or yellow; fruits are orange to red at maturity.

Ficus glumosa (Mountain Fig, Hairy Rock Fig)
This species forms a shrub or tree to 66 feet tall and is native to a wide variety of habitats in Botswana, Namibia and South Africa. Bark is cream colored and flakey, and leaves are green. Fruits are hairy and red when ripe, and are clustered towards branch ends.

Ficus longifolia (Narrow Leaf Fig)
This species of Ficus is native to Brazil, where it typically grows in seasonally dry monsoon forest areas. These are well-known as ornamental plants, both as indoor or outdoor ornamentals. Foliage is narrow and glossy green to light green.

Ficus lyrata (Fiddleleaf Fig)
This commonly grown houseplant can be a tree or vining shrub, grown best in zones 22-24, H1, H2 or indoors. Fiddleleaf Fig is native to tropical areas of Africa, and has large, veined leaves that are glossy and dark green. In its natural habitat, it forms a round-headed tree 35-50 feet tall and 35 feet wide; in California, is is commonly seen more around 20 feet tall and wide. These trees are great near swimming pools, and branching can be encouraged via pinching when young. Needs full sun to light shade, and is a great houseplant.

Ficus maclellandii (Alii Fig, Banana-Leaf Fig)
This species is native to India, Southeast Asia, and China, and is evergreen. It is often grown as a houseplant, and can be grown outdoors in tropical climates. Leaves are narrow on lower branches, and higher branches produce broader leaves. Cultivar 'Alii' is a popular variety.

​Ficus microcarpa (Ficus retusa) (Indian Laurel Fig, Chinese Banyan, Curtain Fig, Gajumaru)
This species is an evergreen tree that grows well in zones 9, 13, 16-24, H1 and H2. It is native from Malay to Borneo. It quickly reaches 60 feet tall and 75 feet wide in its natural habitat, and to 25-30 feet tall and 35-40 feet wide in garden landscapes. New foliage is light rose to chartreuse, maturing to a light green. This tree has a weeping form, but can be sheared into a formal hedge if desired and is also a popular bonsai subject. Susceptible to Thrips in California. Variety 'Green Gem' has thicker, darker green leaves than the species and is not affected with the Thrip issue. Needs full sun for best performance.

​Ficus microcarpa crassifolia (Wax Fig, Taiwan Fig)
This varietal reaches 10-12 feet tall and sprawls just as wide. Can tolerate salt, wind, drought and a variety of soils. Used as a hedge or as a container plant, it is an easily prunable plant and needs full sun to partial shade.

Ficus pumila (Ficus repens) (Creeping Fig)
This species takes the form of an evergreen vine and is best in zones 8-24, H2, H2 or as an indoor plant. Creeping Fig is native to China, Japan, and Australia, and attaches itself like a barnacle to structures. It can grow in sun or shade, but can burn if sun is too intense. Bears long, oblong fruits. Cut to the ground every few years to keep it in check, and control by removing fruiting stems from time to time. Roots are invasive. Varieties include 'Minima' (with shorter, narrower leaves), 'Variegata' (with white markings on foliage), and Ficus pumila quercifolia (also called Ficus pumila 'Oakleaf', with small lobed leaves that resemble those of Oak trees.)

Ficus racemosa (Cluster Fig, Red River Fig, Gular)
This species is native to Australia and tropical Asia, and is a fast-growing plant with large, rough leaves. Fruits grow on tree trunks instead of at branch tips in this species, and are eaten as a vegetable in the plant's native range (Australia and tropical Asia). 

Ficus rubiginosa (Rustyleaf Fig)
Evergreen species of tree that grows well in zones 18-24, H1 and H2 and is native to Australia. It can be single or multi-trunked, and reaches 20-50 feet tall and 30-50 feet wide. Foliage is dense, deep green with rusty undersides, and produces hanging aerial roots. Varieties include 'Variegata' (with mottled green and cream foliage), and Ficus rubinosa australis, which has a less pronounced rusty color on leaf bottoms. This species requires full sun for best performance.

Ficus variegata (Common Red Stem Fig, Green Fruited Fig, Variegated Fig)
This species of Ficus forms a non-strangling plant that can reach up to 100 feet tall when mature. Trees are evergreen when young, but become briefly deciduous when established. This species is native to Asia, the Pacific Islands and Australia, and produces fruits that are favorites of local wildlife.

Ficus watkinsiana (Watkin's Fig, Strangler Fig, Green-Leaved Moreton Bay Fig)
Endemic to Australia, these plants are an introduced species in Hawai'i. Individual trees reach up to 160 feet tall and produce deep purple to black fruits. It is a strangler-type fit, and is a very important source of sustenance for local wildlife.

Caring for and pruning Ficus Trees

Plant Ficus trees in a spot that receives bright, indirect sunlight. They can take some direct sun, but make sure that during the warmest parts of the day they receive a good amount of shade, as this intense heat and light can burn foliage. A spot in the garden with dappled sunlight or filtered shade is best for these trees, especially when they are young and just getting established. They typically prefer high humidity, so planting them in a sheltered area that is not exposed to drying winds, or planting next to an outdoor fountain or water feature is suggested. Container-grown Ficus trees should be planted in pots with great drainage holes at the bottom, and a potting soil amended with plenty of perlite and organic matter should be used as a substrate. Growing Ficus in containers will allow for them to be moved when cooler temperatures come around in fall and winter. These trees like well-draining soil, and can develop root rot issues if in poorly draining substrate. Water trees regularly, especially after installation as they develop a strong root system. Mature trees should be watered only when the top inch or two of soil is dry. Do not over-water these trees, as doing so can lead to root rot issues. During warmer months of the year, increase waterings to account for increased evaporation of soil moisture. After planting, apply a layer of organic mulch to the soil surface to suppress weed growth, maintain soil temperature, and increase soil moisture retention.

Pruning is simple for Figs; it involves removing dead, damaged and diseased branches and any that cross. Leggy growth (stems with few leaves) can be cut back if trees are outgrowing their space or if a bushier habit is desired. These trees do not need much in the way of fertilizing. A simple yearly springtime application of organic compost is sufficient to support growth, flowering and fruiting for the year. If trees seem to be struggling, or they are not producing well, they may benefit from a feeding with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in springtime. These trees are susceptible to cold damage under 50 degrees Fahrenheit; in-ground trees can be covered with frost cloth during cooler times of the year, and those grown in containers can simply be moved indoors or to a sheltered location. 

​Harvesting Fig Trees
Typically, Fig fruits are mature and ready for harvest from the middle of summertime to early fall. Some types of figs have one harvest per year, others have two (or sometimes more). This depends on the species, cultivar, and climate in which the figs are grown. Factors that can affect when figs ripen include weather patterns, plant care, and whether the figs are grown outdoors or inside a greenhouse. A good way to check to see if a fig is ripe is to make a cut with a blade or a fingernail on the fruit stem. If it does not exude milky sap, it is ripe. Fresh figs can be kept in the refrigerator for up to three days.

Caring for Fig Trees Indoors
There are many Ficus trees that are commonly grown indoors, including Ficus benjamina, Ficus elastica, and Ficus lyrata. Containers for indoor Figs must have adequate drainage holes to avoid root rot issues from taking hold. Place indoor Ficus trees in bright spaces with indirect, filtered light. About six hours of indirect sun per day is ideal for best growth and performance. They should be kept away from direct, harsh sunlight and drafty areas like near windows, doors, and vents. Water trees when the top inch or two of soil feels dry, and avoid over-watering. Repotting is best done in springtime; simply grab a pot that is about 2 inches wider than the previous one, fill the bottom with new, well-draining substrate, and place the root ball on top, filling in around the sides as you go. Indoor figs enjoy high humidity, so if they are in a climate-controlled space (which tend to be a bit dry), they will need to be sprayed from time to time. Dust leaves regularly to keep them photosynthesizing well. Fig trees do not typically produce fruits when grown indoors.

Propagation

Ficus trees can be propagated either by using cuttings or from seed. To ensure that your propagated plant will have the exact same qualities and characteristics as the parent plant, use the cutting method. If you would like to experiment and see what plant you can grow from seed, just keep in mind that it will not necessarily be the same as the parent plant. To propagate your tree, follow the instructions below:

Propagating Ficus by Cutting
  1. Gather your materials. You'll need a clean, sanitized, sharp pair of garden shears, a cup, and a 3-inch pot filled with well-draining compost or other organic material. If you don't have any potting medium on hand, you can make some. Just mix together equal parts (by volume) moss peat and horticultural-grade sand or grit sand.
  2. In spring or early summertime, choose the plant that you'd like to propagate. Ensure that this plant has had a good watering the night before, as this will improve the chances your cutting will take root. Cut one or more 6 inch portion(s) of the end of a non-blooming branch and strip the leaves off of the lower half. Make a hole in your planting medium by pushing your pencil into the soil. Dip the end of the stem in rooting hormone, and plant it in your pot. Fill in soil around the cutting to support it, but do not pack it down too much.
  3. Moisten with water, and ensure that the pot has good drainage. Your pot should be kept in warm, sunny conditions indoors (and not in direct sunlight). Water whenever your soil is dry under the top layer. After about four to six weeks have passed, your cutting should be rooted. When you notice new growth, you'll know you have roots.
  4. Keep your new plant in an area with bright light (though not direct sunlight) and temperatures between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until the next spring, when you can transplant it to its new home. Ensure that the last frost of the year has occurred before doing this, as it can seriously damage your new shrub.

Propagating Ficus by Seed
  1. Keep in mind that the plant you get from seed will not necessarily mimic all of the characteristics of the parent plant. To propagate by seed, you will need a paper bag, a pot or tray filled with well-draining compost or other organic material, a spray bottle and a fork. If you don't have any potting medium on hand, you can make some. Just mix together equal parts (by volume) moss peat and horticultural-grade sand or grit sand. You will also, after a few weeks, need individual 3-inch pots for each seedling that grows.
  2. Harvest your seeds. Seeds of Ficus trees are contained inside of the fruits produced in summer and fall. When ripe, they will be squishy when gently pressed, and tend to droop down from their stem attachment. They will have a sugary sweet smell. Remove seeds from the fruit, rinse off any flesh, and lay them out on a flat surface to dry. 
  3. Water your prepared seed tray or pot filled with soil, and ensure that good drainage is occurring. Place your seeds in your prepared pot or seed tray about a centimeter under the soil surface. Cover them with soil and water with your spray bottle. Place your tray of seeds in a warm area that receives bright, indirect light. A greenhouse is the most ideal climate, but a planting tray inside a window will do as well. Germination usually takes 7-14 days from sowing. Once you begin to see seedlings sprout and they are able to be handled, transplant them to their own individual 3-inch pots, filled with the same potting medium as described in Step 1. Loosen the seedlings from the potting medium by digging down with the tines of your fork about an inch and a half, gently working the seedling up until it is out. Then, replant the seedling in its individual pot.
  4. Keep the seedling's potting medium moist, but not wet, by spraying the soil with your spray bottle. Keep your new plant in an area with bright light (though not direct sunlight) and temperatures between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until the next spring (after the danger of frost has passed), when you can transplant it to its new home.
Ficus seeds are contained inside of the edible fruits produced by mature trees.
Fig seeds are very small, and there can be anywhere between 30 and 1,600 seeds per fruit.

Problems and Pests

Ficus trees are susceptible to developing problems with the following pests and diseases:
  • Anthracnose
  • Bacterial Leaf Spot
  • Branch Dieback
  • Foliar Nemotode
  • Leaf Drop
  • Mealybugs
  • Scale Insects
  • Spider Mites
  • Aphids
For more information on these issues, consult the following pages:
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Gallery

Fig trees are wonderful additions to any landscape.
These fast-growing trees typically have very large leaves.
Fig trees do well as espaliers.
Fig fruits vary in skin color and edibility; the most commonly cultivated variety for consumption is Ficus carica.
Ficus trees are easily propagated.
Mature fig trees can become very large, and are not suitable for most home gardens.
Fig trees can be grown in containers for increased ease of moving them indoors during cooler weather.
Banyan trees, a type of fig tree with copious aerial roots, are very impressive.
Wasps are fig trees' main pollinators, and from time to time get stuck inside of fruits as they develop.

Videos

How to grow Ficus indoors.
Learn about these hardy trees.
Learn about the mighty Banyan tree, a type of Ficus.
Watch as the Lahaina Banyan tree comes back to life after fire damage.

Resources

Harvesting and Storing Fresh Figs - When and How to Harvest Figs
Ficus Diseases
Wikipedia: List of Ficus Species
Wikipedia: Ficus
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Pages 321 - 323, Ficus, Fig
If you have any questions, comments, concerns, or photos you’d like to add to the gallery, please let me know by sending me a message using the button below!
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