ficus
Ficus spp.
How do you care for ficus?
Light: Wants bright, indirect light — sensitive to both extremes. Too much direct sun causes burns, too little causes stretching. Water: Water when the top 1-2 inches of soil feel dry. Adjust with the seasons — less in winter, more in summer. Soil: Needs well-draining soil — add perlite or orchid bark to a standard potting mix. Good drainage is critical to prevent root rot.
About Ficus
Ficus (Ficus spp.) care guide from the PlantGrail knowledge base. Covers symptom diagnosis, disease treatment, pest control, propagation methods, care and lighting. Compare the symptoms and growing conditions before choosing a care step.
Ficus care at a glance
- Light
- Bright indirect. Wants bright, indirect light — sensitive to both extremes. Too much direct sun causes burns, too little causes stretching. Grow lights: Thrives under artificial grow lights (LED or fluorescent, 10-12 hours/day). A great option if your space lacks natural light.
- Watering
- Water when the top 1-2 inches of soil feel dry. Adjust with the seasons — less in winter, more in summer.
- Humidity
- Loves higher humidity (60%+). If your air is dry, group it with other plants, use a pebble tray, or run a humidifier nearby.
- Temperature
- Prefers moderate temperatures (60-80°F). Keep away from radiators and intense afternoon sun windows.
- Soil
- Needs well-draining soil — add perlite or orchid bark to a standard potting mix. Good drainage is critical to prevent root rot.
- Difficulty
- Beginner friendly
Common Ficus problems, answered
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Ficus Dropping Leaves: Why Weeping Figs Shed After a Move
A weeping fig (Ficus benjamina) drops leaves most often because its light changed: a move to a new room, a new home, or from a bright nursery to a dim interior. NC State Extension says it is very sensitive to light and regrows leaves suited to the new spot. Cold, drafts and a root zone that is too wet or too dry are the other common causes.
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Scale on Ficus: What the Bugs Look Like and How to Clear Them
Scale on a ficus looks like small tan to brown bumps lined up along leaf veins, on the leaf stalks and on young twigs, often with sticky leaves or a sticky floor below. Some are oval soft scales; others are flat, oyster-shell scales with tiny white males. They do not move and flake off under a fingernail.
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Repotting Ficus: When to Do It and How to Avoid Leaf Drop
Indoor ficus such as weeping fig, rubber plant and fiddle-leaf fig like snug roots and only need repotting when roots fill the pot, circle the bottom or grow out of the holes. Repot in late winter or spring, one size up, and expect a few leaves to drop while the plant adjusts.
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