Ficus Family (Moraceae)

The Ficus genus within the Moraceae family offers some of the most iconic houseplants in the world. From the ever-popular Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica) and the trendy Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata) to the classic Weeping Fig (Ficus benjamina) and the compact Ficus pumila, this group includes large architectural statement plants and trailing groundcovers alike.

Stability is key — Ficus hate being moved; choose a spot and stick with it.

Leaf drop after moving is normal; the plant will recover once it adjusts.

Bright, indirect light is the sweet spot for most indoor Ficus.

Fiddle Leaf Figs need consistent moisture but excellent drainage.

Wipe large glossy leaves (Rubber Plant, Fiddle Leaf) regularly for best appearance.

Keep away from cold drafts and heating vents — dramatic temperature swings cause leaf drop.

Fertilise regularly in the growing season; Ficus are hungry plants when healthy.

Repot in spring when roots emerge from the drainage holes.

Prune to control size and encourage branching — wear gloves as the sap is a skin irritant.

All Ficus produce a milky latex sap that is toxic to pets and humans.

Bright, indirect light. Ficus elastica tolerates lower light than Ficus lyrata. The Fiddle Leaf Fig needs a very bright spot — directly next to a large window — to thrive. Insufficient light leads to leaf drop and poor growth.

18–29°C. Ficus are tropical and suffer at temperatures below 13°C. They are especially sensitive to cold drafts from open windows or air conditioning.

Allow the top 3–5 cm of soil to dry between waterings. The Fiddle Leaf Fig is particularly sensitive to both overwatering (root rot) and underwatering (brown leaf edges). Water consistently and do not allow the plant to dry out completely.

50–60% is ideal. Brown, crispy leaf edges on Ficus often indicate low humidity. Grouping with other plants or using a pebble tray helps in Nepal's dry winter season.

Every 2 years in spring, or when roots circle the inside of the pot. Size up by 3–5 cm. Large Ficus can be top-dressed (replace the top 5 cm of soil) annually instead of full repotting.

Well-draining but moisture-retentive: 50% potting mix, 25% perlite, 15% coco coir, 10% worm castings. Good aeration prevents root rot while retaining enough moisture.

Every 2–4 weeks during spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertiliser (e.g., 10-10-10 NPK). Reduce to monthly in autumn and stop in winter when growth slows.

Pro Tip: If your Fiddle Leaf Fig keeps dropping leaves, stop intervening. Move it to your brightest window, water consistently (same day each week), and leave it alone. These plants reward routine and punish fussing.

Stem cuttings: cut below a leaf node, allow the latex to dry for 30 minutes, root in water or moist perlite. Air layering works excellently for tall, leggy Fiddle Leaf Figs and Rubber Plants.

Spider mites — common in dry conditions; treat with neem oil spray.

Scale insects — on stems and leaf undersides; remove manually and treat with horticultural oil.

Mealybugs — in leaf axils; treat with isopropyl alcohol.

Root rot — from overwatering; allow soil to dry, improve drainage, consider repotting.