Indoor Ficus Plants – How to Care for this Indoor Gardening Favorite?

Ficus plants are one of the most preferred houseplants. They are commonly used in household settings and offices. There are a few potential reasons behind the popularity of the plant species. To begin with, the plant is much easy to grow and maintain. Moreover, they are available in a variety of shapes and sizes from bushy ground covers to towering trees. 

There is a shape for all preferences and styles. The Ficus plants are also famously used as foliage plants for growing as ornamental houseplants. However, one of the common problems persisting with these plants is that they can be temperamental and finicky. Therefore, you should know the proper way to take care of this indoor gardening favorite. Go through this article to know about the essential pointers to keep in mind while dealing with Ficus. 

Factors to Consider while taking care of Ficus Plants

The Ficus plants have a unique feature of growing in the shape of a tree irrespective of the size of the plant. This means that the Ficus plants are perfect for bonsais or huge houseplants in large and spacious rooms. Moreover, the plants can withstand indoor conditions like low light or humidity. However, it is essential to consider some fundamental factors for developing the Ficus into a healthy plant. Let us look at the factors as stated below.

1. Light

The plants prefer medium-bright indirect or soft light. The light should not be too much bright as it might burn the leaves of the plant. This means that the plant can be placed adjacent to a window that lets in the light after passing it through a translucent material like frosted glass or blinds. If such a setting cannot be arranged, then consider moving the plant away from the window. Therefore, it is crucial to remember that Ficus plants love bright light and not hot light. 

2. Humidity 

This is another important factor that has to be considered. The level of humidity preferred by the plant can be traced back to its place of origin. Ficus plants originally belong to the tropical regions. Therefore, it is essential to recreate or mirror the tropical environments to keep the plant happy and healthy. If you reside in a location dominated by cold temperatures then it is recommended to create the required amount of humidity around the plant by using hairspray or purchase a humidifier. 

3. Temperature

It is essential to engage in providing the perfect required temperature to plants as they cannot regulate their body temperatures and are completely dependent on the outside environment. In the case of Ficus, you can do this by checking the indoor temperatures. Make sure that you do not place the plant near a circulating or heating vent, a door that is the passageway to the outside, or a window, which can freeze in the winter. Ficus plants love constant temperatures and cannot withstand frequent fluctuations. Their ultra-sensitive temperature receptors take around four weeks to get familiar with any new environment like the owner’s home from the local nursery. 

4. Watering Schedule

This is another crucial factor, which is necessary to consider for keeping the Ficus plant healthy. For obtaining the best results, it is recommended to plant the Ficus in a container, which is larger by 2 to 3 inches in comparison to the pot in which it was grown in the nursery. Moreover, the container or the pot should also have an efficient drainage system. Growers shall be mindful of the fact that there are varieties of containers available in the market. Some might look spectacular. However, it is important to get one with a good drainage system. Let us look at some of the essential tips that have to be followed while watering the plant.

• A container with a good drainage system that prevents waterlogging is essential.
• If the container does not have a good drainage system, then it becomes difficult to modulate the amount, as the water sitting at the bottom of the pot cannot be measured.
• You should water the plant when 2 to 3 inches of the top layer of the soil dries up. 
• For understanding whether the topsoil has dried or not, use the knuckles of your finger.
• It should also be remembered that the larger the plant size, the more water it will need.
• For better understanding, a Ficus, which is planted in a container of a size of 12 inches, should be fed with around 1.5 liters of water in a week in the summers.
• In the winter season, the plant shall not need so much water.

As a first-time grower, you should not worry about the plant shedding leaves. Ficus plants are very sensitive and might take time to adjust to indoor environments. Once the correct watering schedule is identified, you will be able to get one of the stunning Ficus plants. 

5. Fertilizers

All varieties of plants require nutrients during the vegetative stage for healthy growth. The Ficus plants should be fed with pellets filled with fertilizers so that they are slowly released into the ground. Moreover, this should be done during the growing season of the plant. Furthermore, the fertilization process should be carried out once each month during the spring and summer seasons. On the other hand, the process shall be done once every two months during the winter. 

6. Toxicity

The plant can be toxic if ingested. Growers should understand that the Ficus plant could prove to have toxic effects if ingested by cats or dogs. It can lead to gastrointestinal and oral irritations. Therefore, it is not safe for the pets in the house. If you have pets in the house that chew on just about anything, then it is recommended to have the plant out of their reach or consider a different non-toxic houseplant variety. 

Steps for Pruning and Repotting the Ficus plants

These are some of the essential activities to which the Ficus plant shall be subjected. Let us look at the steps for pruning the plant.

• Pruning the Ficus plant is essential for keeping it in the desired shape and size.
• Trim the newly growing branches and leaves to the safest extreme so that the plant is not damaged much.
• Try to prune the plant between the leaves so that it does not lose its original shape. 
• Pruning can also help to reduce the size of the leaves. 

Now, that we have learned about pruning the plant, let us look into the steps for repotting the Ficus plant. 

• One of the concerns with a healthy Ficus is done that it will outgrow the container very fast
• Repotting should be done once in two years to reduce the growing speed of the plant and to maintain it in the desired size. 
• Remember to use a high-quality fresh soil mix when repotting the plant.
• The Ficus plants can be easily repotted.
• When the root system has filled the container, the plant should be shifted to a new pot.
• The growers should be mindful of the fact that the root system of the Ficus plant should not be pot-bound. Moreover, it should be repotted before that. 
• After repotting the plant, keep it in a shade for a few weeks and water it enough so that the root system grows well. 

Handy tips to take care of the Ficus plant

Let us look at some of the tips for taking care of the Ficus plants.

• The plant requires a good level of humidity to grow. Ensure that the humidity is maintained with the help of hairspray or a dehumidifier.
• Moreover, the pot or the container might be kept on a bed of pebbles with water under it for humidity purposes. However, it should be checked that the bottom of the container does not touch the water level, as this could lead to root rot and other issues.
• While watering the plant, it is essential to check the topsoil. If it remains moist, then it is still not the time to water the Ficus.
• The Ficus plants, which have shiny leaves, should be cleaned regularly for keeping them free of dust.

Conclusion

You should take care of your Ficus plant in the above-mentioned ways. The plant can be a wonderful addition to the indoor garden and can enhance the aesthetic value of the space. However, it is crucial to take good care of it for the best results. 

FAQs

1. What does it mean if the plant loses bottom leaves?

The Ficus plant is very sensitive and might lose the bottom leaves. Let the plant get accustomed to the indoor environment.

2. What does it mean if the Ficus plant has brown leaf edges?

If the plant has brown leaf edges, then it might be due to under watering schedules, low light, or humidity.

3. What does it mean if the plant has dry leaves?

The plant might have dry leaves due to too much direct sunlight or low humidity.