Ficus Complete Guide: From Buying to Growing With Confidence

Each ficus variety handles temperature and humidity a bit differently.
Ficus benjamina prefers average indoor temperatures of 18 to 24°C but can tolerate a wider range from 16 to 29°C. Misting helps reduce stress, particularly during seasonal changes when leaf drop is common.

Ficus elastica grows best between 18 to 27°C and dislikes sudden environmental shifts. It’s important to maintain steady indoor warmth and avoid moving the plant frequently.

Ficus lyrata favors similar temperature ranges but tends to need higher humidity than other species. It is especially sensitive to dry air and benefits from occasional leaf misting.

Ficus pumila is the most temperature-tolerant, surviving down to -1°C when used outdoors in Zones 8 or 9, though it grows best between 13 to 29°C. It demands moderate to high humidity and will yellow or rot if the environment becomes too dry or wet.

Watering routines vary significantly among the four species.
Ficus benjamina should be watered only when the top 5 cm of soil has dried out. Overwatering during leaf drop periods can worsen stress, so it’s better to water less in winter when growth slows.

Ficus elastica prefers lightly moist soil from spring through summer and drier conditions in the colder months, allowing the top 2.5 cm to dry out before watering again. Consistency is key, and it's best to use room-temperature water.

Ficus lyrata needs more water than the others. Its soil should stay lightly moist throughout the year, though care must be taken to avoid soggy conditions. This species is sensitive to both underwatering and overwatering.

Ficus pumila requires the most frequent watering of the four, with soil kept evenly moist from spring through summer and reduced slightly in winter. It thrives in moist, humid environments and is less tolerant of dryness.

All four species thrive in well-draining soil, but their preferences vary slightly. Ficus benjamina performs well in any quality potting mix that allows water to drain easily and retains some moisture. It doesn’t need specialized blends. Ficus elastica prefers a peat-based mix that provides airflow and gentle water retention. A standard indoor plant mix with added peat or coco coir works well. Ficus lyrata benefits from a heavier soil blend amended with peat moss. The mix should retain some moisture but allow excess water to drain without pooling. Ficus pumila grows well in typical potting soil and doesn’t need a rich mix, but drainage is important to prevent root rot—especially in terrarium setups or small pots.

Feeding needs are similar across ficus types but differ slightly in timing and formulation.
Ficus benjamina benefits from monthly feeding during the growing season using a balanced houseplant fertilizer, or a single application of time-release granules in spring.

Ficus elastica should be fertilized three to four times per year using a balanced mix that includes micronutrients. It also benefits from Epsom salts applied twice annually to prevent deficiencies.

Ficus lyrata responds best to three feedings annually using a nitrogen-rich foliage formula during spring, midsummer, and autumn.

Ficus pumila prefers light monthly feedings from spring through summer and should not be fed in winter when growth slows.

Potting: 
Ficus benjamina should be grown in a container that allows for height and airflow. Since it can reach 3 m indoors when mature, use a stable floor pot with enough depth to anchor its woody stem. Avoid frequent repositioning, as this plant dislikes being moved.

‍Ficus elastica also performs best in a sturdy, stable pot—especially as it sends out aerial roots. A heavier container helps prevent toppling as the plant grows broader and taller. Choose a pot with a wide base to accommodate its bushy growth habit and aerial rooting system.

‍Ficus lyrata requires a pot heavy enough to counterbalance its large, top-heavy leaves. A deep, weighted container is ideal. If height control is needed, planting in a smaller pot can help limit vertical growth. Keeping the pot size proportional to the plant also prevents excessive moisture buildup in the soil.

‍Ficus pumila, by contrast, is compact and spreading. It can be planted in small tabletop pots, terrariums, or moss-filled topiary forms. Choose a container that supports horizontal growth, such as shallow wide pots, and make sure it stays close to a steady light source like a lamp or window to support its trailing form.

Repotting:
Repotting frequency depends on the ficus species and how quickly it grows or spreads.
Ficus benjamina generally needs repotting every three years, ideally in late spring before active growth begins. It's sensitive to disturbance, so only repot when necessary. Ficus elastica should be repotted every two years or sooner if it develops aerial roots that crowd the soil. Avoid repotting when the plant is stressed or shedding leaves.

Ficus lyrata benefits from repotting every other year in spring, but many growers keep it in smaller pots to control height. Use a heavy container to support top-heavy plants and prevent tipping. Ficus pumila, especially when used as a topiary or in terrariums, should be repotted every two years. In high-humidity environments, annual repotting may be needed to refresh the soil and prevent root congestion.

Ficus elastica, cleaning is especially important because of its large, glossy leaves. Wipe each leaf with a damp cloth to restore its shine and allow the plant to breathe. Avoid using leaf-shine products.

‍Ficus lyrata also benefits from regular wiping, as its broad foliage can collect dust quickly and show spots if neglected. For

‍Ficus benjamina, misting helps clean its finer foliage while also maintaining humidity during seasonal changes, which reduces stress-related leaf drop.

‍Ficus pumila rarely needs individual leaf cleaning due to its tiny, dense growth. In its case, light misting or a gentle rinse under lukewarm water is enough to keep the foliage clean and hydrated.

Ficus benjamina should be pruned in spring or summer, thinning out taller branches to maintain a balanced shape. It's best to prune conservatively to avoid shock.

‍Ficus elastica can be pruned to encourage branching—lightly nicking the bark just below a leaf node can stimulate new growth from that point. Major pruning should be done only when the plant is actively growing.

‍Ficus lyrata benefits from pruning to maintain a tree-like form or reduce height. Remove damaged or uneven leaves and cut just above a node to encourage branching. Always use clean, sharp shears.

‍Ficus pumila grows quickly and may need regular trimming to keep it within bounds, especially when grown on a topiary form or along a wall. Trim to shape in spring and summer and remove any dry or leggy growth as needed.