Ficus

Ficus Types

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1. Weeping Fig (Ficus Benjamina)

Weeping fig (ficus benjamina)

This is probably the most popular type of ficus indoor tree.

The natural habitat of this plant can be found in Asia and Australia, but that’s also where it grows up to 100 feet of height.

Luckily for us, the ficus indoor plant only grows up to 10 feet tall, and that’s only in extreme cases. Most of them are around 3 to 5 feet tall, and this attribute is why they’re used to make bonsai trees.

The drooping branches of the weeping fig are delicate and elegant, with small and glossy oval leaves.

The weeping fig could flower and produce figs, but that can’t happen if you grow it inside because of the pollinating process.

So, if you’re wondering how to grow a fig tree you should skip this one.

The most important thing that you should remember about the weeping fig is that it really doesn’t like being disturbed and any sort of stress will result in it dropping its leaves.

2. Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus Lyrata)

Fiddle leaf fig (Ficus lyrata)

Yet another popular type of this tree, fiddle leaf fig naturally grows in rainforests in western Africa.

It isn’t as tall as the weeping fig, reaching up to 50 feet. But, the indoor plant can only get up to 6 feet tall at most.

The biggest difference between the weeping fig and the fiddle leaf fig is the size of the leaves.

The fiddle leaf fig has oval-shaped leaves that are much bigger than the weeping figs’, making the mature specimen of this plant a great eye-catching accessory.

Additionally, this plant looks more like a bush, while the weeping fig looks more like a small tree.

3. Rubber Plant (Ficus Elastica)

Rubber Plant (Ficus Elastica)

This one grows to be the tallest in the wild, but can be anywhere from a foot to 8 feet tall when grown indoors.

Similarly to the fiddle leaf fig, the rubber plant has big oval leaves that make it look so attractive.

The coloring and size of the plants’ leaves can vary depending on which type you want to choose. For example, Ficus elastica decora can have leaves that are up to a foot long, but Ficus elastica robusta has leaves even bigger than that.

When it comes to color, the Ficus elastica black prince has leaves the color of burgundy, making it exotic and interesting.

However, the fruits that this type produces are almost inedible.

Now that you know all about the most popular types, it’s time to get your hands dirty!

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