🌿 Species guide
🪴 Ficus
🌿 In brief
The easiest: Ficus Elastica · The most popular: Ficus Lyrata · The most delicate: Ficus Benjamina · The most original: Ficus Ginseng bonsai · Universal rule: bright indirect light, no sudden moves, all toxic to animals
The Ficus genus includes more than 800 species — about fifteen have become classics of interior decoration. Elastica, Lyrata, Benjamina, Benghalensis, Ginseng... each variety has its personality, requirements, and strengths. This guide covers them all.
How to choose your Ficus?
First of all, a question of light. All indoor Ficus need good indirect light — but their tolerances vary. The Elastica accepts partial shade, the Lyrata requires the best window in the room. Then, a question of size and style: tree Ficus (Benjamina, Microcarpa) bring lightness and structure; large foliage (Lyrata, Elastica, Benghalensis) dominate the space with grandeur.
⚠️ Ficus and pets
All Ficus contain irritating latex — toxic to cats and dogs if ingested. Always place out of reach of animals. See our complete guide on plants and pets.
Ficus Elastica — The rubber plant
The Ficus Elastica is undoubtedly the most robust and versatile indoor Ficus. Its large thick oval shiny leaves give it an immediate presence, and its care is accessible even to beginners. It comes in several varieties with very different colors — enough to suit all interiors.
The most classic variety — large shiny dark green leaves, upright and elegant habit. It is the quintessential rubber plant, robust, undemanding, forgiving missed watering and light variations better than most Ficus.
See the Robusta →
The variety with very dark burgundy-purple leaves, almost black in dim light. The Abidjan is ideal for creating a dramatic contrast in a contemporary or Scandinavian interior. Same robustness as the Robusta, with a darker and more assertive aesthetic.
See the Abidjan →
The most elegant variegated rubber plant — its leaves blend green, cream, and pale pink in a subtle gradient. The Tineke needs a bit more light than the Robusta to keep its variegation. In insufficient light, its leaves gradually turn green again.
See the Tineke →
Similar to the Tineke but with more pronounced pink shades on the leaf edges. The Belize is one of the most colorful Elastica — its new leaves appear almost entirely pink before stabilizing. A renewed visual spectacle with each growth.
See the Belize →💡 Specific care for Ficus Elastica
Water when the top 3 cm of substrate are dry — about once a week in summer, once every 2 weeks in winter. Clean the leaves regularly with a damp cloth to keep their shine. Do not move the pot without reason — the Elastica may lose some leaves in response to a change of location.
Ficus Lyrata — The lyre fig tree
The Ficus Lyrata has become in a few years the most coveted decorative plant for contemporary interiors. Its huge violin-shaped, textured, bright green leaves create an immediate visual impact. More demanding than the Elastica, it rewards those who find the right spot for it.
The branched version of the Lyrata — several stems that divide to form a true indoor tree. It is one of the most spectacular plants available for indoors. It needs the best window in the room, proper humidity, and a stable location. In return, it can reach 2–3 meters indoors.
See the branched Lyrata →⚠️ Ficus Lyrata: mistakes to avoid
The Lyrata is sensitive to moves, drafts, and dry air. Choose its final location from the start — near the best window in the room — and do not move it anymore. If leaves fall after installation, be patient: the plant usually acclimates within 2 to 4 weeks.
Ficus Benjamina — The weeping tree
The Ficus Benjamina is the quintessential Ficus tree — a slender trunk, a crown of fine, shiny leaves, an airy and light form. It is also the most temperamental of the family: it easily loses its leaves as soon as something changes in its environment. But once well settled, it stabilizes and grows steadily.
The Danielle variety is one of the most stable of the Benjamina — its shiny dark green leaves are slightly thicker than classic varieties, making it a bit more tolerant to environmental variations. Beautiful dense crown and true apartment tree habit.
Discover the Danielle →
The Panaché Benjamina — its leaves finely edged with cream white give it a very elegant lightness. The Twilight needs a bit more light than the Danielle to maintain its Panaché. An apartment tree with a sophisticated look, ideal in a bright interior.
Discover the Twilight →
The miniature and more compact version of the Panaché Benjamina — perfect for an office or a shelf. The Kinky is known to be slightly more tolerant to variations than large Benjaminas. Its small finely Panaché cream and green leaves are very decorative.
Discover the Kinky →💡 My Ficus Benjamina is losing its leaves — what to do?
This is the normal reaction to a change in conditions. Do not move it anymore. Check that it is away from drafts and radiators. Maintain regular watering without excess. Most Benjaminas stabilize and produce new leaves 3–6 weeks after installation. See also our problem diagnosis guide.
Ficus Benghalensis — The Audrey
The Ficus Benghalensis — often sold under the name "Audrey" — is the new star of design interiors. Its large matte green oval leaves with very marked ivory white veins give it a unique botanical look, very different from the Elastica. It is often presented as easier than the Lyrata for a similar visual result.
The Ficus Benghalensis 'Joy' is a horticultural selection with large and very decorative leaves, with particularly marked ivory veins. It grows more compactly than the Lyrata but offers a comparable visual impact. Less sensitive to moves than the Lyrata or the Benjamina.
Discover the Benghalensis Joy →
The XXL and multi-stem version — three trunks growing together to form an impressive indoor tree. The Audrey 3 stems is a centerpiece decoration — to place in a large living room or a bright entrance. Its dense foliage and ivory veins make it one of the most beautiful Ficus available.
Discover the Audrey 3 stems →
The small size version — ideal to discover the Benghalensis family without investing in a large format. Its leaves with characteristic ivory veins are already very decorative even in compact format. An excellent starting point to test the species before moving to larger.
Discover the compact →Other notable varieties
The Ficus Microcarpa Moclame stands out with its round, thick, shiny dark green leaves, more compact than those of the Benjamina. Its dense habit and sometimes exposed sculptural trunk make it a highly appreciated architectural plant. Less sensitive to drafts than the Benjamina.
Discover the Ficus Microcarpa →
The Ficus Binnendijkii is the Ficus with long narrow drooping leaves — halfway between the Benjamina and a weeping willow. Its flexible and airy habit is very different from other large-leaf Ficus. More tolerant of variations than the Benjamina, it is often recommended as a more robust alternative.
Discover the Alii →
The Ficus Ginseng is grown in bonsai style with its exposed and swollen aerial roots — characteristic and immediately recognizable. It brings a very particular zen and natural touch. More lively and less rigid than a traditional bonsai, it is accessible even without bonsai experience.
Discover the Ginseng →
The large format version of the Ginseng — a mature bonsai with an imposing trunk and very developed roots. A true exceptional piece, this XXL bonsai is both a collector's item and a plant. Ideal as a centerpiece in a living room or entrance.
Discover the Ginseng Bonsai →
The Ficus Cyathistipula is one of the least known Ficus but among the most resilient indoors. Its shiny dark green foliage with thick oval leaves allows it to tolerate variable light conditions. A great alternative for those who want a sturdy and low-maintenance Ficus.
Discover the Cyathistipula →
The only truly fruiting Ficus in the selection — a dwarf organic fig tree that can produce real figs in a pot with enough light. Its large characteristic cut leaves are very decorative. Place in full sun (south window) or on a sunny balcony in summer.
See all Ficus carica →Quick comparison
| Variety | Light | Difficulty | Adult size | Sensitivity to moving | Toxic to animals |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elastica Robusta | Partial shade to light | ⭐ Easy | 1–3 m | Low | Yes |
| Elastica Tineke/Belize | Bright light | ⭐ Easy | 1–2 m | Low | Yes |
| Branched Lyrata | Bright light | ⭐⭐ Moderate | 1.5–3 m | Medium | Yes |
| Benjamina | Bright light | ⭐⭐ Delicate | 1.5–3 m | High | Yes |
| Benghalensis/Audrey | Bright light | ⭐⭐ Moderate | 1.5–2.5 m | Low | Yes |
| Microcarpa Moclame | Partial shade | ⭐⭐ Moderate | 1–2 m | Medium | Yes |
| Binnendijkii Alii | Partial shade | ⭐ Easy | 1.5–2.5 m | Low | Yes |
| Ginseng bonsai | Bright light | ⭐⭐ Moderate | 40–70 cm | Medium | Yes |
| Cyathistipula | Partial shade | ⭐ Hardy | 1–2 m | Low | Yes |
| Carica (fig tree) | Full sun | ⭐⭐ Moderate | 1–1.5 m | Low | Yes |
General care for Ficus
Light: the non-negotiable condition
All indoor Ficus need bright indirect light. The rule: place your Ficus near the best window in the room, without direct sun that would burn the leaves. Lyrata and Benghalensis are the most demanding — less than 2 meters from a south- or west-facing window. Elastica and Binnendijkii tolerate partial shade. Check our light and humidity guide to better understand the levels.
Watering: not too much, not too little
Water when the top 2–3 centimeters of soil are dry. In summer, this is about once a week; in winter, once every 10–15 days. Always use the finger test. Never let water sit in the saucer — Ficus are sensitive to root rot.
Do not move
This is the most important rule with Ficus, especially with Benjamina and Lyrata. Choose the final location from the start and do not move the pot. If you must move your Ficus, do it gradually over several days and expect temporary leaf loss.
Repotting
Repot in spring (March-April) when roots come out of the drainage holes, into a pot 2–3 cm larger in diameter. A well-established Ficus can stay in the same pot for 2–3 years. To learn all about repotting, consult the complete repotting guide.
Fertilization
Fertilize with a balanced liquid fertilizer every 15 days from March to September. Do not add fertilizer in winter — Ficus plants slow down their growth and excess mineral salts can burn the roots.
Common problems and solutions
| Symptom | Likely cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Massive leaf drop | Moving, draft, change in light | Place back in a stable spot, stop moving, wait 4–6 weeks |
| Yellow leaves | Overwatering or waterlogged substrate | Let dry, check drainage, reduce watering frequency. See the yellow leaves guide |
| Leaves browning on the edges | Air too dry or sunburn | Move away from direct sun, increase ambient humidity, mist |
| Soft and drooping leaves | Lack of water or suffocated roots | Check the substrate with the finger test, water if dry, check drainage if wet |
| Panaché fading | Insufficient light | Move closer to a light source — Panaché varieties need more light than green ones |
| Scale insects or red spider mites | Dry air, water stress | Treat with neem oil or a natural insecticide, increase humidity. See the diagnostic guide |
Verdeia Collection
All indoor Ficus
Elastica, Lyrata, Benjamina, Benghalensis, Ginseng — a complete selection of Ficus for all interiors and all light levels.
Frequently asked questions
Leaf drop is almost always linked to a change in conditions: moving, draft, variation in light or temperature. The Benjamina is particularly sensitive. The solution: find a stable spot with good indirect light, stop moving the pot, and be patient — the Ficus usually stabilizes in 3–6 weeks. Check our diagnostic guide if leaf drop persists.
The Ficus Elastica has large, thick, shiny oval leaves — sturdy, tolerates partial shade, ideal for beginners. The Ficus Lyrata has very large violin-shaped textured leaves — more spectacular but more demanding in light and more sensitive to moving. For a beginner or a moderately bright room: the Elastica. For the best window in a living room: the Lyrata.
Water when the top 2–3 centimeters of soil are dry — always use the finger test. In summer: about once a week. In winter: once every 10–15 days. The Lyrata and Benjamina are thirstier than the Elastica. Never let water stagnate in the saucer.
Bright indirect light — near a window facing east, west, or south, without direct sun. The Lyrata and Audrey need the best possible light. The Elastica and Binnendijkii tolerate partial shade better. See our guide light and humidity.
Yes — all Ficus contain irritating latex that is toxic to cats and dogs. Always place out of reach. If your pet ingests leaves, consult a vet. For a pet-friendly home, see our guide plants and pets and our selection of pet-friendly plants.
For a beginner or someone who wants an easy plant: the Elastica without hesitation — more robust, more tolerant, less sensitive to moves. For someone who wants a Ficus tree with finer, airier foliage and can offer it a stable spot with good light: the Benjamina. For the Lyrata, check our comparison how to choose your XXL plant.
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Find your ideal Ficus
From compact for the office to XXL for the living room — each Ficus comes with its personalized care sheet.
