Watering, leaf drop, location & varieties
The ficus is the classic among houseplants — and at the same time the plant that frustrates most people. Because it loses leaves. Constantly.
When people say “ficus,” they usually mean Ficus benjamina — the weeping fig. In the 1980s and 1990s, it stood in every living room, every office, every doctor’s practice. And it drove generations of plant owners crazy because it drops leaves whenever anything changes. New spot? Leaves drop. Drafts? Leaves drop. Too much water? Leaves drop.
But ficus is more than just the moody weeping fig. The Ficus genus includes over 800 varieties — including the trendy fiddle-leaf fig (Ficus lyrata) and the hardy rubber plant (Ficus elastica). Here you’ll find out which ficus suits whom best and how to get leaf drop under control.
Quick profile: Ficus
Botanical name: Ficus (Moraceae family)
Origin: Tropics worldwide
Varieties: over 800
Hardy: No (min. 15°C)
Location: Bright, no direct sun
Watering: Moderate, even
Height indoors: 1–3 m
Difficulty: medium (Benjamina) to easy (Elastica)
An overview of ficus varieties
Ficus benjamina (weeping fig) — the classic. Small, glossy leaves, elegant growth habit, often with a braided trunk. Beautiful, but sensitive to changes in location. Produced by the millions in the Netherlands.
Ficus lyrata (fiddle-leaf fig) — the trend plant of recent years. Large, violin-shaped leaves that resemble musical instruments. Needs more light than the weeping fig and is a bit more demanding, but less fussy about leaf drop.
Ficus elastica (rubber plant) — the tough one. Large, leathery, dark green leaves (or burgundy-colored in the 'Abidjan' variety). Much easier to care for than Benjamina and Lyrata. Also tolerates darker spots.
Ficus microcarpa 'Ginseng' — the bonsai ficus. Bulbous aerial roots, small leaves, compact growth. Often sold as a beginner-friendly bonsai. Hardy and decorative.
Why is my ficus losing leaves?
The question of all questions. When a ficus loses leaves, it’s its way of reacting to stress. And stress can mean many things:
- Changing location — the most common reason. Every time you move a ficus, it drops leaves. Solution: Find a good spot and leave it there.
- Drafts — Ficus hates drafts. Don’t place it next to open windows, doors, or radiators.
- Overwatering or underwatering — both lead to leaf drop. Water evenly and let the soil dry slightly between waterings.
- Too little light — especially in winter. Move it to a brighter spot or use a grow light.
- Dry heating air — mist regularly in winter.
Tip: If your ficus drops leaves after purchase — don’t panic. That’s normal. It’s adjusting to its new location. After a few weeks, it will stabilize and grow new leaves. Don’t move it, don’t water more, just leave it alone.
Watering Ficus
When watering ficus, consistency is key. Let the top layer of soil dry slightly, then water thoroughly. Pour away any excess water from the saucer. In summer, about once a week; in winter, every ten to fourteen days.
The rubber plant (F. elastica) tolerates a bit more dryness than the weeping fig. The fiddle-leaf fig (F. lyrata) likes evenly moist soil, but never wet. All ficus varieties hate waterlogging.
Ficus Location
Bright, but no direct midday sun. Morning or evening sun is fine. The rubber plant also tolerates darker corners, while the fiddle-leaf fig needs the most light. All ficus varieties like consistent temperatures (18–25°C) and dislike drafts.
Once you’ve found the right spot: leave it there. Don’t rotate it, don’t move it, and don’t carry it back and forth. Your ficus will reward you with stable, healthy foliage.
Ficus at MoBlumen Vienna
Ficus in various varieties — from EUR 25.00, delivery in Vienna.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ficus
The rubber plant (Ficus elastica). It tolerates darker spots, is less sensitive to drafts, and drops leaves far less often than the weeping fig.
Mildly toxic. The milky sap can cause skin irritation and may upset the stomach if swallowed. Keep out of reach of children and pets. Wear gloves when pruning.
Yes, in spring. Ficus also tolerates heavy pruning well and reliably sprouts again. Milky sap will ooze out when cut — wear gloves and place newspaper underneath, as the sap can stain.
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