15 Top Ficus Tree Varieties for Your Home

If you’re looking to bring stunning greenery into your home, ficus trees offer an impressive range of options that can transform any space. With over 850 known species, these versatile plants come in various sizes, from compact 6-inch varieties to towering 10-foot specimens. Each type brings its own unique features – whether it’s the Weeping Fig’s graceful branches or the Fiddle Leaf’s dramatic leaves – and they’ll thrive in your indoor environment with the right care approach.

1. Weeping Fig Tree

The Weeping Fig Tree (Ficus benjamina) is one of the most popular indoor ficus varieties, known for its graceful drooping branches and dense, glossy foliage. This tropical tree features slender, dark green leaves that taper to a point, and it can reach heights of 60 feet in its natural habitat but typically stays between 6-10 feet when grown indoors. While beautiful, the weeping fig can be somewhat temperamental, often dropping leaves when moved or exposed to environmental changes.

• Light: Bright, indirect sunlight; can tolerate some direct morning sun but avoid harsh afternoon light; maintain consistent light levels
• Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water when top inch of soil feels dry; reduce watering in winter
• Soil: Well-draining, rich potting mix with good aeration
• Humidity: Prefers high humidity (50-70%); benefit from regular misting or humidity tray
• Temperature: 65-75°F (18-24°C); protect from cold drafts and sudden temperature changes
• Fertilizer: Feed monthly during growing season with balanced liquid fertilizer
• Soil pH: 6.0-6.5, slightly acidic to neutral

2. Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree

The Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata) is a striking indoor tree known for its large, violin-shaped leaves and impressive height potential of up to 10 feet when grown indoors. Native to western Africa’s tropical regions, this popular houseplant features dark green, leathery leaves with prominent veining, creating a bold architectural statement in any room. While beautiful, it has earned a reputation for being somewhat finicky, requiring consistent care to maintain its health and appearance.

• Light: Bright, indirect sunlight; can tolerate some direct morning sun; avoid harsh afternoon sun
• Water: Allow top 1-2 inches of soil to dry between waterings; reduce watering in winter
• Soil: Well-draining, rich potting mix with good aeration
• Humidity: Prefers high humidity (60% or higher)
• Temperature: 60-75°F (15-24°C); avoid cold drafts
• Fertilizer: Feed monthly during growing season with balanced liquid fertilizer
• Container: Use a pot with drainage holes and repot every 1-2 years
• Growth: Moderate to slow growth rate; may need staking for support

3. Rubber Plant (Ficus Elastica)

The Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica) is a popular indoor tree known for its large, thick, glossy leaves that can range in color from deep green to burgundy, depending on the variety. Native to Southeast Asia, this striking plant can grow up to 100 feet tall in its natural habitat but typically reaches 6-10 feet when grown indoors. Its broad, oval-shaped leaves feature prominent veining and a waxy coating, making it an attractive focal point in any room while also serving as an effective air purifier.

• Light: Bright, indirect light; can tolerate some direct morning sun but avoid harsh afternoon light; adapt to moderate light conditions
• Water: Allow top 1-2 inches of soil to dry between waterings; reduce watering in winter; sensitive to overwatering
• Soil: Well-draining, rich potting mix with good aeration
• Humidity: Moderate to high humidity; benefits from regular misting or humidifier
• Temperature: 60-75°F (15-24°C); avoid cold drafts and sudden temperature changes
• Fertilizer: Feed monthly during growing season with balanced, water-soluble fertilizer
• Repotting: Every 2-3 years or when roots become pot-bound

4. Creeping Fig Ficus

The Creeping Fig (Ficus pumila) is a fast-growing climbing vine that attaches itself to surfaces using strong aerial rootlets. This petite member of the Ficus family produces small, heart-shaped leaves that start out bright green and mature to a deeper shade. Unlike its larger Ficus relatives, this variety grows as a dense mat against walls, fences, or other structures, making it an excellent choice for both indoor and outdoor vertical gardens. When mature, the leaves can develop a leathery texture, and in ideal conditions, the plant may produce small, inedible fig-like fruits.

• Light: Bright, indirect light indoors; can tolerate partial shade to full sun outdoors
• Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water when top inch of soil feels dry
• Soil: Well-draining, fertile potting mix rich in organic matter
• Humidity: Prefers moderate to high humidity; benefits from regular misting
• Temperature: 65-85°F (18-29°C); not frost-tolerant
• Support: Requires a surface to climb on (wall, trellis, or pole)
• Fertilizer: Feed with balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 2-3 months during growing season

5. Banyan Fig Tree

The Banyan Fig Tree (Ficus benghalensis) is a massive, spreading tree known for its distinctive aerial roots that grow downward from its branches, eventually reaching the ground to form additional trunks. Native to India and Pakistan, this remarkable ficus species can grow to enormous proportions in its natural habitat, often covering several acres with its expanding canopy. While it can be grown as a houseplant when young, it’s primarily suited for outdoor cultivation in tropical and subtropical climates where it serves as an important ecological resource, providing food and shelter for various wildlife species.

• Light: Bright, indirect light when grown indoors; full sun to partial shade outdoors
• Water: Regular watering to maintain consistently moist but not waterlogged soil; reduce watering in winter
• Soil: Well-draining, rich organic soil with pH between 6.0-7.0
• Temperature: 60-85°F (16-29°C); cannot tolerate frost
• Humidity: High humidity levels, preferably above 50%
• Fertilizer: Monthly feeding during growing season with balanced fertilizer
• Space: Requires extensive growing space outdoors; can be maintained smaller in containers
• Growth Zone: USDA zones 10-12

6. Indian Laurel Ficus Tree

The Indian Laurel Ficus (Ficus microcarpa) is a popular indoor and outdoor ornamental tree known for its dense, glossy foliage and compact growth habit. Native to Southeast Asia, this versatile ficus variety can be grown as a houseplant, hedge, or landscape specimen, reaching heights of 25-60 feet in outdoor settings but remaining manageable when grown indoors. Its oval-shaped, dark green leaves create a thick canopy, and the tree develops an attractive gray-brown trunk with age.

• Light: Bright, indirect light indoors; can tolerate full sun to partial shade outdoors
• Water: Moderate watering; allow top inch of soil to dry between waterings
• Soil: Well-draining, rich potting mix with pH 6.0-6.5
• Temperature: 60-75°F (15-24°C)
• Humidity: Moderate to high; benefits from regular misting
• Fertilizer: Monthly feeding during growing season with balanced fertilizer
• Size Control: Responds well to pruning and can be maintained as a compact plant
• Drainage: Requires pot with adequate drainage holes to prevent root rot

7. Bengal Fig Tree

The Bengal Fig Tree (Ficus benghalensis), also known as the Indian Banyan, is a magnificent and sprawling tree species native to the Indian subcontinent. In its natural habitat, it can grow to massive proportions with aerial roots that develop into additional trunks, creating a forest-like canopy. When grown as a houseplant, it maintains a more manageable size while still displaying its characteristic glossy, oval-shaped leaves and elegant branching pattern. The leaves are large, leathery, and deep green, creating an attractive tropical appearance that makes it a striking indoor specimen.

• Light: Bright, indirect sunlight; can tolerate some direct morning sun but should be protected from harsh afternoon light
• Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water when top inch of soil feels dry
• Soil: Well-draining, rich potting mix with high organic content
• Humidity: Prefers high humidity levels; regular misting or use of humidity tray recommended
• Temperature: 60-85°F (16-29°C); protect from cold drafts
• Fertilizer: Feed monthly during growing season with balanced liquid fertilizer
• Container: Large pot with adequate drainage holes to accommodate extensive root system

8. Bronze Fig Ficus

The Bronze Fig Ficus (Ficus elastica ‘Burgundy’) is a striking houseplant known for its large, glossy leaves in deep burgundy to bronze colors. This variety of rubber plant features thick, leathery foliage that can grow up to 12 inches long, with new leaves emerging from distinctive red sheaths. The plant’s upright growth pattern and dramatic coloring make it an attractive focal point in indoor spaces, capable of reaching heights of 6-10 feet when grown indoors.

• Light: Bright, indirect sunlight; can tolerate some direct morning sun; avoid harsh afternoon light
• Water: Allow top 1-2 inches of soil to dry between waterings; reduce watering in winter
• Soil: Well-draining, rich potting mix with good aeration
• Humidity: Moderate to high humidity; benefits from regular misting
• Temperature: 60-80°F (15-27°C); protect from cold drafts
• Fertilizer: Monthly feeding during growing season with balanced liquid fertilizer
• Growth Rate: Moderate to fast, with proper care
• Potting: Repot every 2-3 years or when root-bound

9. Ginseng Ficus

The Ginseng Ficus (Ficus microcarpa) is a unique bonsai-style tree known for its thick, exposed roots that resemble ginseng root systems. Its bulbous trunk sits atop these aerial roots, creating an interesting sculptural appearance, while its dense canopy features small, dark green oval leaves. This compact tree typically grows 1-2 feet tall when kept indoors, making it an ideal choice for desktops, windowsills, or small spaces. The Ginseng Ficus is particularly popular among bonsai enthusiasts for its distinctive appearance and relatively easy care requirements.

• Light: Bright indirect light; can tolerate some direct morning sun; protect from harsh afternoon sunlight
• Water: Allow top inch of soil to dry between waterings; reduce watering in winter
• Soil: Well-draining potting mix; preferably a mix designed for bonsai
• Humidity: Moderate to high; benefits from regular misting
• Temperature: 65-85°F (18-29°C); protect from cold drafts
• Fertilizer: Feed monthly during growing season with balanced liquid fertilizer
• Pruning: Regular trimming to maintain shape and size; can tolerate heavy pruning

10. Sacred Fig Ficus

The Sacred Fig (Ficus religiosa), also known as the Bodhi Tree or Peepal Tree, holds deep cultural and religious significance, particularly in Buddhism and Hinduism. This majestic ficus variety can grow to impressive heights in its natural habitat but adapts well as a container plant when grown indoors. It features distinctive heart-shaped leaves with elongated, dripping tips and smooth, gray bark that develops an attractive pattern with age.

• Light: Bright, indirect sunlight; can tolerate some direct morning sun but protect from harsh afternoon rays
• Water: Moderate watering; allow top inch of soil to dry between waterings; reduce frequency in winter
• Soil: Well-draining, rich potting mix with added perlite or sand
• Humidity: Moderate to high; benefits from regular misting
• Temperature: 60-85°F (15-29°C); protect from cold drafts
• Fertilizer: Feed monthly during growing season with balanced liquid fertilizer
• Container: Large pot with adequate drainage holes to accommodate extensive root system

11. Chinese Banyan Ficus

The Chinese Banyan (Ficus microcarpa) is a striking indoor tree characterized by its glossy oval leaves and sturdy aerial roots that can develop into multiple trunks over time. This versatile ficus variety can be grown as a compact houseplant or shaped into an impressive bonsai specimen, typically reaching heights of 2-8 feet indoors. Native to Southeast Asia, it features a dense canopy of dark green foliage and develops a distinctive gnarled trunk as it matures.

• Light: Bright, indirect light; can tolerate some direct morning sun; protect from intense afternoon sunlight
• Water: Water thoroughly when top 1-2 inches of soil feels dry; reduce watering in winter
• Soil: Well-draining, rich potting mix with added perlite
• Humidity: Prefers moderate to high humidity (40-60%)
• Temperature: 65-85°F (18-29°C); protect from cold drafts
• Fertilizer: Feed monthly during growing season with balanced liquid fertilizer
• Repotting: Every 2-3 years or when roots become crowded

12. Mexican Ficus Microcarpa

The Mexican Ficus Microcarpa, also known as the Chinese Banyan or Indian Laurel, is a popular indoor tree that can grow up to 6 feet tall when kept as a houseplant. This versatile ficus variety features glossy, oval-shaped leaves and develops an elegant, dense canopy that can be shaped through pruning. While it naturally grows aerial roots in the wild, indoor specimens typically maintain a more contained growth pattern, making them suitable for home environments.

• Light: Bright, indirect sunlight; can tolerate some direct morning sun but avoid harsh afternoon light
• Water: Allow top inch of soil to dry between waterings; reduce watering in winter
• Soil: Well-draining, rich potting mix with good organic content
• Humidity: Moderate to high; benefits from regular misting
• Temperature: 65-85°F (18-29°C); protect from cold drafts
• Fertilizer: Feed monthly during growing season with balanced liquid fertilizer
• Container: Use pot with adequate drainage holes; repot every 2-3 years

13. Climbing Fig Ficus Pumila

The Climbing Fig (Ficus pumila) is a fast-growing vine-like ficus that clings and climbs surfaces through aerial rootlets. This small-leaved evergreen plant features heart-shaped juvenile foliage that grows close to surfaces, making it an excellent choice for covering walls, fences, or trellises. As the plant matures, it can develop larger, more leathery leaves and even produce fig-like fruits, though this rarely occurs indoors. Its compact growth pattern and ability to create a dense green covering make it popular for both indoor and outdoor cultivation.

• Light: Bright, indirect light; can tolerate partial shade but avoid direct sunlight
• Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; reduce watering in winter
• Soil: Well-draining, rich potting mix with added organic matter
• Humidity: Prefers high humidity; regular misting benefits growth
• Temperature: 65-85°F (18-29°C); protect from cold drafts
• Fertilizer: Feed monthly during growing season with balanced fertilizer
• Growing Medium: Can climb most surfaces including concrete, wood, or wire supports
• pH: 6.0-6.5, slightly acidic soil

14. African Ficus Bonsai

The African Ficus Bonsai, typically created from Ficus microcarpa, is a miniaturized version of the tree that originates from tropical and subtropical regions of Africa. This popular bonsai choice features small, glossy dark green leaves, a distinctive gray trunk that can develop aerial roots, and a naturally compact growth pattern that makes it ideal for indoor bonsai cultivation. When properly trained and maintained, it develops an appealing, gnarled appearance with a dense canopy, making it a striking decorative element in any home.

• Light: Bright indirect light; can tolerate some direct morning sun but avoid harsh afternoon sunlight; maintain consistent light levels
• Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water when top inch of soil feels dry; reduce watering in winter
• Soil: Well-draining bonsai mix with good moisture retention; blend of akadama, pumice, and organic matter
• Humidity: Prefers 50% or higher humidity; benefits from regular misting or humidity tray
• Temperature: Maintain 65-75°F (18-24°C); protect from cold drafts and temperatures below 60°F (15°C)
• Fertilizer: Feed with balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-4 weeks during growing season
• Pruning: Regular trimming to maintain shape; pinch back new growth to encourage branching

15. White Fig Ficus

The White Fig Ficus (Ficus lyrata) is a stunning indoor tree known for its large, violin-shaped leaves with prominent white veining. This variety typically grows between 6-10 feet tall when kept indoors and features thick, leathery foliage that emerges a pale green color before developing its characteristic white variegation. The plant’s architectural form and unique leaf patterns make it a striking focal point in any room, though it requires consistent care to maintain its vibrant appearance.

• Light: Bright, indirect sunlight; can tolerate some direct morning sun but protect from harsh afternoon rays
• Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water when top 1-2 inches of soil feels dry
• Soil: Well-draining, rich potting mix with high organic content
• Humidity: Prefers 40-60% humidity; mist leaves regularly or use a humidity tray
• Temperature: 60-75°F (15-24°C); avoid cold drafts and sudden temperature changes
• Fertilizer: Feed monthly during growing season with balanced liquid fertilizer
• Pruning: Trim occasionally to maintain desired shape and remove damaged leaves