Ficus

Care Level: Moderate

Let’s be honest—ficus plant care isn’t exactly “set it and forget it.” These plants are slightly more high-maintenance than your average pothos. They like routine, dislike change, and will absolutely punish you with a leaf storm if conditions aren’t to their liking.

But with the right environment and a little consistency, they’re totally manageable—even for semi-forgetful plant parents. They just want to feel secure, okay?

Light Requirements: Bright, Indirect

Ficus plants love bright, indirect light—think filtered sunlight that makes them look glowy, not crispy. Too little light and they’ll get leggy and start dropping leaves like it’s fall in the tropics. Too much direct sun and you might be serving scorched salad.

Ideal placement: Near an east or south-facing window with a sheer curtain. Avoid shady corners, dark hallways, or blasting them with midday sun.

Bonus Tip: Rotate your ficus every couple of weeks to prevent it from leaning dramatically toward the light like it’s auditioning for a telenovela.

Watering: A Delicate Balancing Act

Here’s where things get fun. Ficus plants like their soil to stay evenly moist, but not soggy. Think of it as the Goldilocks zone—just right. Let the top 1-2 inches of soil dry out before watering again.

Watering tips:

• Use room-temperature water.
• Don’t let the pot sit in standing water—root rot is the enemy.
• In winter, reduce watering frequency (they’re sleepy and less thirsty).

If your ficus starts dropping leaves out of nowhere, take a deep breath—it’s probably reacting to overwatering, underwatering, or literally just existing. Drama!

Humidity and Temperature: Keep It Cozy

Ficus plants prefer temps between 65–75°F (18–24°C) and humidity levels around 40–60%. Drafty windows, heaters, and AC units? Hard pass. They hate sudden temperature changes and dry air almost as much as they hate being moved.

Boost humidity with:

• A humidifier (plant spa day)
• A pebble tray
• Grouping with other plants for a mini rainforest vibe

Sorry, Not Pet-Friendly

Brace yourself: ficus plants are toxic to pets. If your cat’s a nibbler or your dog thinks everything green is a snack, ficus may not be your best choice. They contain irritating sap that can cause drooling, vomiting, and irritation.

Safe solution: Keep your ficus up high, in a pet-free room, or opt for non-toxic plants like calatheas, prayer plants, or spider plants instead.

Ficus Maintenance: Don’t Skip This Part

Pruning

Your ficus might get a bit wild if left unchecked. Regular pruning helps shape the plant, remove dead or damaged leaves, and promote bushier growth. Always use clean, sharp shears, and prune in the spring or summer when your ficus is actively growing.

Cleaning

Dust settles on those broad leaves faster than you can say “photosynthesis.” Give your ficus a spa day by wiping leaves with a damp cloth every few weeks. Bonus: it helps with light absorption and keeps pests at bay.