Introducing...
Ornamental figs
Botanical name: Ficus
Ornamental figs, such as rubber plants and weeping figs, have been popular houseplants since Victorian times. These tropical plants, with their bold, exotic foliage, make eye-catching, long-lived specimens, and there are types to suit most locations in your home.
Looks
Most have lush, exotic foliage and make striking evergreen houseplants. They can be trees, shrubs or vines, and may be small or large, depending on their age and vigour.
Likes
These houseplants enjoy a consistently warm, bright spot (out of direct sun). Most prefer humidity too, so stand containers on a tray of damp gravel and mist the leaves in warm weather. They grow best in a moisture retentive, loam-based peat-free compost.
Dislikes
Most will struggle in dry compost and dry air, so water once the top 2cm (1in) of compost is dry and raise the humidity by misting the leaves. These tropical plants dislike temperature fluctuations and draughts, and should generally be kept above 10°C (50°F).
Did you know?
Rubber plants and weeping figs, in particular, can improve the air quality in your home by filtering toxins such as formaldehyde from the air.
Growing guide
How to grow ornamental figs
All the information you’ll need to grow and care for ornamental figs in your home.
Ornamental figs we recommend
Ficus microcarpa 'Hawaii' (v)
curtain fig 'Hawaii'
- 4–8 metres
- 1.5–2.5 metres
Ficus microcarpa 'Hawaii' (v)
curtain fig 'Hawaii'
- 4–8 metres
- 1.5–2.5 metres
Useful advice
Houseplants: holiday care
Choosing the best houseplants
Leaf damage on houseplants
Houseplants: to support human health
Get involved
The RHS is the UK’s gardening charity, helping people and plants to grow - nurturing a healthier, happier world, one person and one plant at a time.