A Guide to Types of Ficus House Plant

The Ficus is one of the most popular house plant varieties in the UK. There are between 800 and 1000 species of Ficus and each one brings something different into your home. It can be difficult to know which Ficus plant to choose for your home but we’ve compiled this guide to help you. We’ll take you through the main types of Ficus to help you narrow down your choice and find the perfect house plant.  

What is a Ficus plant?

Ficus plants are a species of woody tree native to tropical regions of the world. They are native to Asia, Malaysia, parts of Australia and parts of the Pacific region too, but are a hardy species that can adapt to different conditions. This makes them an ideal houseplant as they can easily acclimatise to indoor conditions. 

As a houseplant, Ficus are easy to look after statement pieces that range from small, simple plants to tall, space filling displays. 

Types of Ficus house plant 

Ficus Alii (Banana Leaf Fig)

Identifiable by its slender, banana-like leaves that come in olive green tones, the Ficus Alii is one of the more common varieties of Ficus houseplant you will find. Easy to look after, even for a Ficus, this species is a perfect choice for a beginner. The trunks of these plants are often braided for added decoration. 

Ficus Benghalensis (Ficus Audrey) 

The Ficus Audrey is the perfect option for someone who wants to add some space filling and contemporary design into your space. The green, fuzzy leaves of this plant are a pale green with lighter veins running throughout. In the home, with the right conditions these plants can grow between 5 and 10 feet if not pruned. This allows you to create a vertical display in your home that can grow as tall as it needs to to make an impact.  

Ficus Benjamina (Weeping Fig)

The Weeping Fig is one of the most popular species of Ficus that is known for its long, drooping branches topped with slender glossy leaves. These tall houseplants can grow up to six feet tall if not pruned are best for anyone that wants to add a space filling and simple display into their space. Ideal for a formal or office space this is the best option for you if you want to add a touch of formality and modern style to your space. 

Ficus Elastica (Rubber Tree Plant) 

The Ficus Elastica is an ornamental Ficus that is smaller than some other species, making them ideal for a smaller space or to just add some background style rather than being a focal point in and of itself. These plants can grow up to one feet tall and are known for having ovular leaves that produce a white, sticky sap that can cause mild skin irritation. There are three main types of types of Ficus Elastica:

• Ficus Elastica Robusta -  this species of Ficus is identified by large, ovular leaves that have a matt finish and are slightly stiffer and more upright than those of the Elastica. They are sometimes known as the Indian Rubber Tree because of where they are found in the wild. This is an ideal desk, small flat or ornamental plant. 

• Ficus Elastica Decora - this type of Ficus is a more decorative variety that can be identified by large, glossy leather-like leaves. This species can vary slightly in leaf colour, but these plants are the ideal choice if you want a smaller, but decorative display in your home or office this is the perfect choice for you

• Ficus Elastica Burgundy - These Ficus plants are the showstoppers of the family. Sometimes known as Abidjan, and the name of this variety comes from its leaves which are commonly a black, reddish colour that adds a contemporary and unusual look into a space. In lower light conditions the leaves turn a purple colour .These plants are the ideal choice if you want to add something a bit more unusual to your home. 

Ficus Lyrata (Fiddle Leaf Fig) 

The Fiddle Leaf Fig is one of the most recognisable varieties of Ficus. Known for its large, violin-shaped leaves that are a bright-green shade. This plant prefers warm, humid environments, making it the ideal plant for a bathroom or kitchen. This is the ideal plant to bring life into those often neglected rooms of the house.

Ficus Microcarpa (Green Island Ficus) 

The Ficus Microcarpa is a climbing shrub that has small, rounded leaves that change from yellow green to dark emerald as they mature. This is a low maintenance climbing Ficus that can be grown similarly to a bonsai tree or used for some indoor landscaping. They are very easy to grow plants that are a versatile and simple addition to your space. 

Ficus Pumila (Creeping Fig)

The ideal ficus for hanging pots, the Creeping Fig is a trailing variety whose leaves darken in colour as they mature. The small, ovular leaves are a simple and effective addition to the home and can come in variegated combinations of colour too. Plant in a hanging pot and let the vine-like stems cascade down creating a graceful display. 

Take a look at our full range of Ficus houseplants to find the perfect house plant for your home.