By Chris Winslow
With over 850 species of plants throughout the tropical and sub-tropical world, the family of plants known as ‘figs’ forms one of the most useful groups of plants in the world.
Chances are when you hear the word fig, you think of the edible fruit varieties that are planted outside.
But this family of plants also provides gardeners and plant lovers with many choices of tropical plants that are suitable for indoor use.
With their growth habits from the tropical rainforest, they have adapted well to the lower light levels required as indoor plants.
One of my favorites is the fiddle-leaf fig (Ficus lyrata). The large leaves are broad at the apex and narrow in the middle, and resemble the shape of a fiddle. Recently this plant has had a high profile in Southern Living and Better Homes and Gardens magazines as a top choice for indoor gardens. You might say that the fiddle leaf fig is trending now.
Another popular one is Ficus benjamina, also known as the weeping fig. Benjamina is a stately tree with weeping, shiny leaves and it will flourish in a bright place in your household. It also has a variegated (green and white leaf) cultivar called Starlite which is also very striking.
Another fig that’s easy to grow in indoor light is Ficus elastic, or rubber plant. Its beautiful broad leaves come in an array of colors. There’s a green leaf form, two varieties of variegation, one with added red tones, and a black leafed form.
The ground cover fig (Ficus rempens) is another form that is popular in central Texas landscapes. Quite winter hardy, this clinging ground cover is often used for covering walls and fences. It does best if you plant it with eastern exposure and some protection from the hot afternoon sun.
All of these are suitable as house plants. Be sure to set yourself up for success by choosing a premium container potting soil with great drainage. Best choices are the soil-less mixes with a blend of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite.
A bright light indoor location is also best. Plants should be kept moist but not soggy. Allow the potting media to just dry out between watering. Water a bit more in these warmer months and a little less during the short days of winter.
Another benefit of indoor plants is that they help to purify the air in our houses. One website claims that indoor figs can detoxify air that has formaldehyde. That would have been a great use for those toxic Katrina trailers. Happy gardening everyone!
If you have a gardening question, send it to me via email: iathyme@yahoo.com. (Please put ‘Ask Chris Winslow’ in the subject line.) Or mail your letter or postcard to: Ask Chris Winslow. It’s About Thyme
