12 Interesting Facts About Ficus

The ficus is a very popular houseplant known for its classic leaf shape and versatile growing habits. Here are 12 fascinating facts about this common yet special genus of plants.

Introduction

Ficus plants belong to the Moraceae family, which also includes figs and mulberries. With over 800 species, the ficus genus contains some of the most popular indoor plants such as the fiddle leaf fig, weeping fig, and rubber plant.

Native to tropical regions, ficus plants are adapted to warm temperatures and high humidity. When grown as houseplants, they require special care to thrive indoors. Read on to learn more about these charismatic plants!

12 Facts About Ficus Plants

1. Ficus plants are fig trees.
   • Technically speaking, the fruits we know as figs all come from ficus trees. There are over 150 species of fig trees.
2. They have a unique growth habit.
   • Ficus plants have a distinctive growth pattern where the main trunk grows upright for a bit before arching downward. The ends of the branches then turn upright again.
3. The rubber plant has an interesting history.
   • Ficus elastica, also known as the rubber plant, got its name from the latex sap it produces. This sap was once used to make rubber.
4. Ficus plants can be climbers.
   • Some ficus species like the creeping fig (F. pumila) and climbing fig (F. pumila) can cling to walls and grow upwards.
5. They can also grow as shrubs or vines.
   • While many ficus plants grow as trees, some varieties grow in shrub or vine forms.
6. Some species have aerial roots.
   • Tropical ficus trees like the banyan tree have specialized aerial roots that grow down from the branches to the soil below. This allows the tree to spread out more and support itself.
7. The leaves come in lots of shapes.
   • From long, violin-shaped leaves to big, round leaves to tiny, delicate leaves, ficus plants have diverse foliage. Popular varieties like the fiddle leaf fig and rubber plant have iconic leaves.
8. Ficus plants are important ecologically.
   • Figs, the fruits of ficus trees, serve as food sources for over 1,200 species of birds and mammals. Certain wasp species also rely on figs to raise their young.
9. They can live for decades.
   • With the right care and environment, most ficus trees like the rubber plant and weeping fig can live over 50 years. Some giant banyan trees can live for centuries.
10. Some species have edible fruits.
    • In addition to commercial edible figs, some ficus species bear edible fruits like the banyan figs and cluster figs that can be eaten raw or cooked into jams.
11. Ficus plants have cultural significance.
    • Species like the Bodhi tree and banyan tree have special meaning in Buddhism, Hinduism, and other faiths. The common fig also gets many biblical references.
12. They make great bonsai specimens.
    • Due to their small leaves and flexible trunks, many ficus trees like the Taiwan ficus make excellent bonsai plants. They can be trained into miniature sculptural trees.

Conclusion

From the familiar rubber plant and weeping fig to the ancient banyan tree, ficus plants are diverse in size, shape, and uses. They bring great ornamental and even practical value, in addition to ecological benefits. We’ve only scratched the surface when it comes to interesting facts about these amazing plants!