A lot of people who are new to houseplants or even people who have been gardening inside for a long time might be nervous about taking care of fig trees. After all, are fig trees good indoor houseplants, or are they more trouble than they’re worth?.
They are trees, after all, and trees usually get big. Ficus trees also need lots of sunlight and have pretty precise requirements for water and nutrients.
A nice pothos, succulent, or snake plant might be easier to take care of indoors, but we think fig trees are great for beginner, intermediate, and advanced indoor gardeners.
Fig trees are typically grown outdoors in warm climates, but they can also be cultivated indoors with proper care. Growing figs indoors allows you to enjoy their lush foliage, exotic fruits, and ornamental qualities all year round.
Can Fig Trees Be Grown Indoors?
The short answer is yes! Many fig tree varieties can adapt and thrive when grown indoors. In areas where fig trees cannot survive outside climates they are common houseplants. Weeping figs rubber trees, and fiddle leaf figs are especially popular for indoor growing. They are also used in creating bonsai.
With the right conditions, most fig varieties can be grown indoors in pots or containers. Dwarf and small-sized fig cultivars are best suited for indoor cultivation. Some recommended indoor fig varieties include:
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Petite Negra – A dwarf variety that grows 3 feet tall. Produces sweet dark figs.
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Ischia – A compact fig that reaches 4-6 feet tall. Bears medium, green figs
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Little Ruby – A miniature variety under 2 feet tall. Produces petite, purple figs.
Providing the Right Growing Conditions
To successfully grow happy and healthy fig trees indoors, it is essential to provide conditions that mimic their native Mediterranean environment as closely as possible.
Light
Fig trees need at least 6-8 hours of direct, bright sunlight daily. Place them near south-facing windows. Supplement natural light with grow lights if needed.
Temperature
Ideal temperatures are between 60-75°F during the day and slightly cooler at night. Avoid drafts and extreme temperature fluctuations.
Humidity
Figs appreciate 40-60% relative humidity. Increase humidity with trays of water, pebble trays, or humidifiers.
Soil
Use a well-draining potting mix rich in organic matter. Amend soil with compost or aged manure.
Container
Select containers at least 12-16 inches wide with drainage holes. Plastic and fiberglass pots are ideal.
Water
Water when the top inch of soil becomes dry. Avoid overwatering which can lead to root rot.
Caring for Indoor Fig Trees
With proper care, an indoor fig tree can remain healthy and productive for years.
Pruning
Prune annually while dormant to maintain size, shape, and encourage new growth. Remove dead or diseased branches.
Fertilizing
Fertilize every 4-6 weeks during spring and summer with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer.
Pollination
Assist with pollination by manually transferring pollen between flowers using a brush.
Pest Control
Inspect regularly and use organic insecticidal soap to control pests like aphids and spider mites.
Harvesting
Pick ripe figs promptly to enjoy their sweet flavor at peak ripeness. Wear gloves to protect skin from irritations.
Overwintering
Provide a cool resting period in winter by reducing water and ceasing fertilizer. Move to a cooler location.
Choosing a Fig Variety
When selecting a fig for indoor growing, consider mature size, fruiting habits, flavor, and adaptability to containers. Some top picks include:
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Brown Turkey – Reliable, heavy cropping, and adaptable. Sweet, brownish-purple fruits.
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Black Mission – Produces two crops a year. Rich, sweet purple-black figs. Compact growth.
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Violette de Bordeaux – Gorgeous fruit with light purple skin and pink flesh. Highly ornamental.
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Celeste – Cold hardy and productive. Medium-small, bell-shaped, brown-purple figs with strawberry-like flavor.
Tips for Successful Indoor Fig Trees
Follow these tips to ensure your indoor fig tree thrives:
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Acclimate young trees gradually to indoor conditions.
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Provide as much light as possible. Rotate pots periodically to prevent one-sided growth.
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Mist leaves regularly to increase humidity.
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Repot in fresh soil every 2-3 years as the tree grows.
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Watch for pests like spider mites, mealybugs, and aphids. Treat immediately if spotted.
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Prune often to keep the tree compact and encourage fruiting.
Growing fig trees indoors is an enjoyable challenge for indoor gardeners. With careful variety selection, ideal growing conditions, attentive care, and proper overwintering, fig trees can adapt to life inside and reward you with their unique tropical flair. The sweet, flavorful fruits are an added bonus!
Reason #2: Fig trees are great for indoor air quality.
All plants take in carbon dioxide and other chemicals from the air and put out clean oxygen. Most people think that trees only breathe through their leaves, but about half of their ability to clean the air comes from the soil, microbes in the roots, and even the roots themselves.
According to BC Wolverton’s (author of the The NASA Clean Air Study of 1989) books How to Grow Fresh Air and Plants: Why You Can’t Live Without Them, fig trees good indoor houseplants are some of the highest ranking plants for effectively removing harmful chemicals like benzene, formaldehyde, and ammonia (the most common chemicals found in indoor air) from the air.
There is a lot of soil volume and surface area, a lot of leaf surface area, and a high transpiration rate in fig trees. This means that they take in a lot of carbon dioxide and chemicals and release a lot of clean oxygen.
For a boost in air quality in your home or office, you can’t pick a better plant!
Are Fig Trees Good Indoor Houseplants? Here’s Why We Think So!
When it comes to size, indoor trees like fig trees are a great value. One large tree can beautifully fill a corner or be the focal point of a whole room, while several smaller plants would need to be grouped together to make the same effect.
In a small space, you can buy a young tree and prune it to keep it from getting too big, or you can let it grow big over time. Ficus trees can grow up to 10 feet tall inside, or even bigger if they have high ceilings and lots of light.
You only have to take care of one tree instead of many smaller plants. Trees add a lot of light, grace, and beauty to any room. (Though you could always mix big and small plants for an even wilder, more dynamic look!).
Growing FIG TREES Indoors: Top TIPS
FAQ
Will an indoor fig tree produce fruit?
Are fig trees good indoor plants?
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