Ficus, Fig
Moraceae
Figs are native to tropical and subtropical regions all over the world... they vary from large trees to small ground covers... with a large variety of leaf shapes and colors... they all have a milky sap that stains and some of them are grown for the fruit
Moisture - allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings... average humidity for most of them... although some require high humidity
Light - all levels of light... these plants do not like change... it can cause leaf drop... if you need to move your plant... do it gradually.. (don't fret if you have a major leaf drop when you bring your plant home from the store from ficus benjamina)
Temperature - average temps are best... do not change them once they are established
Fertilize - 3 times during the summer for growth... once a year will keep the plant healthy... use a 10-10-10 solution
Pests - mealybugs and mites may be a problem... scale is a major problem on the tree forms of this plant
Repotting - small plants will benefit from annual repotting... larger plants can stay in their pots ... just change the top layer of soil and prune the roots... use a moisture retentive, rich potting mix
Propagation - trailing types can be propagated by stem cutting... larger types by sed or air layering...
Tips - prune to keep the plant looking good and in the form that you want
TYPES:::
Creeping fig ( Ficus pumila) - This plant is good for a hanging basket or for topiaries.... it will grow well in low light and will make a great ground cover for larger pots
India Rubber Tree (Ficus elastica) - The rubber tree takes almost no maintenance except for dusting the leaves once in a while... It will grow in a single stem unless it is pruned... when you prune it, dust the cut with powdered charcoal.
Weeping Fig ( Ficus benjamina) - The weeping fig is one of the most commong and beloved houseplants and will grow large under average conditions... prune it occasionally to maintain it's form... it can be kept at 6ft or you can let it grow to 20 ft if you have the space... it is very sensitive to change... it will shed leaves at the slightest change.
Fiddle-Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata) - the fiddle-leaf fig will grow quite large... it demands a large site... it has dark green leaves which are pale underneath... it may be pruned to control it's size