Ficus plants, commonly known as the fig plant, embody indoor elegance, effortlessly enhancing interiors with their lush, sculptural foliage. Whether gracing your living room, brightening your study, or accentuating hallways, Ficus plants deliver bold visual statements alongside powerful air-purifying benefits.
From statuesque varieties perfect for spacious rooms to compact, characterful plants ideal for shelves and desktops, there’s a Ficus to suit every UK home.
Choosing Your Ficus
Each Ficus variety offers distinctive visual charm and practical benefits. Here are Boma’s top selections to help you curate your indoor jungle:
- Ficus Lyrata (Fiddle Leaf Fig): Celebrated for its large, violin-shaped leaves, the Fiddle Leaf Fig instantly adds drama and sophistication. Its substantial foliage creates a striking visual appeal, ideal for airy rooms with plenty of natural light. Position near a sunny window or as a focal point to anchor your décor. Ensure consistent moisture and humidity levels to prevent leaf browning.
- Ficus Lyrata Bambino: A delightful compact version of the classic Fiddle Leaf, Bambino offers all the elegance but in miniature form. Perfect for smaller spaces, apartments, or table displays, its dense growth and charmingly crinkled leaves make a strong yet subtle statement. Regular misting and careful watering will keep its foliage vibrant and healthy.
- Ficus Audrey: With graceful, oval-shaped leaves and a gentle aesthetic, Ficus Audrey provides a softer look reminiscent of its cousin, the rubber plant, yet with a lighter, airier feel. Its elegant branches and lighter green foliage bring a fresh, contemporary style to modern interiors. Regular pruning encourages bushier growth, enhancing its aesthetic appeal.
- Ficus Benghalensis Audrey (Bengal Fig): Known for its velvety-textured leaves and impressive branching, this variety adds warmth and dimension. Its robust form can grow quite tall, making it ideal as a standout plant in larger indoor spaces, enhancing entryways or spacious living areas. Provide ample bright, indirect light and occasional pruning to maintain its graceful shape.
- Ficus Belize: Distinguished by its striking variegation, Belize features vibrant pink edges and creamy-yellow variegation against deep green leaves. A standout choice for adding colour and vibrancy, it thrives in bright, indirect light and makes an eye-catching feature in contemporary settings. Avoid sudden temperature changes to maintain its striking leaf colour.
- Ficus Elastica (Rubber Plant): An enduring favourite, the Rubber Plant offers glossy, thick leaves in shades ranging from deep emerald to striking burgundy. Renowned for its air-purifying qualities and ease of care, it’s a stylish, reliable addition to any room, especially popular for its architectural presence. Dust the leaves regularly to maintain their glossy appearance and optimise photosynthesis.
Additional Ficus Varieties Available at Boma
Throughout the year, Boma can also source and supply other remarkable Ficus varieties:
- Ficus Benjamina (Weeping Fig): Known for its elegant, drooping branches and small, dense leaves, it offers a graceful silhouette suitable for living rooms and hallways.
- Ficus Benjamina 'Starlight' (Variegated Weeping Fig): Features strikingly variegated leaves with creamy-white edges, adding visual interest and brightness to indoor spaces.
- Ficus Alii (Long Leaf Fig): Distinguished by its long, narrow leaves, this variety creates an elegant, contemporary look and thrives in lower-light conditions.
- Ficus Microcarpa (Ginseng Fig): With distinctive thick roots and glossy leaves, this bonsai-style plant is perfect for desks or tabletops, adding a unique sculptural element.
- Ficus Triangularis Variegata: A visually captivating variety with unique triangular leaves, accented with creamy-white variegation, making it a vibrant addition to any modern interior.
Ideal Growing Conditions For Ficus
Ficus varieties prefer bright, indirect sunlight, mimicking their tropical origins. Avoid direct harsh sun, which can scorch leaves, and ensure your plant’s position remains relatively consistent to prevent leaf drop. Maintain temperatures between 18-25°C for optimal growth.
Ficus plants are generally straightforward to maintain:
- Watering: Avoid overwatering; consistently check soil moisture levels.
- Cleaning: Regularly dust leaves to enhance photosynthesis and overall appearance.
- Pruning: Prune to maintain shape and encourage healthy growth, typically best done in spring or early summer.
Seasonal Care Guide for Ficus
- Spring: Re-pot if root-bound and introduce a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly to support growth.
- Summer: Water regularly, allowing the top inch of soil to dry between waterings. Increase humidity through regular misting or humidity trays.
- Autumn: Gradually reduce fertiliser applications and watering frequency as growth slows.
- Winter: Keep away from drafts and heating vents. Water sparingly and monitor humidity closely.
Display Inspiration at Boma
Handmade Indoor Pots
Boma Garden Centre offers a diverse range of stylish, handmade indoor pots ideal for displaying Ficus. Choose from colourful ceramic pot designs in a variety of finishes, affordable and eco-conscious plastic Elho pots with a sleek, contemporary look, and decorative basket pot covers crafted from vibrant natural straw.
Each option enhances the elegance of your Ficus while helping to protect your indoor surfaces from water spillage.
Strategic Placements
Place larger varieties like Fiddle Leaf Fig in living rooms as statement pieces, while compact types like Bambino or Belize adorn shelves, desks, and tabletops elegantly.
Benefits of Indoor Ficus Trees
Especially valuable in urban environments like London, where air pollution remains a concern, Ficus serves multiple purposes, offering exceptional value and making a great addition to rooms like bedrooms.
Air Purification
Ficus plants, particularly Ficus elastica (Rubber Plant) and Ficus benjamina, are known to filter out airborne toxins like formaldehyde and benzene. This makes them ideal for bedrooms, where clean air supports better sleep and overall health. During colder months, when windows are typically closed, the symbiotic relationship between plants and people becomes even more relevant.
As we exhale carbon dioxide, Ficus plants absorb it and return life-giving oxygen, making them far more than decorative as natural air enhancers. Adding a Ficus to your space is not only a style statement but also a conscious step toward a healthier, more balanced home environment.
Ficus plants are natural air purifiers, effectively removing toxins such as formaldehyde and xylene. So, having a ficus in the bedroom where you spend several hours at night makes an ideal bedroom companion.
Oxygen Production
While all plants photosynthesise during the day, Ficus contributes to a healthy oxygen balance, especially beneficial when windows are closed at night in colder months.
Mood and Stress Reduction
Studies have shown that having plants in the bedroom helps reduce stress, improves mood, and creates a more relaxing atmosphere—all crucial for restful sleep.
Natural Décor and Calm
A well-placed Ficus (like a compact Lyrata Bambino or Ficus Audrey) adds serene, natural structure to the room. Its presence can soften harsh angles, absorb noise, and bring warmth to minimal spaces.
Interesting Ficus Facts
- Ficus is revered in many cultures for symbolising abundance, peace, and prosperity.
- Fig trees can live for hundreds of years, showcasing exceptional longevity.
- Ficus species play a vital ecological role in their native habitats, supporting wildlife and ecosystems.
Embrace the Ficus Genus at Boma Garden Centre
Experience the beauty and versatility of Ficus plants at Boma Garden Centre in Kentish Town, London. Discover our extensive range, seek expert advice from our team, and enhance your home with the perfect Ficus.
Visit us today and enjoy special offers tailored especially for London’s indoor gardening enthusiasts.
Best Ficus Plants Popular Questions
Which ficus is best?
Most Ficus plants make excellent choices, but the Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata) is especially popular for its luscious foliage and bold indoor presence. If you want an easier-care option, ficus indoor varieties like the Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica) are also highly recommended.
Do ficus grow well in pots?
Yes, Ficus plants thrive as an indoor plant when placed in well-draining pots that allow room for their roots to expand. As long as the plant has adequate drainage, with regular watering and care, your ficus will grow lushly and help filter harmful pollutants from your home.
Where is the best place in the house for a ficus?
The best spot for a ficus indoor is near a window with bright, indirect sunlight, as direct sunlight can scorch its luscious foliage. Choose a warm, consistent environment away from cold drafts to ensure your indoor plant stays healthy and vibrant.
