Plant Care Guides / Indoor / Moderate Care
The Ficus umbellata is the lesser-known cousin in the ficus family, and it deserves more attention. It has large, heart-shaped leaves that are thinner and softer than those of the fiddle-leaf or rubber plant, giving it a lighter, more graceful look. It grows into a small indoor tree with a slender trunk and an open, airy canopy.
The leaves are thinner than most other indoor ficus species, which means they are more sensitive to dry air and direct sun. It drops older lower leaves naturally as it grows taller, so a bare lower trunk on a mature plant is normal, not a problem.
Bright, indirect light. It enjoys more light than it gets in most homes, so a spot near a window is best. Some gentle morning sun is fine, but protect it from strong afternoon sun, which burns the thin leaves easily.
Water when the top few centimetres dry out. Like other ficus plants, it prefers to dry slightly between waterings rather than stay constantly wet. It appreciates humidity more than the tougher ficus species, so mist it regularly or keep it near other plants. In winter, ease off the watering.
Feed monthly through spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertiliser.
Repot every one to two years in spring into a well-draining potting mix. It grows at a moderate pace, so annual repotting is not always necessary.
Ask about availability. We keep a changing range of indoor plants. WhatsApp us to see what is in store, or pop in and we will help you choose.
