Both the fruit-bearing real fig trees and the false figs, which impress with their beautiful dark green foliage, are suitable for indoor cultivation. In a bright and warm place in the home, ornamental fig species such as the birch fig or the fiddle fig thrive well even without the proverbial green thumb and are therefore often found in offices. If cared for well, self-pollinating fig trees will even produce fruit indoors and give your home a Mediterranean ambience thanks to their interestingly shaped leaves.
How to care for a fig tree as a houseplant?
Fig tree houseplants thrive in a bright, warm location with commercial potting soil or potting soil. Water them regularly with soft water, fertilize them weekly during the growing phase and ensure adequate humidity.
The optimal location
The fig thrives particularly well in a sunny window or in the winter garden. If it is a real fig, you should note that the trees also go into hibernation in their southern homeland and shed their leaves. In the cold season, it is therefore advisable to give the fig a slightly cooler place in the apartment. Temperatures of around ten degrees are ideal.
The suitable substrate
Figs thrive in commercial potting soil or potting soil, which they loosen with sand or fine-grained gravel. Since figs are very sensitive to waterlogging, add a drainage layer of clay granules to the plant container.
Many figs also grow well in hydroponics, as waterlogging cannot form in the special granules and the plants are optimally supplied with moisture and nutrients.
Watering with sensitivity
Figs are not only sensitive to waterlogging, but also to the complete drying out of the root ball. The fig initially responds to dry soil by dropping the fruit and then with a partial loss of foliage. Therefore, always water when the surface of the soil feels dry and pour away excess water in the saucer. At most, in the warm summer months you can leave a small supply of water for a few hours.
During the winter months you should reduce watering. However, the fig tree should not dry out completely.
Figs are sensitive to hard water
Water the fig with soft water. In regions with hard water, use filtered tap water or rainwater. Alternatively, you can let the water stand for a few hours so that the limescale settles.
Fertilizing the room fig
During the growth phase, the room fig rewards once-weekly fertilizer applications with strong growth and abundant fruit set. Conventional liquid fertilizer (€8.00 on Amazon) or citrus fertilizer is suitable. If you want to eat the fruits of the fig, you should make sure that the fertilizer is suitable for food.
Tips & Tricks
Pair figs are unfortunately somewhat susceptible to diseases and pests, so check the plant regularly for infestation.
