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Ficus umbellata

4.8 out of 5 (9 experiences)

Large, lush leaves

Fast grower

About Ficus umbellata

Did you know that all plants in the Ficus genus produce figs? In fact, the word Ficus quite literally means figs! Even cooler, all figs are pollinated by tiny wasps that use the fruits as a safe place to raise their young. 🐝 Ficus plants also contain latex which emerges as a milky sap when twigs are broken. This latex makes them toxic, so be sure to keep a close eye out if you have children or pets!

Taxonomy

Scientific name

Ficus umbellata

Genus

Ficus

Family

Moraceae

Order

Rosales

Also known as

ficus umbellata.

How to care for Ficus umbellata

💦 Water

How often to water your Ficus umbellata

Ficus umbellata needs 0.5 cups of water every 9 when it doesn’t get direct sunlight and is potted in a 5" pot.

Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.

Water 0.5 cups every
9

Does your plant get direct sunlight?

No Yes

Select the pot size

☀️ Light

Finding light for Ficus umbellata in your home

Ficus umbellata love being close to bright, sunny windows 😎.

Place it less than 1ft from a south-facing window to maximize the potential for growth.

Ficus umbellata does not tolerate low-light 🚫.

Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement of Ficus umbellata in your home 🏡.

🪴 Nutrients

How to fertilize Ficus umbellata

Nutrient, fertilizer, and repotting needs for Ficus umbellata: repot after 2X growth

Most potting soils come with ample nutrients which plants use to produce new growth.

By the time your plant has depleted the nutrients in its soil it’s likely grown enough to need a larger pot anyway.

To replenish this plant's nutrients, repot your Ficus umbellata after it doubles in size or once a year—whichever comes first.

Browse #Ficus

💡 FAQs

💦 Water Needs

Ficus umbellata prefers for the soil to dry out between waterings and should be watered regularly. Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.

Ficus umbellata Water Frequency →

Ficus umbellata Root Rot →

☀️ Sunlight Needs

Ficus umbellata requires abundant, bright and direct light. Place it less than one foot from a window to ensure it receives enough light to survive 💪. Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement in your home 🏡.

Ficus umbellata Light Requirements →

Ficus umbellata Direct Sunlight Needs & Tolerance →

🐶 🐈 👶 Toxicity

Ficus umbellata is not safe to consume. If you, a family member, or a pet has ingested any amount of plant material contact Poison Control, US (800) 222-1222, or your veterinarian. If you have children, cats, or dogs in the home, we suggest keeping this plant out of reach.

💨 Humidity

Ficus umbellata prefers dry environments. Providing extra humidity or misting your plant allows water to linger on leaves, which can create the perfect environment for harmful types of fungi.

Ficus umbellata Humidity Needs →

🪴 Soil

Ficus umbellata does best in well-draining soil. A good soil will contain lots of organic matter such as coco coir as well as perlite or vermiculite to help with drainage. Adding a handful of perlite to regular store-bought potting soil should do the trick!

Best Soil Mix for Ficus umbellata →

Best Pots for Ficus umbellata →

When and How to Successfully Repot Ficus umbellata →

What Are Healthy Ficus umbellata Roots →

💩 Fertilizer

Ficus umbellata should be repotted after it doubles in size or once a year, whichever comes first. Fresh potting soil has all the nutrients your plant needs, so as long as it’s refreshed yearly, you shouldn’t need to use fertilizer. Remember, plants get their energy from sunlight, not fertilizer!

How Much and When to Fertilize Ficus umbellata →

❄️ Dormancy

It’s common for Ficus umbellata to go dormant in the wintertime and you may notice their growth slow down. Waterings should be spaced out more during this time.

🌎 Native Region

Ficus umbellata is native to worldwide Tropics.

🌦️ Growing Outdoors

USDA Hardiness Zone
Ficus umbellata can be grown outdoors in USDA Hardiness Zones 10a-12b. Find your local hardiness zone here.

Ficus umbellata Temperature Tolerance →

Ficus umbellata Hardiness Zones →

Landscaping Ideas with Ficus umbellata →

When to Plant Ficus umbellata →

How to Plant Ficus umbellata →

Where to Plant Ficus umbellata →

Winter Care for Ficus umbellata →

Best Companion Plants for Ficus umbellata →

Is Ficus umbellata a Weed? →

🍂 Yellow Leaves

Yellow leaves aren’t always a reason to panic, and can be a normal part of a plant’s life cycle. Unless brand new leaves are turning yellow or all the leaves change color at once, it’s likely just your plant shedding old leaves.

Overwatering and root rot are the most likely cause of problems in Ficus umbellata, since they are sensitive to wet soil. The leaves may also appear to be curling or drooping. Less often, yellow leaves are caused by underwatering, nutrient deficiencies, or pests.

Replace soggy soil with fresh, dry soil and download Greg to make sure your plant never gets overwatered again!

🧐 Troubleshooting

When troubleshooting a sad-looking houseplant, start by checking for signs of distress in its leaves, such as yellowing, browning, or drooping, which can indicate overwatering or nutrient deficiencies.

Inspect the soil moisture; too dry or too wet soil can cause problems.

Ensure the plant is getting the right amount of light, as too much or too little can stress it.

Finally, consider environmental factors like temperature and humidity, and adjust care routines accordingly to revive your plant.

Common Bugs Affecting Ficus umbellata →

What Eats Ficus umbellata? →

Care Summary for Ficus umbellata

Ficus umbellata

Greg recommends:

Water

0.5 cups every 9 days

Placement

< 1ft from a window

Nutrients

Repot after 2x growth

Based on the 4” pot your plant is in, and that it doesn’t get direct sunlight.

What other plant parents say

Large, lush leaves 7

Fast grower 6

Survivor 2

Blooms easily 1

Easy to propagate 1

@@vavavivacious

5 Plants

1,908 XP

03/12/2022

I thought my ficus would die because she was losing leaves pretty quickly. But I watched a YT video on notching and used Keiki Crazy Cloning Paste and she’s come right back to life - growing more leaves than I could ever imagine. Can’t wait to see how tall she will grow.

Fast grower

Large, lush leaves

Survivor

Ficus umbellata plant photo by @vavavivacious named Eurydice on Greg, the plant care app.

@@okvonne

13 Plants

618 XP

Atlanta, GA

10/02/2021

With lots of sun and proper watering they will love you. Grow a new leaf every week and a half. They grow so fast you get excited seeing it every week. One of my favorite plants and never get disappointed.

Fast grower

Large, lush leaves

Blooms easily