16 Ficus Varieties Worth Growing: From Weeping Figs to Rare Bonsai Forms
Discover 16 ficus varieties across tree, shrub, bonsai, vine, and outdoor forms — including rare collector plants and cold-hardy edible figs most guides never mention.
The ficus genus contains more than 850 species, but walk into most garden centers and you’ll find three or four of them. That’s not because the others aren’t worth growing. It’s because most people don’t know they exist.
Whether you want a dramatic tree for your living room, a collector-grade rubber plant variant, a beginner-friendly bonsai, or a cold-hardy edible fig for a zone 6 backyard, there’s a ficus for that. This guide covers 16 varieties across five growth forms — from everyday houseplants to species you’d struggle to find outside a specialist nursery.
One caution before the list: the care rules that work for one ficus often don’t apply to another. Fiddle leaf figs hate moves; weeping figs collapse in dry air; bonsai ficus need near-full sun. Each entry below flags the specific conditions that diverge from generic advice. For full care schedules, the ficus growing hub covers light, watering, and seasonal needs species by species.
Quick Reference: 16 Ficus Varieties at a Glance
| Variety | Form | Indoor Height | USDA Zone | Difficulty | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| F. benjamina | Tree | 5–10 ft | 10–12 | Moderate | Classic indoor tree |
| F. lyrata | Tree | 5–10 ft | 10–12 | Demanding | Statement focal point |
| F. benghalensis ‘Audrey’ | Tree | 5–10 ft | 10–12 | Moderate | Collector’s piece |
| F. maclellandii ‘Alii’ | Tree | 4–8 ft | 10–12 | Easy | Narrow spaces, braided trunks |
| F. umbellata | Tree | 6–10 ft | 10–12 | Moderate | Rare collector’s showpiece |
| F. elastica | Shrub | 4–8 ft | 9–12 | Easy | Beginners, low light |
| F. elastica ‘Tineke’ | Shrub | 6–10 ft | 9–12 | Easy | Variegated accent plant |
| F. elastica ‘Burgundy’ | Shrub | 4–6 ft | 9–12 | Easy | Dark dramatic foliage |
| F. elastica ‘Moonshine’ | Shrub | 4–8 ft | 9–12 | Easy | Rare collector plant |
| F. deltoidea | Shrub | 2–4 ft | 10–12 | Easy | Compact windowsill plant |
| F. microcarpa ‘Ginseng’ | Bonsai | 1–2 ft | 9–11 | Easy | First bonsai |
| F. microcarpa ‘Golden Gate’ | Bonsai | 1–2 ft | 9–11 | Easy | Fast-growing bonsai |
| F. retusa | Bonsai | 1–3 ft | 9–11 | Easy | Classic bonsai styling |
| F. pumila | Vine | trailing | 8–11 | Easy | Hanging baskets, topiary |
| F. pumila ‘Variegata’ | Vine | trailing | 8–11 | Easy | Decorative wall coverage |
| F. carica ‘Chicago Hardy’ | Outdoor | 10–20 ft | 6–10 | Easy | Cold-hardy edible fruit |
Tree-Form Ficus: Five Varieties for Height and Drama
Tree-form ficus are the backbone of indoor plant design — a single specimen can anchor a room the way furniture can’t. The five varieties below range from the forgiving to the demanding, and from readily available to genuinely rare.
1. Ficus benjamina (Weeping Fig)
The most widely grown indoor tree in the world, F. benjamina earns its popularity by tolerating moderate light levels that would stunt most other ficus. Indoors it typically reaches 5–10 feet; in its native range across tropical Asia and northern Australia it climbs to 30 feet or more. The appeal is the graceful arching canopy of small, glossy, pointed leaves — a curtain of green that looks architectural without effort.
The one thing this plant hates is being moved. Ficus benjamina drops leaves in response to any sudden change: a new room, a draft from a heating vent, or a shift in light angle. The mechanism is drought stress at the leaf level — the plant can’t equilibrate water loss fast enough when conditions change, so it sheds foliage rather than desiccate. Once settled in a bright spot away from vents, it stabilises. University of Florida IFAS research lists named commercial cultivars ‘Midnight’ and ‘Wintergreen’ as two of the most durable performers under interiorscape conditions [7]. ‘Starlight’ offers white-splashed variegation and grows slightly slower than the species [7]. NC State Extension confirms outdoor hardiness in USDA zones 10a–12b [1]; everywhere else, treat it as a permanent indoor plant.
2. Ficus lyrata (Fiddle Leaf Fig)
Ficus lyrata demands more than it gives back — and yet it remains the most photographed houseplant of the last decade. The violin-shaped leaves, which can reach 18 inches long on a mature plant, produce a sculptural look nothing else matches indoors. Native to lowland tropical rainforests in western Africa, it evolved under consistently warm, humid, stable conditions. Replicate those and it thrives. Deviate and it drops leaves as dramatically as a weeping fig.
NC State Extension records mature indoor size as 2–10 feet, with native specimens reaching 60–100 feet [3]. The critical care point is that it’s sensitive to overwatering: roots sit in saturated media, suffocate from lack of oxygen, and begin to rot before visible symptoms appear above soil. Bright indirect light is non-negotiable. The dwarf cultivar ‘Bambino’ tops out at a few feet and suits smaller spaces; ‘Compacta’ reaches 5 feet with proportionally smaller leaves [3]. For a direct comparison with its closest rival, see our Audrey vs. Fiddle Leaf Fig analysis.
3. Ficus benghalensis ‘Audrey’ (Indian Banyan)
‘Audrey’ is the variety most often described as what the fiddle leaf fig wants to be: equally striking in leaf but considerably more forgiving in care. The leaves are large, velvety in texture, and a lighter sage-green than most ficus — with prominent pale veins that give them a distinctive look. Where the fiddle leaf fig punishes inconsistency, Audrey tolerates some fluctuation in watering and light.
In its native India and Bangladesh, F. benghalensis grows into the famous banyan tree — a single specimen that sends aerial roots from its branches down to the ground, creating what appears to be an entire grove. Indoors, you’re working with a fraction of that potential, but the velvety leaf texture and sturdy upright growth still read as exotic. Availability is the main constraint: ‘Audrey’ propagates slowly and specialty nurseries are often the only reliable source.
4. Ficus maclellandii ‘Alii’ (Banana Leaf Fig)
‘Alii’ solves a specific problem: you want the height and structure of a weeping fig but you live in a drier-than-ideal home. The long, narrow, willow-like leaves — up to 10 inches long but less than an inch wide — transpire less water per leaf than the broad-leaved species, making it noticeably more tolerant of low humidity and less prone to leaf drop. UF/IFAS lists it under F. binnendijkii, also sold as ‘Amstel King’, and notes it as a relatively recent commercial introduction that performs well under interior light levels [7].
The growth habit is upright with gently drooping branch tips, giving it a tropical silhouette distinct from the weeping fig. It’s commonly sold as a braided or plaited trunk specimen — a look that holds well indoors. Target the same bright indirect light you’d give F. benjamina, with regular watering that lets the top inch of soil dry before the next drink.
5. Ficus umbellata (Umbrella Fig)
Ficus umbellata is the variety most likely to stop guests mid-sentence. Wide, heart-shaped leaves — each one 12–18 inches across — sit on slender stems that sway with any air movement. Native to tropical West Africa, it’s genuinely rare in the US houseplant market: most stock comes from specialty importers. Indoors it reaches 6–12 feet in containers; outdoors in its native range it can hit 30–50 feet. Give it consistently moist, well-drained soil and the same warm, bright conditions you’d give a fiddle leaf fig, and it’s surprisingly manageable for its visual impact.
Shrub-Form Ficus: The Rubber Plant Family and One Outlier
The shrub-form ficus are led by Ficus elastica and its cultivars — arguably the easiest group in the genus. They tolerate lower light than the tree forms, handle occasional missed waterings without drama, and grow steadily without needing staking. The fifth entry, F. deltoidea, is a compact outlier from a different branch of the genus entirely.
6. Ficus elastica (Rubber Plant)
Ficus elastica is the right starting point for anyone who has killed other ficus. The large, leathery, dark green leaves — up to 12 inches long on a mature plant — are thicker and more drought-tolerant than those of the tree forms, and the plant tolerates lower light levels without the immediate leaf-drop response you get from benjamina. NC State Extension records USDA hardiness zones of 9a–12b for outdoor growing [2]; indoors, it stays at a manageable 4–8 feet with moderate care.
The standard green-leaf ‘Robusta’ cultivar is the most common commercially [7]. The milky white latex sap is an irritant — wear gloves when pruning, and keep the plant out of reach of cats and dogs. For a complete species-specific care guide, the rubber plant care guide covers propagation, potting mix, and seasonal watering in detail.
7. Ficus elastica ‘Tineke’
‘Tineke’ is the variegated rubber plant most likely to be in a design magazine. The leaves show a three-tone pattern: irregular patches of dark green, lighter green, and creamy white, with occasional blush-pink tones on new growth. NC State records it reaching up to 13 feet indoors [2] — taller than the standard rubber plant — and notes that variegated forms need more light than their all-green counterparts to maintain their colouring. The mechanism: variegated leaf areas contain less chlorophyll, so the plant needs higher light intensity to photosynthesize at the same rate. Position it in the brightest indirect light you have.
8. Ficus elastica ‘Burgundy’
‘Burgundy’ (sometimes listed as ‘Abidjan’ in commercial trade) produces leaves so dark they read as near-black in lower light. NC State records mature indoor height at around 6 feet [2], and UF/IFAS lists it alongside ‘Cabernet’ as one of the most widely grown dark-foliage elastica cultivars [7]. The pigmentation comes from high levels of anthocyanins in the leaf tissue — the same compounds that turn autumn leaves red. In high light, the burgundy colouration is deepest; in lower light, leaves shift toward dark green. Care matches the standard rubber plant exactly.
9. Ficus elastica ‘Shivereana Moonshine’
‘Moonshine’ is the rarest rubber plant you’re likely to encounter in the US market. The leaves emerge peachy-pink from the sheath, then settle into a luminous minty-to-lime-green base with irregular cream and white splotches — no two leaves are identical. The pattern is chimeral variegation, meaning the different-coloured cells come from distinct genetic lineages coexisting in the same tissue. This makes ‘Moonshine’ impossible to reproduce true-to-type from seed; propagation is by stem cuttings only, which limits supply and keeps prices high at specialist nurseries.
Care requirements match other elastica cultivars: bright indirect light to maintain variegation, moderate watering, and temperatures above 55°F. If you find one available, the price premium reflects genuine scarcity rather than marketing.
10. Ficus deltoidea (Mistletoe Fig)
Ficus deltoidea doesn’t look like a rubber plant and doesn’t behave like a weeping fig. The small, triangular-to-spoon-shaped leaves are thick and waxy, produced densely on slow-growing compact stems. Mature indoor plants typically stay under 4 feet — unusual for a ficus. The common name comes from the small round berries it produces indoors without pollination: yellow or orange spheres that persist on the plant for months. NC State records USDA outdoor hardiness zones of 10–12 [5]; indoors it handles lower light than most ficus. It’s a reliable, low-drama windowsill plant that rarely gets the attention it deserves.
Bonsai-Form Ficus: Three Varieties Worth Styling
Ficus is the most popular bonsai genus globally for indoor growing — a fact that surprises gardeners used to thinking of bonsai as junipers and maples. The reason: ficus tolerates the low-humidity, stable-temperature conditions of most homes far better than those traditional species. The three varieties below cover the full range from first-timer friendly to classically sculptural.
11. Ficus microcarpa ‘Ginseng’
‘Ginseng’ is the entry point for indoor bonsai — the variety most likely to succeed if you’ve never styled a bonsai before. The defining feature is the trunk: a swollen, pot-bellied base that broadens dramatically just above the soil line, resembling a ginseng root. This isn’t a wild species characteristic; it’s a cultivated form of F. microcarpa, developed by grafting F. microcarpa foliage onto the swollen root systems of older plants [5].
NC State records USDA outdoor zones of 9a–11b [5]; indoors it needs temperatures above 68°F year-round and humidity of 70–100% for best aerial root development. Bonsai Empire — one of the authoritative references in the bonsai community — describes it as the most beginner-friendly ficus bonsai, tolerating occasional over- and underwatering [8]. Prune back to 2 leaves after every 6–8-leaf flush to maintain compact styling. Note: the ASPCA confirms ficus ginseng is toxic to pets if leaves are consumed [9].
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→ Build Watering Schedule12. Ficus microcarpa ‘Golden Gate’
‘Golden Gate’ shares F. microcarpa’s species characteristics — small, dense, dark-green leaves on a compact frame — but grows faster than the Ginseng form and produces a more conventional bonsai silhouette rather than the swollen-trunk look. The grey trunk and oval 1-inch leaves suit a range of bonsai styles, from informal upright to cascade. NC State records the cultivar specifically for bonsai use [5]. For gardeners who want the discipline and aesthetic of bonsai without sourcing a specialist variety, ‘Golden Gate’ is the practical choice. Outdoor bonsai placement is possible when temperatures stay above 60°F in summer [8]. For comparison with non-ficus bonsai care, see our guide to juniper bonsai.
13. Ficus retusa (Tigerbark Fig)
Ficus retusa — sold under the trade name ‘Tigerbark’ for the distinctive mottled markings on its smooth grey-brown bark — is the species Bonsai Empire identifies as the most popular bonsai ficus globally [8]. The S-curve trunk style that beginners aspire to is most naturally achieved with this species: the trunk is flexible enough when young to wire into dramatic curves, and the bark develops striking mottled patterning as it matures. Leaves are small, dark green, and oval — ideal proportionally for bonsai display.
It tolerates the widest range of bonsai training techniques, including hard pruning and defoliation (removing all leaves to reduce leaf size, a technique UF/IFAS commercial research confirms produces better-performing interior plants when done during production [7]). For styling discipline, follow the 6–8-leaf rule: let growth extend, then prune hard back to 2 leaves. Repot every 2–3 years in spring, and don’t be alarmed by root pruning — this species handles it readily [8].
Vine-Form Ficus: Creeping Fig and Its Rare Variegated Twin
14. Ficus pumila (Creeping Fig)
Ficus pumila grows where no other ficus can: horizontally across a wall, cascading from a hanging basket, or trained around a topiary frame. The small, heart-shaped leaves — roughly half an inch long on juvenile growth — self-cling to surfaces using adhesive root pads, making it one of the few houseplants that genuinely covers a vertical surface without support. NC State records USDA outdoor hardiness in zones 8a–11b, making it one of the more cold-tolerant ficus for semi-protected outdoor use in zone 8 gardens [4].
The key care note is that mature growth on established outdoor plants produces much larger leaves — up to 4 inches — which looks completely unlike the juvenile form. Indoors this transition rarely happens. Keep the soil consistently moist rather than allowing complete dry-out between waterings; this species prefers higher humidity than the rubber plant group [4]. It’s toxic to cats, dogs, and horses [4].
15. Ficus pumila ‘Variegata’
‘Variegata’ produces the same trailing growth habit as the species but with a sharp white margin on each leaf — a clean, two-tone look that reads as deliberately decorative rather than simply green. NC State lists it among the confirmed cultivars of F. pumila [4], and it’s available from specialty houseplant retailers, though less common than the green species. Growth is somewhat slower than the plain form; the variegated margin means less chlorophyll per leaf and slightly reduced overall vigour. Care is identical to the species: consistent moisture, bright indirect to moderate light, and temperatures above 45°F indoors.
Outdoor Ficus: The One Cold-Hardy Variety Worth Knowing
16. Ficus carica ‘Chicago Hardy’ (Common Fig)
Most ficus discussed in this article are tropical, requiring zone 10 conditions outdoors. ‘Chicago Hardy’ breaks that rule completely. NC State Extension records F. carica hardiness across USDA zones 7a–10b [6], and ‘Chicago Hardy’ specifically is the cultivar most gardeners cite for zone 6 performance: the stems survive temperatures down to 10°F, and the root system survives -20°F if mulched [6]. In zone 6, expect die-back to ground level most winters — the plant regrows from the crown and still fruits in a single season because figs form on new wood.
Mature size is 10–30 feet at full establishment in warm climates; zone 6 and 7 plants rarely exceed 8–10 feet given annual top growth loss. The fruit ripens in late summer to shades of green and purple. For cold-climate growing strategies, our fig tree growing guide covers mulching techniques, winter protection, and container overwintering in detail.
Toxicity: What Every Ficus Owner Needs to Know
Every ficus species in this list is toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. The ASPCA identifies two active agents: ficin (a proteolytic enzyme) and ficusin (a psoralen compound) [9]. Ficin is present in the milky sap released when stems or leaves are broken; it irritates mucous membranes and can blister skin. Ficusin is a phototoxic compound — skin contact followed by sun exposure can cause a burns-like reaction in sensitive individuals.
For pet owners: position ficus out of reach or in rooms pets don’t access. For gardeners: wear gloves whenever pruning or repotting. NC State records oral symptoms from F. lyrata specifically as “oral irritation, excessive drooling, and vomiting” in cats and dogs [3]. If ingestion is suspected, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
Choosing the Right Ficus: A Decision Framework
With 16 options, the fastest way to narrow down is by primary constraint:
- Beginners who want a tree: Start with F. elastica. It’s the most forgiving, most widely available, and most likely to survive the learning curve of reading watering needs.
- Statement piece in a bright room: F. lyrata if you have consistent bright indirect light and don’t move furniture often. F. benghalensis ‘Audrey’ if you want similar drama with more forgiveness.
- Lower light situations: F. elastica ‘Burgundy’ or the standard green rubber plant. Both tolerate indirect or filtered light better than the tree forms.
- First bonsai: F. microcarpa ‘Ginseng’. It’s explicitly designed for this role — the trunk form does the work before you pick up any tools.
- Small spaces or narrow shelves: F. deltoidea (stays under 4 feet) or F. pumila (trailing, needs no floor space).
- Collector or rare variety hunter: ‘Moonshine’ for rubber plant novelty; F. umbellata for large-leaf rarity; F. pumila ‘Variegata’ for vine interest.
- Outdoor growing in zones 6–8: F. carica ‘Chicago Hardy’ is the only option on this list with real cold hardiness — and it produces edible fruit.
For detailed light and watering rules for whichever variety you choose, see our ficus light and watering guide, or if something is already going wrong, the ficus troubleshooting guide covers leaf drop, yellowing, and root rot by cause.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the easiest ficus to grow indoors?
Ficus elastica (rubber plant) is the most forgiving of the group. It tolerates lower light than the tree forms, handles missed waterings without immediate leaf drop, and is available at most garden centers. Among the rubber plant cultivars, the standard green ‘Robusta’ and dark-leaved ‘Burgundy’ are equally undemanding.
Are all ficus plants toxic to pets?
Yes. The ASPCA lists ficus (all species) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses, with the active agents being ficin (a sap enzyme) and ficusin (a phototoxic psoralen) [9]. Symptoms include oral irritation and drooling from ingestion, and skin irritation from sap contact.
Which ficus is best for bonsai beginners?
Ficus microcarpa ‘Ginseng’ is the most recommended starting point. Its swollen, sculptural trunk base creates a dramatic bonsai aesthetic without requiring advanced styling skills, and it’s more tolerant of inconsistent watering than traditional bonsai species [8].
Can ficus grow outdoors in zone 6?
Only Ficus carica ‘Chicago Hardy’ is reliably viable in zone 6. The root system survives down to -20°F with mulching, and stems regrow from the crown after winters that kill the top growth. All other ficus species on this list require frost-free conditions (zone 9 or warmer) for outdoor survival.
Why does my ficus keep dropping leaves?
The most common cause is a change in environment: a move to a new spot, a nearby heating vent, a draft from an open window, or a sudden shift in light. Ficus benjamina is particularly sensitive. Secondary causes include overwatering (check for soggy soil), or low humidity in dry winter air. See our ficus problem guide for a full diagnostic breakdown.
Sources
- Ficus benjamina — NC State Extension Plant Toolbox
- Ficus elastica — NC State Extension Plant Toolbox
- Ficus lyrata — NC State Extension Plant Toolbox
- Ficus pumila — NC State Extension Plant Toolbox
- Ficus microcarpa — NC State Extension Plant Toolbox
- Ficus carica — NC State Extension Plant Toolbox
- Ficus Production Guide EP136 — University of Florida IFAS
- Ficus Bonsai Care Guide — Bonsai Empire
- Weeping Fig Toxicity — ASPCA Animal Poison Control
