If you’ve ever found yourself intrigued by the captivating world of fig trees, prepare to be enchanted! Within the confines of this article, we shall embark on a delightful expedition through 11 different types of fig trees with pictures. So, let’s explore these beautiful wonders of the botanical world together!
Fig trees, or Ficus trees, belong to a widespread genus of tree, characterized by their fruits which are actually an inverted flower. Their native range covers all tropical regions of the world and there are around 800 known types of Ficus.
You're reading: 11 Different Types of Fig Trees With Pictures: Fascinating Varieties
Many species like the common Benjamin Ficus are kept as houseplants all over the world, and there is a specific set of rules in caring for a Ficus tree, both indoors and outdoors. The sap of some species contains latex, which made them valuable historically as a source of rubber.
What is the Fig Tree?
The fig tree is characterized by its fruit, its large, dark-green non-deciduous (evergreen) leaves, pliable trunk, and sticky sap.
Fig Native Range
The native range of fig trees covers tropical regions from all over the world, from Southeast Asia to India to Australia and the Pacific Islands to the Mediterranean Sea. Rubber trees and Ficus Audreys are commonly found in the wild in India, for example, and the Ficus Retusa, grown as a Bonsai tree because of its small size, is native to the Malay Archipelago in the Pacific. The fig fruit that is commonly cultivated is native to the shores of the Mediterranean Sea.
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Different Types of Fig Trees With Pictures
Outdoor Ficus Trees with Pictures and Names
Ficus Carica (Common Fig)
It’s the fruit of this type of Ficus tree that are sold in stores. The fruit is technically an inverted flower and is much larger than that of other Ficus species. It’s the only Ficus fruit that you should ever attempt to eat. The shape of its leaves is vastly different from the weeping fig or rubber tree, more closely resembling a maple tree leaf.
| Leaf Shape and Color | 5 lobes, similar to a maple leaf. Light to dark green. |
| Fruit | Edible and delicious! |
| Indoor Tree Size | 10 feet tall |
| Outdoor Tree Size | 30 feet tall |
| Toxic to Humans/Pets | Yes |
Ficus Retusa (Retusa Bonsai)
The Retusa is a small fig tree native to the Malay Archipelago. Its small size has led to it being grown as an indoor Bonsai tree. It has smaller leaves than most other Ficus varieties and its stump is thick and often twisted, even as a houseplant. It likes to have full, direct sunlight and has a higher tolerance to periods of low humidity than other Ficus varieties.
| Leaf Shape and Color | Long, pointed medium-green ovals |
| Fruit | Edible but unappetizing. |
| Indoor Tree Size | 33 feet tall |
| Outdoor Tree Size | 1 to 2 feet tall |
| Toxic to Humans/Pets | Yes |
Ficus Cyathistipula (African Fig Tree)
Native to Africa as the name implies, this variety is known for its glossy green leaves, as well as its dark, flaky bark that resembles that of a birch tree. It is more tolerant to dry air and lack of light than many other species of Ficus. It’s a smaller Ficus variety, often growing in the wild as as shrub.
| Leaf Shape and Color | Long, pointed medium-green ovals |
| Fruit | Edible but unappetizing. |
| Indoor Tree Size | 5 to 10 feet tall |
| Outdoor Tree Size | 14 feet tall |
| Toxic to Humans/Pets | Yes |
Ficus Deltoidea (Mistletoe Fig)
This type of Ficus is known for its resemblance to the plant that couples kiss under during the Christmas season. The leaves are wider at the outside, giving them a distinctive deltoid shape, and the fruits form in clusters around the main stalk. It grows as a shrub in the wild, being one of the shorter members of the Ficus family of trees.
| Leaf Shape and Color | Thick, bright green deltoid-shaped leaves |
| Fruit | Inedible |
| Indoor Tree Size | 3 feet tall |
| Outdoor Tree Size | 6 feet tall |
| Toxic to Humans/Pets | Yes |
Ficus Congesta (Red Leaf Fig)
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The leaves of this Ficus start out red in color as they form, eventually turning to green, giving them a distinct appearance. Their fruit grow in clusters around the stalk, giving them the nickname of cluster fig. It’s rarely cultivated as an ornamental tree, but it has been used as a parent variety in many hybrid Ficus types.
| Leaf Shape and Color | Pointy ovals. Red at first, turning medium green as they mature |
| Fruit | Edible |
| Indoor Tree Size | 10 feet tall |
| Outdoor Tree Size | 50 feet tall |
| Toxic to Humans/Pets | Yes |
Ficus Benghalensis (Ficus Audrey)
Also known as the Banyan tree, this variety is another easy member of the Ficus family to grow. It’s generally considered to be easier to grow and less finicky than the Fiddle Leaf. It’s native to India, where some Ficus Audreys have grown to be some of the largest trees in the world by ground area!
| Leaf Shape and Color | Light green ovals, smaller than other Ficus varieties |
| Fruit | Edible but unappetizing. |
| Indoor Tree Size | 6 feet tall |
| Outdoor Tree Size | Up to 100 feet tall! |
| Toxic to Humans/Pets | Yes |
Ficus Benjamina (Weeping Fig)
Weeping Figs are the most common Ficus trees grown indoors as houseplants, and are sometimes known as just Ficus. When planted outside, they are also sometimes grown as a large fig bush. Their leaves are smaller than other varieties.
This variety is very sensitive to change in light and should not be moved unless necessary. Otherwise, it has very good tolerance to poor growing conditions and is one of the easier Ficus to have in one’s indoor garden.
| Leaf Shape and Color | Long, pointed medium-green ovals |
| Fruit | Edible but unappetizing. |
| Indoor Tree Size | 2 to 10 feet tall |
| Outdoor Tree Size | 40 to 50 feet tall |
| Toxic to Humans/Pets | Yes |
Ficus Lyrate (Fiddle Leaf Fig)
As the name suggests, the leaves of the fiddle leaf fig resemble a violin, and they can grow up to a foot long! They have graceful, slender trunks and large, glossy leaves that have a very appealing and tropical appearance. However, they are a but fussy with sunlight and watering requirements. They are a slow-growing fig native to western Africa.
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| Leaf Shape and Color | Round, wider at the outside. Dark green. |
| Fruit | Edible but unappetizing. |
| Indoor Tree Size | 10 feet tall |
| Outdoor Tree Size | 50 feet tall |
| Toxic to Humans/Pets | Yes |
Ficus Elastica (Rubber Tree)
The rubber tree is famous for its historical importance as a source of rubber! The sap contains latex which can be used to produce natural rubber products. It is no longer harvested for this purpose but it remains a popular houseplant, having large, glossy, dark green leaves. It’s also one of the larger Ficus varieties when grown in the wild.
| Leaf Shape and Color | Dark green round ovals |
| Fruit | Edible but unappetizing. |
| Indoor Tree Size | 6 to 10 feet tall |
| Outdoor Tree Size | Up to 100 feet tall! |
| Toxic to Humans/Pets | Yes |
Ficus Pumila (Creeping Fig)
This variety of Ficus is unique because it grows as a vine rather than a tree with a trunk. It can climb to a height of 15 feet on buildings or trees. It’s sometimes known as a seasonal groundcover in regions that are subject to frost, since the freezing temperatures kill the vine back to the roots.
| Leaf Shape and Color | Light green oval-shaped leaves |
| Fruit | Edible when properly prepared. |
| Indoor Tree Size | Up to 15 feet tall |
| Outdoor Tree Size | Up to 15 feet tall |
| Toxic to Humans/Pets | Yes |
Ficus Altissima (Council Tree)
The Council Tree is one of the strangling figs, meaning that its roots envelop surrounding trees and steal their nutrients, eventually killing them. It’s also one of the larger Ficus types with an enormous canopy when it occurs in the wild. Like many Ficus varieties, it efficiently removes certain toxins from the air like gaseous formaldehyde.
| Leaf Shape and Color | Pointed ovals, variegated with 2 shades of green |
| Fruit | Edible but unappetizing. |
| Indoor Tree Size | 6 to 10 feet tall |
| Outdoor Tree Size | 100 feet tall |
| Toxic to Humans/Pets | Yes |
Outdoor Ficus Tree Plant Care
Ficus trees grow significantly larger outdoors than indoors, sometimes up to 100 feet tall and covering a large area, so they have to be given extra consideration.
How to Care for a Ficus Plant Indoors
The tropical environment that Ficus trees are adapted to must be replicated in your tree’s growing space.
Keeping the soil consistently moist
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Be diligent with keeping the soil consistently moist. Some species will tolerate drying out but most won’t. However, waterlogged soil will result in disease so check that the top few inches of soil are dry before watering.
Mist the tree leaves regularly
As with watering, don’t overdo it since too much moisture can breed disease.
Bright but indirect sunlight
Most ficus trees like bright but indirect sunlight. Direct sunlight will scorch the leaves but too little sunlight will leave the plant hungry.
Extremely sensitive to cold
Ficus trees are extremely sensitive to cold. Even cold drafts of air from an open window or an AC system can severely harm the plant.
Fertilize the tree regularly
You will have to fertilize the tree regularly, usually monthly, to keep the soil nutrition up. You also have to re-pot the tree every 1 to 3 years.
FAQs
What are the different types of fig trees?
The different types of fig trees include the Black Mission, Brown Turkey, Kadota, Calimyrna, Adriatic, and many more!
What is the most delicious fig tree?
The most delicious fig tree is a tough call, but many people rave about the sweet and juicy flavor of the Brown Turkey fig!
How do I identify a fig tree?
Identifying a fig tree is quite easy! Look for their distinct, lobed leaves and their unique pear-shaped fruits hanging down from the branches.
What are the best figs for fresh eating?
For fresh eating, you’ll absolutely love varieties like the Kadota, Black Mission, and Adriatic figs – they’re simply delightful and perfect straight from the tree!
11 Different Types of Fig Trees With Pictures: Conclusion
Hopefully you have learned what a fig tree is and about the many different types from this article! Caring for fig trees is very similar throughout the different species, with only minor differences. Some types are more common than others but that shouldn’t stop you from trying to grow any type that you’re interested in. They’re grown indoors and outdoors inside their native rang and out so don’t be afraid to give them a try! Best of luck and happy growing!
Source: https://thelittle.garden
Category: Houseplants