Ficus umbellata (Umbrella fig tree) Care: What to Know

Find out how to grow Ficus umbellata (Umbrella fig tree) in your indoor garden. This beautiful, rare plant with its large, eye-catching leaves is easy to grow indoors if you know what to do. Learn the plant’s lighting, watering, fertilizing needs, and more. See care time stamps below.

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Video Transcript

Welcome to HealthyHouseplants.com, where we teach you all about gardening in The Great Indoors! Today’s plant care spotlight is on the stunning Ficus umbellata, also known as the umbrella fig tree. This beautiful houseplant is eye-catching with its large, heart-shaped, shiny green leaves that resemble umbrellas perched on a thin, elegant trunk.

Native to Africa, the Ficus umbellata is becoming more widely available and is relatively easy to grow indoors. It can reach up to four feet tall and wide and grows fairly quickly under ideal conditions.

Lighting

Ficus umbellata prefers bright, indirect light. Direct sun can burn its leaves, leaving brown or black spots that won’t heal. Avoid placing it directly in Southern or Western windows. Instead, place it several feet away from such windows, or use an Eastern window where it can tolerate morning sun. It also grows well under full-spectrum lighting.

Watering

This plant needs medium watering. Let the top 1–3 inches of soil dry out before watering, or water when a moisture meter reads 4. Avoid letting it dry completely or keeping it too wet to prevent droopy leaves or root rot. It will require more water during active growth in spring and summer.

Fertilizing

Feed monthly from spring through fall using a well-balanced organic liquid fertilizer. Avoid chemical fertilizers, as they may burn the plant’s delicate roots.

Humidity

Being tropical, Ficus umbellata enjoys humidity levels of 50% and above. Dry indoor air can cause brown leaf tips and edges. You can increase humidity by misting, using a humidity tray, grouping plants together, or using a humidifier.

Temperature

Maintain temperatures between 65°F and 85°F. Avoid exposing it to cold drafts or dry air from heating and cooling systems, which can cause leaf damage.

Repotting

Repot once a year, especially when roots appear from the drainage holes or when the plant outgrows the pot-to-plant ratio. Use a well-draining, water-retentive soil like Pro Mix BX, and always choose pots with drainage holes.

Pruning

Trim yellow, brown, or dead leaves regularly. Perform major pruning or shaping in late winter or early spring, but never remove more than one-third of the plant at once to avoid shock.

Pests & Diseases

Ficus umbellata can attract spider mites and scale insects. Use neem oil, insecticidal soap, or 91% alcohol to treat infestations and always rinse thoroughly. Watch for root rot caused by overwatering; signs include yellow, drooping leaves and mushy roots.

FAQ's -Ficus umbellata 101

Ficus Umbellata Care FAQs

What kind of light does Ficus umbellata need?

Ficus umbellata thrives in bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves. Morning sun from an eastern window is ideal.

How often should I water my Ficus umbellata?

Water when the top 1–3 inches of soil are dry or when a moisture meter reads 4. Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.

Does Ficus umbellata need high humidity?

Yes, this tropical plant prefers humidity levels above 50%. Use a humidifier, mist the leaves, or group plants together to raise humidity.

How do I fertilize Ficus umbellata?

Fertilize monthly during spring through fall using a well-balanced organic liquid fertilizer. Avoid chemical fertilizers that may burn the roots.

When should I repot my Ficus umbellata?

Repot once a year or when roots emerge from the drainage holes. Use a well-draining, water-retentive soil and only increase the pot size by one level.