How to Grow Ficus Variegata - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2025

Ficus variegata is a species of fig tree in the family Moraceae. It is native to the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. The leaves of the ficus variegata are variable in shape and size, and the tree can reach a height of up to 20 m. The fruit of the ficus variegata is a drupe, and the tree is often grown as an ornamental plant.

How to Grow Ficus Variegata - Plant Care & Tips

Also known as

  • Creeping fig
  • Indian Laurel Fig
  • Ficus benjamina
  • Ficus microcarpa
  • Ficus elastica

Things to Know

  • Ficus variegata is a tree that originates from Southeast Asia.
  • It can grow up to 30 m tall.
  • The leaves are large and leathery, and the margins are often lobed.
  • The tree is dioecious, meaning that male and female flowers grow on separate trees.
  • The flowers are small and inconspicuous.
  • The fruit is a small, fleshy drupe.
  • The tree is often used as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks.
  • It is also sometimes used in bonsai.
  • The tree can be susceptible to pests and diseases, such as scale insects, mealybugs, and root rot.
  • It is also sensitive to changes in temperature and humidity.

How to Grow

  1. For ficus variegata, first step is to ensure that you have a healthy plant to work with. Make sure that there are no pests or diseases present.
  2. Ficus variegata can be propagated by seed, but it is easier to propagate by taking cuttings.
  3. Cuttings should be taken from the tips of healthy, non-flowering branches.
  4. Cuttings should be about 4-6 inches long and each should have at least 2-3 leaves.
  5. Dip the cuttings in a rooting hormone and plant them in a well-draining potting mix.
  6. Water the soil well and place the pot in a warm, sunny location.
  7. Keep the soil moist, but not wet, and within a few weeks the cuttings should take root.
  8. Once the cuttings have rooted, water them less frequently and allow the top layer of soil to dry out between waterings.
  9. Fertilize the plants once every month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
  10. Once the plant has reached the desired size, it can be transplanted into a larger pot or into the garden.

Related plant:
Ficus Maclellandii

Considering the Soil

About soil condition, the ficus variegata prefers well drained soils with a lot of organic matter. It's quite adaptable though and can tolerate different soil types as long as they are not waterlogged. It's also important to make sure the soil is not too dry, as this can cause the leaves to brown and drop off.

About light

Not too different with other houseplants, the ficus variegata needs a good amount of sunlight to maintain its health. It should be placed in a spot where it can receive direct sunlight for at least six hours a day. If you don't have a spot in your home that gets that much sunlight, you can supplement with a grow light.

Good Temperature

The temperature condition that is best for a Ficus variegata is warm weather. They like it when the temperature is above freezing and below 100 degrees Fahrenheit. They also like it when the humidity is high.

Humidity Requirement

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is around 40%. They prefer a cool, moist environment and will suffer in dry conditions. If the room is too dry, the leaves will begin to drop. too much humidity will encourage fungal growth.

Fertilizing

Mentioning fertilizer, this plant is not a big fan of too much fertilizer.Fertilize every other month using a general purpose fertilizer. too much fertilizer will result in leaf drop.This plant likes to stay on the drier side, so allow the soil to dry out in between watering. The best way to tell if your ficus variegata needs water is to check the leaves.When the leaves start to look wilted, that means it is time to water.Over-watering is the main reason why leaves drop off this plant.The variegata likes to be root bound, so be careful not to plant it too deeply. The roots of this plant are very sensitive to temperature changes.

About light

Pruning your ficus variegata helps to keep it looking its best. It also helps to encourage new growth. When pruning, be sure to remove any dead or dying leaves or branches. You can also trim back any overgrown branches.

Plant Propagation

Propagation is best accomplished by taking stem cuttings in late spring or early summer, when the plant is actively growing. Cuttings should be taken from new growth, and each cutting should include several leaves. The cuttings can be rooted in moist sand, vermiculite, or perlite.

Plant Growth

Usually, the plant growth rate studies have been conducted on seedlings or cuttings. In one study, average daily growth rates of seedlings ranged from 0.011 to 0.176 inches (0.28 to 4.47 mm), with a mean of 0.065 inches (1.65 mm) (Schnell, 1974). cuttings had a mean daily growth rate of 0.049 inches (1.24 mm) (Schnell, 1974). Ficus variegata generally has a fast growth rate. However, growth rate varies depending on the type of ficus variegata, the soil it is grown in, and other environmental factors.

Common Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are yellow leaves, wilting, and root rot. Each of these problems can be caused by different things, so it is important to identify the problem before trying to solve it. Yellow leaves can be caused by too much sun, too little water, or a nutrient deficiency. If the leaves are yellow and droopy, it is probably because the plant is not getting enough water. If the leaves are yellow and stiff, it is likely due to too much sun. A nutrient deficiency can also cause yellow leaves, but is less common. Wilting can also be caused by too much sun, too little water, or a nutrient deficiency. If the plant is wilting and the leaves are droopy, it is probably because the plant is not getting enough water. If the plant is wilting and the leaves are stiff, it is likely due to too much sun. A nutrient deficiency can also cause wilting, but is less common. Root rot is caused by too much water. If the plant is getting too much water, the roots will start to rot and the plant will not be able to absorb nutrients. This can cause the leaves to turn yellow and eventually die.

Basics of Growing

  • Do not forget to water your ficus variegata plant regularly. The plant cannot tolerate drought conditions.
  • It is best to place your ficus variegata plant in an area with bright indirect sunlight.
  • The plant prefers to grow in rich, well-draining soil.
  • Fertilize your ficus variegata plant every month using a balanced fertilizer.
  • To encourage new growth, you can prune your ficus variegata plant.
  • Be careful not to overwater your plant as this can lead to root rot.
  • The plant is susceptible to mealybugs and scale insects. Inspect your plant regularly and remove any pests you find.
  • The plant can also be affected by root-knot nematodes.
  • To prevent problems with nematodes, you can grow your ficus variegata plant in a pot filled with sterile potting mix.

Alternative Plants

  • Ficus robusta (Ficus robusta, Itaúba, Mora)
  • Ficus salicifolia (Ficus salicifolia, Weeping Fig, Willow Leaf Fig)
  • Ficus abscessa (Ficus abscessa, Mountain Fig, Acacia Ficus)
  • Ficus heterophylla (Ficus heterophylla, Ficus Auriculata, Banyan Fig)
  • Ficus glomerata (Ficus glomerata, Clustered Fig, Figueira)
  • Ficus lyrata (Ficus lyrata, Figuier Lyre, Banjo Fig)
  • Ficus obliqua (Ficus obliqua, Moreton Bay Fig, Figuier à Feuilles Transversales)
  • Ficus tree (Ficus tree, Moreton Bay Fig, Figuier à

Source:
Discover Nature at JCU - Ficus variegata - JCU Australia
Ficus variegata - 28 images at PhytoImages.siu.edu image, …
Phenology of Ficus variegata in a seasonal wet tropical forest at …

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Trees Category