Types of outdoor ficus trees are the ones that will be the fitting addition to your home garden if you want to add a tropical and exotic vibe. These plants are pretty resilient, and there are several types to choose from, depending on your garden’s climate and soil conditions.

11 Types of Outdoor Ficus Trees

Check out the list of the best ficus types as suggested by our gardening team.

Outdoor Ficus Trees To Grow

1. Fiddle Leaf Fig

Fiddle Leaf Fig Elements

Distinguishing characteristics
  • This ficus plant has large, heavily veined, glossy green leaves that grow on a thin trunk
  • It grows to reach a height of 50 feet outdoors, but indoor ficus trees will be shorter. It will be an interesting focal point in any room
  • In warmer climates, this plant can thrive but will rarely flower outside its native habitat
Growth requirements
  • This plant prefers slightly acidic, well-draining soil. It prefers moderate moisture, or the leaves will wilt
  • Filtered light is essential to maintain the color of the leaves
  • It can grow fast and can be repotted any time of the year if you want to grow it as a houseplant in a container
Planting ideas
  • The fiddle leaf fig is an excellent addition to your container garden, as the plant grows pretty fast
  • It’s can be an accent plant in a shrub bed, thanks to the distinctive look of the leaves It can also be an eye-catching ficus
Issues The Ficus lyrata is toxic to cats and dogs.

 

This popular tree is a favorite amongst plant enthusiasts, because of the beautiful features of this tree. This ficus is also known as the banjo fig, the Ficus lyrata thrives as an indoor and an outdoor plant, where it can be the focal point in any gardening setup. The leaves can become bleached and lose their color when the plant is exposed to too much sunlight.

Although the fiddle-leaf fig can withstand less-than-perfect conditions, it’s hard to grow in colder climates, as it thrives in humid and wet conditions.

In addition to this, it has different issues and one of the key ones is that if you have pets, they should stay away from biting the leaves, because they contain a toxic sap that would hurt them.

2. Rubber Tree

Rubber Tree Growth Requirements

Distinguishing characteristics
  • The rubber bush or rubber fig will leak milky sap if the branches are damaged or cut
  • It has oversized oval-shaped leaves that can be green or variegated
  • When grown outside, the rubber tree can be between 50 and 100 feet tall and wide
Growth requirements
  • The rubber plant grows in slightly acidic, moist, and well-draining soil
  • You should protect it from cool drafts, or the leaves will turn yellow before they fall off the plant
  • Diffused or filtered light works best for this tree as the strong light will burn the leaves
Planting ideas
  • In most cases, this tree is grown as a specimen plant
  • It can also be grown in a container on your patio or deck if the weather is warm and humid
  • It thrives and it adds tropical vibes to your space
Issues
  • The milky sap of the Ficus elastica causes skin irritation and is toxic to cats and dogs
  • The indoor variety houseplants are more prone to pest infestations, especially mealybugs, aphids, spider mites, and thrips
  • Neem oil is usually used to keep this plant healthy

The Ficus elastica is sometimes mistaken for an artificial plant because the foliage looks too good to be true. Several varieties have waxy green, white, burgundy, or black leaves. The burgundy rubber tree is a popular cultivar.

Variegated rubber trees are also quite popular as outdoor ficus plants. The rubber plant has long been prized for the sap’s commercial value, as it’s used to make rubber. Overall, it’s a beautiful tree that also have significant features and benefits as well, however when growing it, one must make sure that the light given to it would not indirect but bright at the same time.

On another note, propagating this tree can be problematic, so you might want to buy a new plant instead. Using a rooting hormone and providing a lot of warmth and humidity will help it get established.

3. Weeping Fig

Weeping Fig Planting Ideas

Distinguishing characteristics
  • The Ficus benjamina has broad leaves and is considered evergreen in warmer climates
  • It has a light gray trunk and arching branches
Growth requirements
  • You should grow the Ficus benjamina in a sunny spot where it gets some protection from the hot afternoon sun
  • Grow ficus plant trees in well-draining soil that should be kept moist because too much moisture can make the leaves drop
Planting ideas
  • The branches of this ficus tree are usually braided to enhance the look of shade gardens
  • Thanks to its fast-growing habit, this plant can be a great specimen tree
  • Homeowners usually prune this plant to grow it as a hedge, and you can also grow it inside the house
Issues
  • It’s toxic to people and pets
  • Lack of nitrogen in the soil and overwatering often causes leaves to shed
  • Leaf drop can also result from inadequate watering, low light, and frequent movement of the plant’s pot

The weeping fig is one of the fastest-growing types of ficus plants that can be grown outdoors and indoors. This is one of the longest-living trees and can survive between 20 and 50 years, which is a great choice as it will show its beauty for a great period of time.

However, it’s quite popular as an indoor tropical plant in homes and offices, but if you do have pets at home, you must be very cautious because if they bite into the plant, it will harm them.

Make sure that when you are growing this plant, you must be consistent with the watering session, because if not, the soil won’t be moist, and it will have issues establishing. On the other hand, when it is overly watered, the plant will have a hard time developing well, because if so, it will face issues like dropping off the leaves or de-coloring.

It’s pretty sensitive to its surroundings, so growing ficus won’t be the easiest if you’re a novice gardener or unable to maintain suitable growing conditions. The Ficus Daniella or Daniella ficus is a famous cultivar characterized by its glossy leaves and more upright growth pattern, looking very much like the Ficus moclame.

4. Ficus Audrey

Problems of Ficus Audrey

Distinguishing characteristics
  • The Ficus benghalensis is a close relative of the fiddle leaf type, but it’s characterized by its light-colored trunk and fuzzy leaves
  • This tree can grow aerial roots from the canopy in the right conditions, usually spreading wider than its height
Growth requirements
  • The Audrey ficus thrives in well-draining soil, and adding some perlite might be beneficial
  • Grow it in a spot where it receives bright indirect sunlight
  • The soil should be allowed to dry, and then you should water it thoroughly
Planting ideas
  • It’s best to grow this plant as a container plant, where you can have more control over its growing conditions
  • Most homeowners prefer to grow this ficus plant indoors as well
  • You can grow several individuals to create a screen when grown in a garden
Issues
  • Mealybugs and aphids typically attack this tree to feed on its sticky sap
  • Whether grown inside or outside, dust accumulates on the leaves of this tree and can affect the photosynthesis process.

Also known as the strangler fig and banyan tree, this ficus is the national tree of India and will thrive in humid and warm conditions in USDA zones 9 to 11. Applying natural fertilizers like worm castings and compost during the growing season will benefit your plant.

The sycamore fig or Ficus sycomorus is called the false banyan because it looks like a miniature version of this one. However, this tree is a beautiful one that when you grow it indoors as well as outdoors too.

It will thrive, and it adds such a lovely feature, but you have to make sure that you water it when the soil feels dry, and place it in a location where it will receive proper lighting but of course not directly light, because it would harm the leaves.

5. Creeping Fig

Creeping Fig Detailed Description

Distinguishing characteristics
  • The Ficus pumila is a creeping vine with leathery leaves and bushy stems
  • It’s one of the most resilient plants and can withstand pruning and less-than-perfect growing conditions
Growth requirements
  • This plant thrives in low-light conditions, although its foliage might suffer slightly
  • It tolerates different types of soil as long as it’s well-draining
  • You need to water this plant once a week and less frequently in the fall and winter
Planting ideas
  • This vine is an excellent choice for trellises and walls
  • People usually grow the creeping fig as a groundcover, especially in coastal gardens, as it withstands salt spray
Issues
  • The suckers of this plant can damage brick walls
  • Dry winter winds can scorch the foliage and make it less attractive

The creeping fig is also known as the climbing fig; because of the way that it grows and thrives, this plant can become invasive in the right conditions. It spreads aggressively, sometimes affecting native plants. You can add this vine to your collection, because of the way that it would elevate the eccentric features of your place.

You should wear gloves while pruning this plant because the sap causes skin irritation and is toxic to pets, which is why it is best to place it on a higher shelf when growing. Different varieties, like the Snowflake and Sunny Fig types, have variegated leaves.

6. Common Fig

Make Use of Common Fig

Distinguishing characteristics
  • This tree has emerald green vine-like leaves and edible fruit like the Ficus petiolaris or rock fig
  • It reaches a height between 10 and 20 feet tall and wide
Growth requirements
  • You need to grow this tree in full sun
  • This tree is drought-tolerant but needs more watering when it’s growing the fruit
Planting ideas
  • Homeowners usually grow this tree as a fruit tree, so they can enjoy the delicious and juicy fresh figs
  • It can be an excellent specimen tree for your front yard
Issues
  • This tree is subject to Anthracnose, a group of fungal diseases that cause brown and black leaf spots
  • Fig rust is pretty common and causes orange spots on the leaves that get worse with time

The Ficus carica tree is famous for its sweet edible fruit. It’s one of the oldest trees. Some historians believe that it can be tracked to 5000 BC as one of the first domesticated plants. There are several varieties, like the Caprifig, which has male and female flowers, and the San Pedro fig, which produces fruit two times a year.

The common fig tree thrives in various soils, including loamy, sand, and heavy clay soil. In addition to this, when you are growing this plant, make sure that the soil is slightly acidic to neutral, and that is because it doesn’t tolerate highly acidic soil. Make sure that you do not grow in indoors, because the light it needs should be direct and bright.

7. Indian Laurel

Indian Laurel Outdoor Tree

Distinguishing characteristics
  • The Ficus microcarpa is an evergreen shrub with dark green leaves
  • The lance-shaped leaves have wavy margins, and the canopy is usually round
  • It grows yellow flowers in the spring and small red figs in the summer
Growth requirements
  • Unlike other ficus trees, this one is pretty easy to grow
  • It thrives in different types of neutral or slightly alkaline soil and should be watered once every one or two weeks
  • It thrives in full to partial sunlight
Planting ideas
  • This ficus tree is usually trimmed to create an interesting hedge
  • People usually grow this ficus around the house to cool the environment and lower utility bills
Issues
  • The Indian laurel is sensitive to overwatering, which can turn the leaves yellow before they fall off the tree.
  • It has neutralized in several areas and can be considered invasive.

Also known as the Chinese banyan, Malayan banyan, curtain fig, and glossy leaf fig, this plant is usually grown as a street tree in USDA zones 9 to 11, where it can reach a height of 40 feet tall. Like the Indian banyan, this one can grow aerial roots from the canopy to the ground.

What is interesting about keeping this plant both indoors or outdoors is that people train this tree to grow as a bonsai tree, where it can be one of the best types of ficus trees indoor. Make sure that when you are growing, you will trim it in any way that you want to add beauty and a tropical feel.

8. African Fig

Keeping African Fig Tree

Distinguishing characteristics
  • It has glossy green oblong leaves and bears small red edible fruit
  • People use the leaves to prepare medicinal tea, and the fruit represents a food source for humans and animals
Growth requirements
  • You can grow this ficus tree outdoors in moderately moist, fertile, well-draining soil
  • It thrives in bright filtered sunlight and should be fertilized at least twice a month during the growing season
Planting ideas
  • The Ficus cyathistipula is usually grown as a specimen tree
  • You can grow various trees to create a screen
Issues
  • This ficus tree is prone to root rot and leaf spot
  • Powdery mildew can appear as white patches, but it shouldn’t be mistaken for white dry sap patches

Depending on its height, this beautiful tree is also known as the birchbark fig, an evergreen tree or shrub, as it can grow as both. This tree is important in several African cultures and can be linked to strength and fertility. As a fast-growing plant, this will be an excellent choice to transform your indoor or outdoor space.

Although you should be very cautious because it can be infested by powdery mildew, which would appear as little white fungi. You must be very keen on tackling this, because it would harm the plant in the long run.

9. Sacred Fig

Sacred Fig Tree Care Guide

Distinguishing characteristics
  • The Ficus religiosa is a large tree with a 10-foot diameter and a height of almost 100 feet tall
  • It has heart-shaped leathery leaves with an extended tip measuring between four and six inches
  • It grows small whitish-green flowers that turn into black or red berries
Growth requirements
  • Unlike most fig trees that thrive in shady conditions, this one requires bright direct sunlight to grow
  • It grows in different soil types and is more drought-tolerant than other ficuses
Planting ideas
  • People grow this ficus tree as an ornamental plant, and regular pruning will keep it in shape
  • You can grow it as a bonsai tree or as a container plant if you keep it in a sunny location
Issues
  • Brown spot is very common in these plants
  • It’s pretty resistant to most pests, but when you grow this ficus tree indoors, it can be attacked by whitefly scales, thrips, and spider mites

This is a tall growing plant that slso known as the peepal tree; this plant is sacred in many ancient cultures. The leaves of this plant are used in traditional medicine, and the bark contains high levels of vitamin K, what is more interesting in this tree is that it also encourages flowering and fruiting.

Moreover, this about how this tree will thrive when you place the right requirements, such as being in a location with bright and direct sunlight. In addition to this, the soil should be a well-draining kind, because it cannot have so much water that is being held still in the roots, or it may be problematic.

10. Banana Leaf Fig

Features of Banana Leaf Fig

Distinguishing characteristics
  • It’s characterized by its glossy green long leaves, which are sometimes used as plates in its native habitat
  • In summer, clusters of white-green flowers grow on this tree
Growth requirements
  • This ficus tree grows in well-draining soil that should be kept moist but not wet
  • It thrives in bright indirect sunlight, but it can tolerate low-light conditions, making it a good choice for shade gardens
  • The plant tree care guide states that unless you live in highly humid conditions, you should try to grow it as an indoor plant as well
Planting ideas
  • The upright growth nature of this tree makes it a good choice for an accent tree
  • People also grow this outdoor tree in a container garden
Issues
  • Powdery mildew is common, appearing as white patches of the leaves of this ficus tree
  • Root rot is a serious problem, and can kill your banana-leaf ficus
  • Other serious diseases include botrytis, leaf spot disease, and blight

These ficus trees immediately add a tropical vibe to your garden, growing as evergreen trees, thus keeping their leaves all year long. The Ficus maclellandii tree is an evergreen tree, sometimes reaching the height of 98 feet, the same height as the Ficus altissima, known as the council tree or lofty fig. However, in most gardens, it will be shorter.

You can also grow it surrounded by shorter ficus like the mistletoe fig or Ficus deltoidea, the variegated clown fig or Ficus aspera parcelli, bonsai Moreton bay fig trees or Ficus macrophylla, that otherwise grow to be 200 feet tall. This is the beauty of growing this tree, as it has such a unique touch to the way that it would thrive and add the most eccentric feature to your place.

The tree is usually grown for its fruit, changing from green to red when they ripe. Also known as the Alii fig, this tree’s bark is used to make furniture. The narrow leaf fig, narrow-leafed fig, long leaf ficus, or Ficus binnendijkii is a popular cultivar, characterized by its narrow long leaves.

11. Sandpaper Fig

Landscaping by Sandpaper Fig

Distinguishing characteristics
  • This tree gets its common name from the rough sandpaper-like texture of the foliage
  • It’s a medium evergreen tree that grows to reach a height between 20 and 40 feet tall
  • It has a dense canopy and the leaves underside is covered in tiny hairs
Growth requirements
  • The tree plant care guide states that it needs lots of space, moisture, and light to thrive
  • It’s considered hardy compared to other outdoor ficus plants, but it’s more sensitive when it’s young
  • This plant can adapt to several conditions, as it can grow in rainforests, sheltered rocky areas, open country, and along creeks
Planting ideas
  • This outdoor tree is usually grown in woodland and coastal gardens
  • You can grow it as a bonsai tree along with the Ficus retusa bonsai or Ficus ginseng
  • Because it’s tolerant of moisture, this will be an interesting shade tree to grow next to water features in your garden
Issues
  • This ficus has an extensive root system like the red leaf fig tree or Ficus congesta and causes some problems to your plumbing and structural foundations
  • Fig blister mites and fig rust are among the most common outdoor ficus tree problems

The Ficus coronata is considered hardy, tolerating conditions other trees won’t tolerate. It can withstand poor soil conditions, poor light, and colder climates. However, just like most ficus trees, it doesn’t tolerate frost. If allergies represent an issue, you might want to hire a professional to prune this tree, as the sap causes irritation.

On the other hand, this sap was popular in traditional medicine as people used it to treat ring-worms and warts. You must also make sure that you would water it enough because originally this tree is prone to growing around marshy areas.

Conclusion

Now, check the key points that we covered about these gorgeous trees in this article:

  • Some fig trees, like the Ficus elastica, have a commercial value for the milky sap, as it’s used to make rubber.
  • Some ficus plants like the creeping fig will grow on a trellis or as a groundcover.
  • Some ficus trees grow edible fruits, like the common fig and the African fig tree.
  • Trees like the weeping fig and banana-leaf fig are great choices for a shade garden.

Ficus tree plants thrive outdoors to make your outdoor space look exotic and special. Luckily, you’ll have amazing types to choose from after reading our cool suggestions, so if you’re looking for an outdoor ficus tree for sale, several good options are available and grow them with all joy.

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