Everyone wants a ficus tree and there are many varieties to choose from: Benjamina (and all of its new cultivars such as Midnight, Spearmint, Nitida and Monique), Lyrata or Fiddle Leaf (the giant leaves look like fiddles), Elastica (commonly called a Rubber Tree), Ficus Alli and many others. All of these are beautiful and can grow into stately, impressive trees if you care for them properly. Ficus trees, unlike Dracaenas, need attention and are not very forgiving. However, once you know what they like and how to avoid what they don't, ficus trees are really quite easy to maintain.

Step 1:

Place ficus trees in the right amount of light.

-All ficus trees like as much bright light as they can get. However, never place a ficus in front of a window directly in the sun; the leaves facing the window will start to burn and become discolored. Some of the newer varieties like Monique, Amstel and Midnight, with their very dark green leaves, do not require as much light as the Spearmint (green and white leaves) or the Rubber Robusta Carica with its reddish black leaves.

Step 2:

Watch your tree to know when to water it.

-Ficus trees have specific watering needs and are not shy about telling you when you are doing it wrong. Water a ficus on a regular schedule and allow it to dry out slightly between each watering. If a ficus gets too dry many of its leaves will turn a bright yellow and drop off. When a ficus gets too much water, the new growth will turn black and die and mature green leaves will drop off.

Step 3:

Check out the different varieties of ficus available.

-The original Ficus Benjamina was very susceptible to fluctuations in temperature, change of location and cold drafts; constantly dropping leaves and creating a mess. Today we have the option of buying the new varieties referred to on their plant tags as "Ficus of the Future." Not only can these trees be moved about and withstand changes in air temperature, they also have new leaf sizes, colors and shapes. The trunks can be straight, spiral, braided or twisted.

Step 4:

Keep an eye out for pests.

-Mealy bugs, spider mites and especially scale, can infest ficus trees. The first thing to do when you see any of the pests, is spray the plant with a mixture made up of undiluted alcohol with a little mineral oil and liquid ivory soap added. If the scale persists, you may have to scrape it off with a tooth brush and then use some neem oil.

Step 5:

Care for your tree.

-Ficus are rapid growing plants and should be fertilized every other week in the summer, monthly in the spring and fall and not at all in the winter. Repot to the next size container when the roots start to grow out of the holes at the bottom of the pot.

Step 6:

Trim the ficus.

-Cut off dead branches as soon as you see them and shape the tree any way you wish. Ficus trees love being trimmed.