Does an Indoor Light Affect the Growth of a Ficus Tree?

Types of Ficus

• The genus Ficus has more than 800 species, but only a few are grown indoors. Ficus benjamina, also known as weeping fig, laurel fig or Java fig, is the most popular indoor ficus in the U.S. Varieties of benjamina have solid or variegated green leaves growing from slender branches. Cultivars of Ficus elastica, the India rubber tree, have either broad or narrow leaves; and one, "Rubra," has red leaves when grown in full sun. Ficus lyrata, or the fiddleleaf fig, has the largest leaves. Three varieties of Ficus retusa are produced for indoor use, each with its own traits. Ficus maclellandi is a relative newcomer with willow-like leaves.

Does the Plant Need Light?

• Ficus drop their leaves when they don't have enough light. Part of this is a natural process that may last several weeks, as the plant adjusts to being indoors if it summered outdoors. Leaves also drop if the plant isn't getting enough water or if it's getting too much. Drafts and insect infestations can lead to leaf drop. Once you've eliminated these as the reason the leaves drop, focus on providing artificial light for the ficus. Other symptoms exhibited by plants without enough light include thinning of the branches until most of the leaves are concentrated in the area receiving the most light.

Adding Light

• Ficus thrives in high intensity light, typically 10,000-foot candles or more. Homes, offices and stores typically have 1,000-foot candles of light. Place the plant near a sunny south or west window, and rotate it monthly so that each side is exposed to natural light. Supplement the natural lighting with one or two plant lights, preferably fluorescent bulbs that use less electricity and can be placed closer to the plant. Use a combination of cool-white and warm-white bulbs placed 12 to 14 inches above the plant. Put the bulbs on a timer so that the plant gets 12 to 13 hours of light a day.

Other Considerations

• It should take no longer than 90 days for the ficus to revive under artificial light. Plants that spend the summer outdoors should be placed in a shady area before being brought indoors to acclimate them to lower light conditions. Ficus are sensitive to drafts, so don't place them near a drafty window. Experts recommend changing fluorescent grow lights once a year, even if they seem to be okay. The gasses in the bulbs tend to break down over time, making them less effective.