Both the fruit-bearing real fig trees and the fake figs, which impress with their beautiful dark green foliage, are suitable for indoor culture. Ornamental fig species such as the birch fig or the violin fig thrive in a bright and warm place in the apartment even without the proverbial green thumb and are therefore often found in offices. With good care indoors, self-pollinating fig trees will even set fruit and give your home a Mediterranean ambience with their interestingly shaped leaves.

The optimal location

The fig thrives particularly well in a sunny window or in the conservatory. If it is a real fig, you should note that the trees also hibernate in their southern homeland and shed the leaves. In the cold season it is therefore advisable to give the fig a slightly cooler place in the apartment. Temperatures of around ten degrees are ideal.

The right substrate

Figs thrive in commercial potting soil or potting soil, which they loosen up with sand or fine-grained gravel. Since figs are very sensitive to waterlogging, place a drainage layer of clay granules in the planter.

Many figs also grow well in hydroponics, as the special granules prevent waterlogging and the plants are optimally supplied with moisture and nutrients.

Pouring with finesse

Figs are not only sensitive to waterlogging, but also to the complete drying out of the root ball. The fig first responds to dry soil by dropping the fruit and then with a partial loss of the foliage. Therefore, water whenever the surface of the soil feels dry and pour away excess water in the saucer. At best, you can leave a small water supply for a few hours during the warm summer months.

During the winter months you should reduce the watering. However, the fig tree should not dry out completely.

Figs are sensitive to hard water

Pour the fig with soft water. Use filtered tap water or rainwater in regions with hard water. Alternatively, you can leave the irrigation water for a few hours so that the limescale settles.

Fertilizing the room fig

In the growth phase, the house fig rewards fertilizer once a week with vigorous growth and rich fruit set. Conventional liquid fertilizer or citrus fertilizer is suitable. If you want to eat the fruits of the fig, you should make sure that the fertilizer is food-safe.

tips and tricks

Unfortunately, indoor figs are somewhat susceptible to diseases and pests, so check the plant regularly for infestation.

Category:

Indoor plants