Ficus Care Guide: Sally Ranks 3 Popular Ficus Plants from Easiest to Hardest

If you've ever shopped for houseplants, you've probably noticed there are a lot of different Ficus varieties to choose from. While they're all part of the same plant family, they don't all have the same personality. Some are incredibly forgiving, while others can leave even experienced plant owners scratching their heads.

One question I hear all the time is, "Which Ficus should I buy first?" My answer depends on how much experience you have and how much natural light your home receives.

Watch: Sally Ranks Three Popular Ficus Plants

If you'd rather watch than read, here's my quick breakdown of three of the most popular Ficus varieties and how I'd rate them for beginner plant owners.

In this video, Sally compares the Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica), Ficus Audrey, and the Fiddle Leaf Fig, explaining which varieties are easiest to grow and why lighting makes all the difference.

Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)

If you're looking for an easy-going houseplant with bold, glossy leaves, the Rubber Plant is one of my favorites. I'd give it about an 8 out of 10 for ease of care because it's adaptable and doesn't demand constant attention.

While it can tolerate lower light conditions, it really shines when it's placed in bright, indirect light. Give it the right spot and avoid overwatering, and it'll reward you with steady growth and beautiful foliage. For most beginners, it's a fantastic choice.

Ficus Audrey

Out of all the Ficus varieties, this might be my favorite.

Ficus Audrey has soft, velvety leaves with a subtle fuzz underneath that gives it a completely different look from other ficus plants. It's also a slower grower, which makes it less intimidating for new plant owners. You won't feel like you're constantly trying to keep up with explosive growth.

I'd rate it somewhere between an 8 and a 9 out of 10. It doesn't like excessive watering, but if you give it bright light and let the soil dry slightly between waterings, it's an incredibly rewarding plant to grow.

Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata)

The Fiddle Leaf Fig has become one of the most recognizable houseplants over the last decade, but I'm going to offer an opinion that surprises a lot of people.

It's not one of my favorites.

Many care guides make these plants sound easy, but I think they're often underestimated. Fiddle Leaf Figs need significantly more light than many people realize, and when they don't receive enough, they can quickly become unhappy. Leaf drop, slow growth, and overall frustration are common when they're placed in darker corners of the house.

For that reason, I'd give the Fiddle Leaf Fig about a 5 out of 10 for beginner friendliness. It's certainly possible to grow a beautiful one, but success usually comes down to giving it the bright conditions it truly needs.

Which Ficus Is Best for Beginners?

If you're choosing your very first Ficus, I'd recommend starting with either a Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica) or Ficus Audrey. Both are forgiving, attractive, and much easier to grow than many people expect.

The Fiddle Leaf Fig can absolutely thrive, but only if you're able to provide plenty of bright natural light. If your home doesn't have a sunny location, you'll likely have a much better experience with one of the other two.

At the end of the day, the best houseplant isn't the trendiest one. It's the one that fits your home and your lifestyle. Choosing a plant that's set up for success from the start will help you build confidence and enjoy the journey of becoming a plant parent.

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a Rubber Plant easy to care for?

Yes. Rubber Plants (Ficus elastica) are considered one of the easiest Ficus varieties because they adapt well to indoor conditions and don't require constant attention.

Is Ficus Audrey a good beginner plant?

Absolutely. Ficus Audrey is slow growing, beautiful, and relatively forgiving, making it an excellent choice for first-time plant owners.

Why are Fiddle Leaf Figs difficult to grow?

Fiddle Leaf Figs need much more bright light than many people expect. Without enough sunlight, they can struggle with leaf drop and slow growth.

Which Ficus grows best indoors?

For most homes, Rubber Plants and Ficus Audrey are the easiest Ficus varieties to grow indoors because they're more adaptable than Fiddle Leaf Figs.