General care:
Light
Find a spot that receives lots of bright indirect light for your Ficus. All plants need light, but Ficus plants need lots of it. Make sure to routinely rotate this plant so each side receives consistent sunlight. This will keep the Ficus growing upright and prevent it from leaning or developing new growth just on one side in an effort to grow towards the light.
Water
Let the soil dry out between watering a Ficus, but try to keep the soil consistently damp if the plant is actively growing. During the colder months, you can cut back on water and let the top few inches of the soil completely dry out before watering.
Keep an eye on the leaves as a guide to determine if the plant needs water or not. Yellowing usually indicates too much or not enough water, so if you see leaves start to turn yellow, then check the soil to identify the issue.
Temperature
Feel free to bring your Fiddle Leaf Fig, Ficus benjamina or Rubber Tree outside for the warmer months, but make sure to bring your Ficus back inside well before the temperature turns chilly. Expect some leaf loss when you move your Ficus to a new location! This is a plant that originates from tropical climates, so Ficus houseplants like to be warm and really prefer temperatures above 60-degrees F. Avoid placing your Ficus near any vents, drafty windows or exterior doors, particularly during the colder months.
Humidity
Since Ficus are native to more humid climates, they need some extra dampness in the air to thrive. High humidity is necessary. Average and low humidity are absolute deal breakers and a Ficus simply cannot thrive in an environment with average or low humidity. That's not to say you cannot still enjoy the stunning beauty of a Ficus if you live in a dry climate, but you'll need to bring in a humidifier or place your Ficus on a pebble tray filled with water in order to create the ideal conditions for this houseplant.
Fertilizer
Your Ficus will definitely benefit from being fertilized, especially if the plant is actively growing. Typically, plants push out new growth in the spring and summer, but plants that exclusively live indoors may grow on their own schedule. If you notice new growth then consider using a diluted complete liquid fertilizer, a slow-release fertilizer, or a fish/seaweed emulsion.
Continuing to fertilize your Ficus year round can keep it looking its best, but it's completely fine to take a break from fertilizing during the colder months or when the plant is not growing.
Pro Tips
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Ficus are the sort of plant that does best when left alone, so if you find a sunny and humid spot for your Ficus and it's thriving, then consider making that the permanent home for your plant. It's completely normal for a Ficus to lose leaves when moved to a new spot, so don't be alarmed if you notice some leaf drop after moving your plant. Give the Ficus some time to settle in and continue to monitor your plant as it acclimates to its new home.
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Prune your Ficus to maintain the shape or to keep the plant at a manageable size. Make sure to use clean shears or clippers and cut right above a branching stem or leaf node. This will promote new growth and create a more full canopy.
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Under the right conditions, Ficus can grow quickly. Pruning is one way to keep the growth in check, but limiting how often the plant is repotted is another way to keep a Ficus at a more ideal size. Repotting every other year can prevent the plant from quickly outgrowing your space and most varieties of Ficus are completely fine being a bit root bound.
Plant care written by Planterina.com