Growing guide · Houseplant

Ficus altissima

How to grow Council Tree.

A ficus with a lighter touch.

Light
Bright indirect
Water
Moderate
Zones
Indoors, any
Size
4–6 ft tall indoors
Pot
Large floor pot; size up 2 in. every couple of years.
Pets
Not on the ASPCA pet-safe list; keep it out of reach
Indoor ficus tree with large glossy green and yellow variegated leaves

Light

Bright, indirect light; some direct morning sun is fine.

Water

Water when the top inch is dry. Drain completely.

Pot and soil

A well-draining potting mix with bark or perlite. Repot in spring when roots circle the pot.

Pot it inRosy Houseplant Soil · 4 qtThe everyday peat-free mix. 4 qt repots 2–3 plants. Peat-free, by Rosy Soil

Feeding

Liquid fertilizer monthly in spring and summer.

Grooming

Trim in spring to shape. The sap is milky and irritating; wear gloves.

Through the year

Grows in spring and summer. Slows in winter; water less and keep it off cold glass.

If something's off

Leaf drop after a move or a draft. Variegation fades in low light. Leaves and sap are toxic to pets.

Plays well with

Plant it with friends.

Rubber Plant 'Tineke'
Ficus elasticaRubber Plant 'Tineke' from $25
Banyan Fig 'Audrey', Multi-Stem
Ficus benghalensisBanyan Fig 'Audrey', Multi-Stem from $399.95

Why we stock it: A big, bright statement plant that tolerates ordinary indoor conditions.

That's the whole guide. Thanks for reading.

Know someone with the right spot? Send them this.

The Sunday Tip · every Sunday

One good plant idea,
every Sunday.

What to plant this week in your zone, every Sunday. New ways to plant and odd tricks that actually work.