I am completely obsessed with ficus! Over the last few months, I've been slowly collecting different ficus varieties and learning how to help them thrive. There's just something about the colorful leaves, sculptural shapes, and tree-like growth that makes me love this plant genus. I love my ficus collection and feel like this genus has been overlooked, with the fiddle leaf fig (Ficus lyrata) getting most of the hype. But there are so many gorgeous, easy-to-grow ficus species that make excellent houseplants. I have spent the last few months cultivating a variety of ficus so you can grow these beautiful plants at home.This episode is made in partnership with Proven Winners leafjoy houseplants.In this episode, we learn:[00:43] We’re all about ficus today![02:49] Reasons to love ficus[04:03] Did you know Michael Scott from The Office has a Ficus benjamina in his office?[05:06] How about a Boston fern in Will & Grace?[05:48] Why Ficus elastica is a good beginner plant[07:08] How do you care for ficus?[08:09] Ficus care #1: Light[09:11] Story about Figaro, my Ficus lyrata, before and after grow lights[11:11] Variegated/color = more light[12:27] Ficus care #2: Water[13:40] Why it’s important to make sure their leaves are clean[14:58] Ficus care #3: Humidity[15:56] Ficus care #4: Fertilizer[16:34] Ficus care #5: Pruning[17:52] Why you should wear gloves when pruning ficus[18:07] How to troubleshoot your ficus[18:15] Troubleshoot #1: Leaf drop[19:35] Troubleshoot #2: If it's not growing, it needs more sun[20:12] Get quality ficus plants that are resistant to leaf drop from Proven Winner Leafjoy![22:37] Ficus lyrata[23:09] Ficus benjamina[24:00] Ficus benjamina ‘Twilight’[24:27] Ficus benjamina ‘Anastasia’[24:40] Ficus cyanthistipula[26:07] Ficus elastica[26:32] Ficus elastica ‘Abidjan’[27:22] Ficus elastica ‘Tineke’[27:50] Ficus elastica ‘Chloe’Mentioned in our conversation:Office Ladies PodcastGrowing Joy Episode 51: How To Live With A “Crazy Plant Person”Growing Joy Episode 125: Palm Care 101 With Chris SatchSoltech Aspect™ LED GrowlightCling-On® Anastasia - Weeping Fig - Ficus benjamina | Proven WinnersPlant Tour of Mickey Hargitay PlantsFor a list of my favorite ficus species,check out the full show notes and blog here!Thank you to our episode sponsors:Proven Winners leafjoyIf you want to have success with houseplants, you’ve got to have two things: the knowledge to care for them successfully and healthy plants. Meet my new favorite houseplant grower: Proven Winner’s leafjoy™. With only the best plant genetics grown in a state-of-the-art, European greenhouse, you will not be disappointed in the variety and quality of your favorite plants from Proven Winner’s leafjoy™. This company has taken the guesswork out of plant shopping with plant tags that include scientific names and care guides, as well as color-coded collections for the different areas of your home that you want plants in!Find plant joy in leafjoy™. Head to provenwinners.com to find your local leafjoy™ dealer and let me know which plant you take home on socials!Follow Maria and Growing Joy:Order my book: Growing Joy: The Plant Lover's Guide to Cultivating Happiness (and Plants) by Maria Failla, Illustrated by Samantha LeungJoin the Bloom and Grow Garden Party Community Platform & App AKA the plantiest and kindest corner of the internet! Get your FREE 2-week trial here!Take the Plant Parent Personality Quiz (Get the perfect plants, projects and educational resources for YOUR Lifestyle)Support Bloom and Grow Radio by becoming a Plant Friend on Patreon!Instagram: @growingjoywithmariaTiktok: @growingjoywithmariaSubscribe to the Growing Joy Youtube channel! /growingjoywithmariaWebsite: www.growingjoywithmaria.comPinterest: @growingjoywithmaria