Ficus
Ficus benjamina / Ficus lyrata (fiddle-leaf fig) / Ficus elastica (rubber plant) — The Classic Office Statement Tree
Light
Bright indirect to some direct morning sun. F. lyrata (fiddle-leaf) is the most light-demanding.
Water
Every 1–2 weeks. Allow the top 3–5cm to dry between waterings. Consistency is key.
Humidity
Moderate. Avoid dry heating vents. Mist foliage during Toronto winters.
Temperature
18–27°C (65–80°F). Extremely sensitive to drafts and sudden temperature changes.
Difficulty
Moderate
Sizes
Tabletop (30–50cm) · Floor (60–120cm) · Statement Tree (120–200cm)
Ficus is a large and diverse genus that includes some of the most iconic office plants of the past century. From the weeping fig (F. benjamina) to the bold fiddle-leaf fig (F. lyrata) and the richly coloured rubber plant (F. elastica), ficus trees bring genuine tree scale to interior spaces.
In the Office
A well-placed ficus is an interior design decision as much as a plant choice. The fiddle-leaf fig has become a symbol of design-conscious offices, while the rubber plant's dark, glossy leaves suit more modern, minimal aesthetics. Both species command attention and elevate the perceived quality of any office environment.
Why Choose This Plant
Benefits for Your Office
- Genuine tree-scale presence — the only common office plant that reads as an actual tree
- Rubber plant (F. elastica) is extremely hardy once established in a stable location
- Air-purifying properties include removal of formaldehyde
- Multiple species allow for variety within a unified design language
Where to Place It
Office Placement Ideas
- 1
Bright, south- or east-facing lobbies — ficus trees need good light to thrive long-term
- 2
Open-plan office corners with natural light — floor-to-ceiling windows are ideal for fiddle-leaf figs
- 3
Executive offices with skylights or large windows — a well-grown ficus communicates longevity and success
How to Care for It
Care Tips for Office Environments
- Never move a ficus once it's settled — they drop leaves in protest of relocation, drafts, or even rotating
- Water consistently on a schedule rather than reactively; erratic watering is the most common cause of leaf drop
- Wipe large leaves with a damp cloth monthly — dust accumulation on rubber plant leaves is particularly visible
Want Ficus in your office?
Our team will recommend the right variety and size for your space, deliver and install it, and keep it thriving with ongoing care.