Growing fruit trees indoors may seem unusual, but it is possible with some varieties like fig trees. Fig trees are quite adaptable and can be grown indoors with the right care and conditions. In this complete guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about growing fig trees as houseplants.
Choosing a Variety for Indoor Growing
Not all fig varieties are well-suited for indoor cultivation. The key is choosing self-pollinating, dwarf varieties that will stay compact enough for pots.
Some good choices include:
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Brown Turkey – Reliable, cold-hardy variety that produces tasty bronze figs Max height around 10 feet.
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Petite Negri – Produces small, sweet black figs Extremely compact at just 3-4 feet tall
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Chicago Hardy – Can cope with cold winters Max height 6-8 feet
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Black Mission – Popular for its purple-black skin and strawberry-colored flesh. Max height 10 feet.
Avoid larger, non-dwarf varieties as they will quickly outgrow indoor spaces.
Providing the Right Growing Conditions
To thrive indoors, fig trees need:
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Sunlight – Figs require at least 6 hours of direct sun daily. South-facing windows are ideal. Supplement with grow lights if needed.
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Temperature – Ideal range is 65-80°F. They can cope with cooler temps in winter. Avoid drafty areas.
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Soil – Use a potting mix with perlite or bark chips added for drainage. Figs dislike wet feet.
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Pot size – Start in 3-5 gallon pots and repot as needed. Make sure there are drainage holes.
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Water – Water when the top few inches of soil become dry. Avoid overwatering which can lead to root rot.
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Humidity – Average room humidity is fine. Mist leaves occasionally if air is very dry.
Pruning and Shaping Fig Trees
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Prune in late winter or early spring.
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Remove any dead, damaged or crossing branches.
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Shorten leggy shoots to encourage bushy growth.
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Can be pruned into tree form or kept shrubby based on space.
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Repot and root prune as needed to contain size.
Harvesting Indoor-Grown Figs
With the right conditions, dwarf fig varieties can produce a small harvest indoors. However, yields are lower than outdoor trees.
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Fruit ripening depends on variety – anywhere from midsummer to early fall.
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Figs don’t continue ripening off the tree. Pick when soft and starting to bend at neck.
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Carefully twist figs off to avoid damaging branches.
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Eat fresh, preserve, or dry for year-round enjoyment.
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Move pots outdoors seasonally to boost fruit production if desired.
Troubleshooting Common Indoor Fig Issues
Here are some potential issues and solutions for indoor fig trees:
Leggy growth – Needs more light. Supplement with grow lights.
Leaf drop – Likely underwatered. Check soil and water if dry 2-3 inches down.
Yellow leaves – Overwatering. Allow soil to dry out before watering again.
Small fruits – Increase sunlight and fertilize regularly in growing season.
No fruits – May need to be outdoors for pollination. Some varieties are parthenocarpic.
insects/mites – Wipe leaves with insecticidal soap and keep area clean. Check new plants closely.
Leaf spots – Usually fungal disease. Improve air circulation. Remove affected leaves.
With the right variety and conditions, growing fig trees indoors can be very rewarding. This versatile fruit tree makes a beautiful, productive houseplant. Follow this guide for success with indoor fig cultivation!
How to Prevent Dormant Potted Fig Trees Leafing Out Early
“HELP…my fig tree is growing already!”
I often see this sort of e-mail subject line in my inbox in late winter. If your dormant fig trees are sprouting too early, you’re not alone.
Dormant fig trees are easy to care for. But when conditions aren’t right, they come out of dormancy early and start growing sooner than you want!
And when they start growing early, in dim light, you get lanky growth and fruit that might not make it to maturity.
Keep reading. This post will help you decide what to do if your fig tree is leafing out early.
Avoid Figs Waking Up Early Next Year
Next year, there are a few things David can try so that he doesn’t have the problem of fig trees waking up early.
- Keep the garage cooler
- Or, instead of making the whole garage cooler and darker, wall off a corner—like a mini cold cupboard—for his figs
- Overwinter the figs outdoors (plant in the ground and tip over and mulch for winter; or, use the trench method for potted figs overwintered outdoors)
Growing FIG TREES Indoors: Top TIPS
FAQ
How do you keep a fig tree alive indoors?
Make sure the plant gets even light from all sides and the lights are at least 12 inches away so they don’t burn the leaves. If the lighting isn’t even, you can rotate the plant once a week. I also recommend getting a Sustee Aqua Meter for consistent watering.
Will an indoor fig tree produce fruit?
Yes, it is possible for an indoor fig tree to produce fruit, but it’s not always guaranteed and depends on several factors, including light, temperature, and variety.
Is a fig tree a good indoor plant?
The short answer is no. Here’s why you wouldn’t want to: The edible fig (Ficus carica) needs full sun in the summer, which is almost impossible to get indoors.Sep 22, 2021
How long do indoor fig trees live?
The majority of fiddle leaf fig plant owners are novice houseplant growers, and unfortunately, they sometimes see their fiddle leaf figs die between 1-5 years. So the answer to the question of how long do fiddle leaf fig plants live will depend on how well they’re cared for.
Do fig trees grow indoors?
Indoor fig trees not only add a touch of greenery to your living space but also provide you with fresh figs that can be used in various culinary creations. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the step-by-step process of successfully growing a fig tree indoors.
Can you grow figs in your own home?
Figs are perfect for jams, pastries, and charcuterie boards. But did you know you can grow them easily in your own home? North American fig trees don’t need pollination to produce fruit, making growing a fig tree indoors ideal.
Are fig trees easy to grow?
Fig trees are relatively easy to grow so long as you place them in the correct situation. A 5 gallon pot, roughly 18 inches in diameter, is large enough for an indoor fig tree. This gives the tree room to establish itself. However there won’t be so much room that the plant wastes energy spreading its roots.
Do fig trees need grow lights?
If your windows don’t get enough sunlight, consider setting up some grow lights for your indoor fig trees. Use a light with a timer setting that stays on for at least twelve to fourteen hours. Read our guide to the best grow lights for indoor plants to learn about and compare the best ones out there.
Do fig trees need a new home?
Transitioning your propagated fig tree into its new home is a pivotal step in its growth journey. The right pot size and material are crucial for the healthy development and fruit production of your indoor fig tree. Unlike the fiddle leaf fig tree which may prioritize aesthetics, when it comes to edible fig trees, functionality leads the way.
Can a fig tree grow in summer?
Transitioning your indoor fig tree to the bountiful sunlight outdoors during the summer is a natural progression that significantly boosts its growth and fruiting potential. This seasonal shift allows your fig tree to bask in the abundant sunlight, essential for photosynthesis and fruit production.