Curtain fig care guideFicus microcarpa
Often sold as bonsai. Ranked #42 of Europe's most-searched houseplants.
WateringWhen and how much water
Water Curtain fig when the top 2 to 3 cm of soil feel dry to the touch. In summer that's typically every 7 to 10 days; in winter slow down to every 14 to 21 days. Use room-temperature water and let any excess drain — never leave the pot sitting in standing water.
The real schedule depends on three things the calendar can't see: the actual light at the plant, the pot's size and material (terracotta dries faster than glazed ceramic), and your local humidity. Botanicaly's app retunes the schedule from those signals on every reminder.
LightHow bright a spot it needs
Curtain fig is bright / direct light: needs several hours of direct sun. Turn the pot every week so it grows evenly. The ideal lux range is 10,000 - 50,000 lux. In practical terms, place it directly in front of a south or southwest window, or 30 cm from an east window.
TroubleshootingCommon problems
Most Curtain fig problems trace back to watering — here's how to read the leaves.
Signs of overwatering
Watch for: Yellowing leaves · Leaf drop · Soft stems · Root rot. Let the soil dry further between waterings and make sure the pot drains freely — soggy roots are the usual cause.
Signs of underwatering
Watch for: Crispy small leaves · Drooping foliage · Curling leaves · Stunted growth. Water a little more often and don't let the soil go bone-dry for long.
Pet safetyToxic to pets
Toxic to pets. The plant contains proteolytic enzyme (ficin) and psoralen, which causes oral irritation, drooling, and vomiting if chewed. Keep Curtain fig out of reach of pets, or pick a non-toxic alternative like Pink quill, Spider plant, or Chinese money plant.
Pet-safe alternatives with similar light: Pink quill, Spider plant, Chinese money plant. See all pet-safe alternatives →
Pet-safety is hand-checked against ASPCA toxicity data — verified by people, not guessed by AI.
Field noteSomething worth knowing
The fat 'ginseng' base on bonsai-style specimens is artificially induced by growing the seedling in shallow water before potting it up.
Get the personalised schedule
Botanicaly tunes water, light, and care reminders for Curtain fig based on your home's actual conditions. Free on iOS and Android.
Download BotanicalyFAQCommon questions
How often should I water a Curtain fig?
Water your Curtain fig (Ficus microcarpa) when the top 2 to 3 cm of soil feel dry to the touch. In summer, that's typically every 7 to 10 days; in winter, slow down to every 14 to 21 days. Botanicaly's app tunes this further based on your home's actual light, pot size, and local weather.
How much light does a Curtain fig need?
Curtain fig is bright / direct light: needs several hours of direct sun. Turn the pot every week so it grows evenly. The ideal lux range is 10,000 - 50,000 lux. In practical terms, place it directly in front of a south or southwest window, or 30 cm from an east window.
Is Curtain fig safe for cats and dogs?
The plant contains proteolytic enzyme (ficin) and psoralen, which causes oral irritation, drooling, and vomiting if chewed. Keep Curtain fig out of reach of pets, or pick a non-toxic alternative like Pink quill, Spider plant, or Chinese money plant.
Why are my Curtain fig's leaves turning yellow or drooping?
On a Curtain fig, yellowing and soft growth usually mean overwatering — watch for yellowing leaves, leaf drop, or soft stems. Let the soil dry further between waterings and check drainage. If the leaves are crispy small leaves, drooping foliage, or curling leaves instead, it's likely thirsty — water a little more often. Botanicaly's Plant Doctor can diagnose it from a photo.