Curtain fig care guideFicus microcarpa

Often sold as bonsai. Ranked #42 of Europe's most-searched houseplants.

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Scientific name
Ficus microcarpa
Origin
Asia
Difficulty
Easy
Light
Bright / direct light
Watering (summer)
every 7 to 10 days
Watering (winter)
every 14 to 21 days
Humidity
50-60%
Pet safety
Toxic to cats and dogs
IKEA SKU
90623179

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.

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 Spider plant, Calathea, or Boston fern.

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 Botanicaly

FAQCommon 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 Spider plant, Calathea, or Boston fern.

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