The genus Ficus includes more than 800 species, from ground cover to climbing and hanging specimens to trees. Thanks to their appearance and undemanding nature, some of them are among the classics among indoor plants. The most well-known representative is Ficus Benjamini. But the others also have a high ornamental value, be it because of the growth habit or the shape and color of the leaves. But what about toxicity?
Is ficus poisonous?
All Ficus species are slightly poisonous to humans, namely all parts of the plant, including the unripe fruit. Above all, caution is required if small children, but also dogs, cats, birds or rodents live in the household, because depending on the dose, they can also lead to severe poisoning.
Toxic components
Information about whether and how toxic Ficus is, give its ingredients. The white milky sap contained in the plants plays a special role. It contains the toxic substances. Mention should be made of rubber, flavonoids and so-called coumarins.
- Rubber, a natural component of many plants
- The proteins in natural rubber are dangerous
- This can lead to allergic reactions, especially in sensitive people
- Or trigger a rubber allergy
- Flavonoids are secondary plant substances
- Are responsible for the unpleasant bitter taste
- Serve numerous plants as an effective protection against predators
- Furocoumarins have the highest toxic potential in ficus
- Are formed as secondary plant substances
- Can protect against diseases caused by fungi or bacteria
- Together with flavonoids and natural rubber, negative for human and animal health
tip: Although the ficus is only slightly poisonous, it is advisable to wear gloves when handling these plants to avoid skin irritation.
signs of intoxication
People
- Symptoms of poisoning possible if individual parts of the plant are swallowed
- The dose makes the poison
- Babies and small children are particularly at risk
- Putting in the mouth or licking off leaves is already dangerous for children
- May cause nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, diarrhea and dizziness
- At the slightest suspicion, consult a pediatrician
- However, the intake of larger amounts is also problematic for adults
- This can result in gastrointestinal problems with vomiting and diarrhea
Due to the bitter taste, a toxic dose is rarely reached in adults. If signs of poisoning should nevertheless occur, it is advisable to give plenty of fluids in the form of water or tea. In case of contact with skin and eyes, rinse them well with water.
tip: What you should never do in the event of poisoning is to induce vomiting in the person affected.
Effect on pets such as cats, dogs and birds
The leaves of plants in particular exert a magical attraction on pets such as dogs and cats, but also on birds and rodents. In contrast to humans, even small amounts of ficus are highly toxic to them. They can lead to severe poisoning and respiratory paralysis.
While kidney failure is often the result in cats, even three to four leaves can lead to signs of paralysis and even death in small rodents. Birds can experience redness and burns on the skin and irritation of the gastrointestinal tract. To prevent all this, you should then choose a location for these plants out of the reach of animals.
Green-leaved ficus species
Fiddler Fig (Ficus lyrata)
- Extremely decorative and several meters high indoor plant
- Owes its name to the large, wavy leaves
- Are dark green, up to 45 cm long and 12-28 cm wide
- Grows as an evergreen tree or shrub
- Avoid draughts, temperature fluctuations and cold feet
- Otherwise there is a risk of leaf loss
- Suitable for both soil and hydroponics
Congo fig (Ficus buxifolia)
This fig tree grows fast, slender, shrub-like, forming thin, curved shoots. After a short time it can already reach growth heights of 200 cm. The green, boxwood-like and almost triangular leaves sit on the shoots. Flowers are not usually formed when kept indoors.
Bay fig/ Chinese fig (Ficus 'Ginseng'/ 'F. microcarpa')
Ficus 'Ginseng' is a real gem among indoor plants. It impresses with a rounded, richly branched crown of leaves and a strong trunk. This bizarrely shaped, intricate stump is reminiscent of a ginseng root. The glossy dark green leaves, up to eight centimeters long, are coarse, leathery, have entire edges and are oval. Under optimal conditions, they form fruits, which are inedible.
Ficus ginseng as a bonsai
Mistletoe Fig (Ficus deltoidea)
The mistletoe grows like a bush and comparatively slowly. In room culture, it reaches heights of growth of about 150 cm. It is not only very decorative, but can also reduce pollutants such as formaldehyde, benzene and trichlorethylene and thus improve the indoor air. Their leaves are leathery and green. In its natural habitat it forms small yellow figs.
tip: As a houseplant, it can develop inconspicuous white flowers, but the fruits usually fall off early.
Poplar Fig (Ficus religiosa)
- also known as Buddha tree, Indian pepul tree or Bo tree
- Counts among fast and bushy growing fig trees
- Dark green leaves up to 12 cm long and lightly veined
- Significantly softer than those of other species
- A special feature of the leaves are so-called drip tips
- What is meant are the elongated leaf tips
- Length of tips correspond to about half of leaf blades
Narrow-leaved birch fig (Ficus binnendijkii)
Among the numerous ficus species, this birch fig stands out thanks to its appearance. Responsible for this are their up to 20 cm long narrow leaves. They make this uncomplicated plant appear particularly bushy. With its slim, upright growth, it exudes a certain elegance. It can reach growth heights of up to 300 cm.
Species with single and multicolored foliage
Australian fig/ rust fig (Ficus rubiginosa/ australis)
- Medium-sized shrub or small tree
- Growth height of about 150 cm
- Leaves are oblong ovate and leathery, shiny
- Upper leaf surface dark green, lower surface rust-colored and hairy
- Likes to be outdoors in summer
- In addition to pure green, also a variegated variety ('Variegata')
- Leaves of this variety variegated creamy-white
- flowering possible
- At best also pear to circular, yellow-green fruits
tip: The cultivars with multicolored leaves require more light than those with pure green foliage.
Weeping Fig (Ficus benjamina)
The birch fig is probably the best known and most popular type of ficus in this country. It grows as an evergreen shrub or tree and can reach impressive heights. It impresses with a dense dress of slightly wavy, light or dark green, yellow-green or white marbled leaves and overhanging twigs. The varieties Ficus benjamina 'Starlight' and 'Golden King' are particularly recommended.
notice: This ficus species is considered to be the cause of a latex allergy.
Rubber tree (Ficus elastica)
In contrast to most others, the well-known rubber tree also forms a straight-growing main shoot without side shoots. By pruning the Ficus elastica, branching can also be achieved without any problems. Its large, rubbery and shiny leaves are characteristic. Depending on the variety, they can be completely dark green, but also cream-pink red or cream-grey variegated, spotted yellow and edged yellow.
tip: Varieties with multicolored leaves such as 'Decora tricolor' and 'Schriveriana' are particularly decorative.
Climbing fig (Ficus pumila/ repens)
This climbing ficus is comparatively small, grows strongly branched and climbing. The leaves are thin, slightly heart-shaped and, depending on the variety, dark green or green with a white edge or white or cream-colored spots. They are slightly wavy and about 2 cm long. The climbing fig is ideal as a traffic light plant, but can also climb up a moss stick. From spring to autumn it can also stand outside. It is also possible to keep it in a bucket, for example on a wall or house wall on which it climbs. But they should overwinter in the house.
