Ficus umbellata (Umbrella Fig)
Botanical name: Ficus umbellata
Common name: Umbrella Fig
Origin: West Africa
Hardiness: 40°F
Ficus umbellata (Umbrella Fig) is an evergreen tree native to tropical West Africa and a member of the mulberry family. In cultivation it is often grown as a houseplant where its broad, heart-shaped leaves and upright habit create a bold, architectural look. Outdoors in its native range it can reach 30-50 feet tall, but in containers it usually stays 6-12 feet, making it a manageable yet striking indoor specimen. Its smooth green leaves with prominent veins give it a lush tropical appeal, and young plants often become focal points in modern interiors.
Ficus umbellata prefers bright, indirect light and consistently moist, well-drained soil. It thrives in warm, humid conditions and may suffer leaf scorch or drop if exposed to dry air, so misting or grouping with other plants is helpful. It is not frost tolerant and should be kept in USDA Zone 11 or indoors year-round in cooler climates. Gardeners value it for its resilience, its rapid growth once established, and its ability to bring a tropical, sculptural presence to living spaces.
Similar plants: Ficus umbellata (Umbrella Fig)
- Ficus abutilifolia (Large-leaved Rock Fig)
- Ficus altissima (Council Tree)
- Ficus aspera (Variegated Clown Fig)
- Ficus auriculata (Elephant ear fig tree)
- Ficus benghalensis (Banyan Tree)
- Ficus benjamina (Benjamin Fig)
- Ficus brusii (Highland breadfruit)
- Ficus capensis (Broom Cluster fig)
- Ficus carica (Fig Tree)
- Ficus citrifolia (Shortleaf Fig)
