Ficus Named Cult-Favorite Houseplants of 2026 by Industry Experts – And No, We're Not Just Talking About Fiddle Leaf Figs

Garden trends authority, the National Garden Bureau, has named 2026 the Year of the Ficus, just in time for National Houseplant Appreciation Day today, on January 10.

As indoor plant collectors eagerly search for the next trendiest plant to get their hands on, the National Garden Bureau say the entire ficus genus is having a resurgence in popularity for indoor gardens.

This includes not only the fiddle leaf fig (like this one available at The Sill), but also rubber plants and the weeping fig. It's a collection of plants for every household, according to the National Garden Bureau. 'Ficus are everywhere because they are incredibly adaptable and stylistically versatile,' says Diane Blazek, Executive Director.

Ficus: Versatile, Air Cleaning, and Reliable

'Whether you want a 10-foot statement tree like the Ficus lyrata or a delicate trailing vine like the creeping fig, there is a ficus for everyone. 2026 is the perfect time to rediscover these classic beauties,' says Diane.

Ficus plants come in a wide range of foliage shapes, textures, and colors, including Ficus elastica 'Shivereana' with creamy variegated indoor foliage, so there really is one for every interior style and personal taste.

But, it's not only aesthetics that make ficus the 'it' plants of 2026. These are some of the best air-cleaning indoor plants, too, especially the weeping fig, or Ficus benjamina (like this one from Amazon).

They're a great addition for houseplants to improve your microbiome for this reason. Plus, they're some of the longest-living houseplants and make one of the most reliable additions to plant collections.

Ficus Care Tips

Beyond its versatility and reliability, ficus is a collection of easy indoor plants to care for.

Of course, every type of ficus has specific needs, but for the most part they will stay happy for many years if kept in bright light, away from cold drafts, and provided with consistent moisture.

Many ficus plants have foliage with a large surface area, so don't forget to also clean their houseplant leaves (you can simply use a microfiber cloth, like these from Amazon).

If you find your rubber plant is dropping leaves or your weeping fig is dropping leaves it might be that they need higher humidity. You can use a plant mister (from Amazon) to increase humidity levels, or use the technique of placing lots of houseplants close together.

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