Is there anything special I should do to care for a Ficus?

The only problem I’ve ever had with an indoor Ficus was putting it too close to an open window in the late fall – the cool breezes caused it to drop all of its leaves. I’ve heard Ficuses (Ficii?) are sensitive to this kind of thing. With mine, the leaves eventually grew back but it took a long time and it looked pretty sad for a while.

Ficus usually lose their leaves once a year. Mine is 30 years old and has lived both inside and outside (during the summer). Ficus should be pruned so that it won’t grow tall and spindly. Pruning will keep it “full.” They also do well if you pay attention to its growth and re-pot it if need be.

Something nice for a ficus is to clean the leaves with a damp cloth—it shines them up and lets them breathe.

How much water should they get?

Full sun in the window if moved from outside or get ready for leaf drop.