White Fig Plant Care

Ficus pallida Vahl

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

Ficus pallida, also known as the Pale Fig, is characterized by its unique pale green leaves with a slightly silver sheen that give it an elegant and sophisticated appearance. This plant is native to Southern Africa and thrives in warm, humid climates, making it a popular choice for indoor gardens.

🌳Trees🌿Shrubs🪴Houseplants
Water

Every 7–14 days

Light

Bright indirect

Temp

65–85°F

Humidity

50–80%

At a glance

How do you care for White Fig?

Water White Fig every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 65–85°F (18–29°C) and 50–80% humidity. Fertilize it every 4 months during the growing season. It is reported as toxic to pets, so keep it out of reach of pets.

Where Is the White Fig Native To?

Native range28 countries

What Is the White Fig?

White Fig (Ficus pallida) belongs to the Moraceae family within the Ficus genus. White Fig is native to eastern Bolivia, northern and west-central Brazil, Colombia, Peru, Venezuela, Trinidad and Tobago, the Netherlands Antilles, and the Venezuelan Antilles.

White Fig displays a climbing, vining growth habit, reaching up to 10 ft tall with a spread of approximately 5 ft. White Fig produces none.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

How Often Should You Water a White Fig?

Ficus pallida requires watering every 7–14 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.

Watering Frequency

Every 7–14 days

Let soil partially dry between waterings

What Light Does the White Fig Need?

White Fig thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing White Fig in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Light Requirement

Bright indirect

What Temperature and Humidity Does the White Fig Prefer?

Ficus pallida grows best at temperatures of 65–85°F. White Fig prefers humidity levels of 50–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Temperature

65–85°F

Humidity

50–80%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a White Fig?

Well-draining mix with perlite and peat. Good drainage is essential for White Fig to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

How Often Should You Fertilize a White Fig?

Feed White Fig every 4 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.

Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.

Fertilizing

Every 4 months

During the growing season

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

How Do You Repot a White Fig?

Repot Ficus pallida every 2-3 years in spring to ensure its roots have enough space to grow and thrive.. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.

How Do You Propagate a White Fig?

White Fig can be propagated through stem cuttings or division. Similar propagation techniques also apply to weeping fig plant care, which shares the same genus.

Is the White Fig Toxic to Pets and Children?

Toxic (caution)

Reported as toxic in our plant data. Not verified by the ASPCA.

This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

What Pests and Diseases Affect the White Fig?

White Fig is susceptible to mealybugs, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the White Fig Need?

White Fig grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. White Fig is native to eastern Bolivia, northern and west-central Brazil, Colombia, Peru, Venezuela, Trinidad and Tobago, the Netherlands Antilles, and the Venezuelan Antilles. In cooler regions, grow White Fig as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 10b – 12b

Keep exploring plants

White Fig is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.

It belongs to the Ficus genus — compare its care with other Ficus species on PlantoScan.

Ficus is part of the Moraceae plant family — browse all Moraceae genera and species.

White Fig thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.

More Ficus Species

Other Ficus species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:

Sources

  • Scientific name & taxonomy: Ficus pallida Vahl, family Moraceae (first published in Enum. Pl. 2: 174 (1805)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: White Fig is reported as toxic to pets in our plant data (not verified by the ASPCA), so treat it with caution. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
  • Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 10b – 12b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
  • Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.

Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.

PlantoScan app icon

Identify Plants Like the
White Fig Instantly

Scan any plant with your phone camera and get instant ID, care tips, water and fertilizer reminders, and health checks — all in one app.

Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play

Free

to download

iOS & Android

platforms

Light & dark

mode

100,000+

species