Growing Figs
Can You Grow a Fig Tree Indoors? (Complete Guide)
Fig trees indoors? Sounds a little wild at first, doesn’t it? Like trying to grow citrus in a closet. But here’s the thing—fig trees are surprisingly adaptable. With the right setup, you can absolutely grow a fig tree inside your home. And not just for show. We’re talking real fruit, real flavor, and yes, real satisfaction.
Let’s dig into the nitty-gritty of how to make it work—without losing your mind or half your living room.
First Things First: Yes, You Can Grow a Fig Tree Indoors
Before we get into lighting setups, container sizes, or pruning tips, let’s clear up the big question: Can fig trees live indoors?
Short answer—yes, if it’s a common fig. And that word “common” is doing a lot of heavy lifting here. Common figs (like Black Mission, Chicago Hardy, or Brown Turkey) are self-pollinating. They don’t need wasps or special climate quirks to set fruit, which is kind of a miracle when you think about how complex fig biology can get.
This is a major reason why the fig trees we sell at FigFreak.com are all “common” varieties. Because nobody wants to be chasing pollinator wasps through their living room.
The Light Situation: Fake It Like a Pro
Here’s where most people go wrong: light. Fig trees are sun lovers. Outdoors, they’re soaking up 8+ hours of direct sun without a complaint. Indoors? That’s… a lot harder to come by.
Unless your living room is basically a greenhouse, you’ll probably need supplemental lighting. South-facing windows help, sure, but let’s be honest—unless you live in Arizona or Southern California, it’s not going to cut it year-round.
Pro tip: Use a full-spectrum LED grow light. Something in the 5000–6500K range mimics daylight. You’ll want to keep it on for about 12–14 hours a day. Yes, it’s a bit of a commitment. But your fig tree will thank you with lush leaves and maybe even a few fruits.
Let’s Talk Containers (Because Size Does Matter)
Choosing the right pot is like choosing the right pair of shoes. Go too small, and you’re dealing with cramped roots and stunted growth. Too big, and the soil stays wet for too long, risking root rot.
Start with a container that’s about 3–5 gallons in size, depending on the size of the tree you’re transplanting. Make sure it has solid drainage—figs don’t like soggy feet.
What works well?
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Fabric grow bags (great airflow and root pruning)
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Clay or terra cotta pots (evaporates excess moisture)
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Plastic nursery pots with lots of holes (lightweight and cheap)
Don’t forget the saucer underneath unless you want mystery puddles on your floor.
Soil, Watering, and Feeding—aka Fig TLC
Figs like rich, well-draining soil. You can make your own mix using:
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1 part potting soil
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1 part perlite or pumice
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1 part compost or well-aged manure
Water deeply, then wait until the top 2 inches of soil feel dry before going again. Overwatering is the #1 killer of indoor figs. If the leaves start yellowing from the bottom up? That’s your red flag.
Now, feeding. During active growth (spring through early fall), give your fig a balanced fertilizer every 4 weeks or so. Something like a 10-10-10 works fine. In winter, ease up. Your fig might go semi-dormant depending on indoor temps and light, and it won’t need much food.
Indoor Fig Tree Pruning: Less Drama Than You’d Think
Pruning keeps your fig tree compact, shapely, and productive. But don’t overthink it.
Here’s a basic approach:
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In late winter or early spring, cut back leggy or weak branches.
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Remove any dead wood.
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Pinch new tips during the growing season to encourage bushier growth.
And yes, you can shape it into a small tree or keep it more like a leafy shrub. It depends on your aesthetic—and your ceiling height.
Will It Fruit Indoors?
Let’s talk fruit. That’s why we’re all here, right?
If you’ve got good light, proper feeding, and a healthy tree, yes—your fig can fruit indoors. But here’s the catch: it might take a year or two. Young fig trees often take their sweet time before they start producing, whether they’re grown indoors or out.
Another thing: don’t expect a massive harvest unless your indoor setup is basically professional-grade. But a few fresh figs from your living room? That’s worth bragging about.
Seasonal Shifts: How to Handle Winter
Figs grown outdoors typically go dormant in winter. Indoors, it’s a bit different.
If your fig is near a window and still getting light and warmth, it may stay semi-active. You’ll still want to ease up on watering and fertilizing. If it drops its leaves and seems sleepy, don’t panic. That’s normal too.
Some folks even want their indoor fig to go fully dormant. You can move it to a cool garage or basement, cut back on watering, and let it nap until spring.
Just don’t forget about it entirely. Check every few weeks to make sure it’s not bone dry or molding.
Real Talk: Is It Worth Growing a Fig Indoors?
Honestly? Yes—if you’re the kind of person who gets a little thrill seeing green things grow. It’s not always effortless, and it might not yield bucketloads of fruit. But it’s deeply satisfying to watch a fig tree thrive under your care, especially when snow is falling outside and yours is still leafy and alive.
And if you ever want to move it outdoors once it outgrows your windowsill? No problem. Fig trees transition well from pots to patios or garden beds.
Final Thoughts (With a Tiny Bit of FigFreak Bias)
If you’re starting your indoor fig journey, stick with common varieties. All of our fig trees for sale at FigFreak.com are hand-picked to be self-pollinating and beginner-friendly—because nothing’s worse than realizing you needed a wasp to make your tree fruit.
Growing figs indoors isn’t just doable—it’s genuinely delightful. So whether you’ve got a sunny loft or a tiny apartment window, there’s probably a fig tree out there with your name on it.
