While there aren’t many plants that look like figs, we strive to find plants that look similar in leaves and fruit. Check out the list that you might find interesting.
The selection of plants for a garden plays a crucial role in determining its overall appearance and appeal. Several gardeners are drawn to figs as one of their plants. Several other plants are available that resemble figs in terms of their foliage or fruit-like appearance.
1. Rubber Plant
Botanical name – Ficus Elastica
It doesn’t produce figs, but its leathery leaves resemble fig trees, particularly the fiddle-leaf fig. The rubber plant is a popular choice amongst houseplant lovers. It is incredibly versatile and demands minimal care. It thrives well and can grow tall indoors, becoming a splendid choice for vertical interest for your indoor space.
2. Fiddle-Leaf Fig
Botanical name – Ficus Lyrata
The violin-shaped leaves make it a popular choice for indoor spaces. It is a fig grown for its striking foliage rather than its fruit. Grows well in bright indirect light and needs frequent watering to keep its soil consistently moist. Even if you point this in the corner of your space, its bold and beautiful leaves make them a focal point to any room.
3. Sea Hibiscus
Botanical name – Hibiscus Tiliaceus
The heart-shaped leaves of this tropical plant resemble some fig species. It is a versatile plant that you can grow as a shrub or tree, and its large showy flowers add a splash of colors to your garden. The salt spray tolerance makes it an excellent choice for seaside gardens.
4. Banyan Tree
Botanical name – Ficus Benghalensis
Another member of the Ficus family comes with large leathery leaves that resemble fig trees. It is native to tropical regions and thrives in warm and humid environments. People know them as ornamental trees for large gardens or parks, providing ample shade and dramatic landscape features.
5. Philodendron
Philodendrons are a large group of plants famous for their lush, big, and tropical foliage. But some varieties, like Philodendron bipinnatifidum, have fig-like large lobe foliage. You can grow this plant indoors or outdoors both, cause of its easygoing nature and ability to thrive in various conditions.
6. Mulberry
Botanical name – Morus
Mulberry trees are a member of the genus Morus. Its leaves look like figs with a broad and loaded appearance. Morus are robust plants that thrive in various conditions. Instead of resembling figs, it also yields delicious fruit for fresh consumption or culinary use.
7. Creeping Fig
Botanical name – Ficus pumila
Creeping fig, a climbing vine with heart-shaped leaves, is ideal for covering walls, trellises, and fences. It is a robust wine, grows quickly, and transforms any vertical space into a green tapestry. Perfect for outdoor spaces and has a fig-like look with its dense foliage and climbing habit. For better growth, plant it under indirect light with well-drained soil.
8. Papaya
Botanical name – Carica papaya
Despite their dissimilar fruits, papaya and fig plants have leaves that look somewhat alike. Featuring attractive foliage, the Papaya plant bears nutrient-rich fruit perfect for enjoying fresh or using in culinary creations.
9. Pig’s Ear
Botanical name – Cotyledon orbiculata
This succulent boasts fleshy, rounded leaves resembling miniature fig plants. It’s an easy-to-grow plant that requires low maintenance, making it perfect for gardeners of all skill levels. Thrives well in well-drained soil and require minimal watering.
10. Fiddlewood
Botanical name – Citharexylum Fruticosum
It does not exactly look like a fig, but shares similar visuals on foliage. The white flowers of this plant add beauty to your garden and attract pollinators, enhancing biodiversity as well.
