#7 Ficus Tree Symbolism & Meaning

The ficus tree also commonly known as the Ficus Benjamina has been around for centuries and people have always kept it close to home.

Today it has become one of the most reliable house plants that grow for years keeping the interior décor of a home looking elegant. Many modern homes today feature houseplants and the ficus tree is one of the most sought-after.

Why It’s a Popular houseplant

This plant is very popular thanks to its physical looks. It is well endowed with leaves and the best thing is that it is available in various sizes from the mini shrub to an indoor tree.

Many homeowners find it very easy to maintain which is another main reason why it has become a popular houseplant.

It is also a very beautiful plant and makes the décor look better. The species of this tree vary in color.  The shiny over leaves can be plain green, marked with patterns that are colored burgundy, creamy yellow, silver-white, yellow, green or pink patterns.

As the homeowner, you can either have it as this natural-looking bush, you can simply grow it on trunks which could be straight, interwoven or twisted.

In most instances, the branches will droop slightly and result in this elegant green appearance that can do wonders for interior décor.

Lastly, this plant is very popular because of its symbolism in different cultures.  Many don’t just use it as a houseplant, they have it in their homes as a symbol of something that they strongly believe in.

Ficus Tree Origin

This tree has been known to grow while extending from Portugal to Afghanistan and also in South-west  Asia, South America, Australia, and Africa. The plant is known to be a member of the mulberry family and has been growing on earth for a very long time.

This has been proven with it’s remains dating back to  30 million years ago being found. When growing in the wild, the plant can reach a height of around 30m. Currently, the largest plant is in India with a crown with a diameter of 131m and more than 1775 aerial roots.  

As a houseplant, it can never grow to such levels instead it remains smaller in order to so that it can be the perfect décor piece for a home.

The Ficus Benjamina Symbolism

Ficus Symbolism is rich in many cultures around the world and some of its symbolism to these cultures are as follows.

Symbol of peace and abundance

The ficus tree is a symbol of peace and abundance in the Middle East. For a region riddled with continued war, peace  and great abundance in their lives are things they long for obvious reasons.

Many homeowners and business owners have been known to put this tree within their homes and premises to symbolize either the peace and abundance they feel since not all live in a war-torn region.

Others have it within their surroundings as a symbol of the same peace and war that they long for

Symbol of unity and universal

In most cultures around the world, this tree especially its seeds are seen as the symbol of unity and universal understanding and knowledge.

Put it near their surroundings to indicate clear understanding and unity, which could be within a family or organization. Some actually believe that the tree lets out good vibes of understanding.

A symbol of holiness

In East Asia, it is believed that the Buddha gained enlightenment under such a tree. This is why many in that region consider it a symbol of holiness because only one who is holy can gain enlightenment. Specifically, in Indonesia, it is seen as a link between the human and spirit worlds.

Symbol of Cheerfulness and new beginnings

The ficus tree has also been known as a cheerful tree and a great mood enhancer. It symbolizes all that is well especially on a dull month such as January.

After the festivities of the December holidays, everyone needs cheerfulness as they make new beginnings in the new year.  

There is simply no way that you can remain grim with a lovely green ficus standing proudly in your home. It is a brilliant décor piece that bursts with the lust for life and brings instant cheer to the hard January month that contains manic Mondays, bills to pay and a much-needed adjustment to a normal working routine that you need to get going in the new year.

There is actually no reason why you shouldn’t decorate ficus in January.  Tree decorating didn’t just end back in December with the Christmas tree.

You can always hand artificial flowers, lanterns or fairy lights on this tree if you wish. It will look cheerful and make the surroundings seem like spring is already here already after the cold hard winters gone by.

A Symbol of actual purity

NASA an often very reliable entity scientifically proved that there are indoor plants that can tremendously improve the quality of air by getting rid of toxins.

One of these air purifying plants is the ficus benjamina. People place it in their homes not only to improve the quality of air but also to symbolize real purity  and cleanliness.

Ficus Tree Interesting Fact  

There is one myth about this tree that states that the trees are dated relics of the 70s and 80s.  The idea is interesting because it is true that some plants are popular during certain eras but it is also important to recognize that a plant especially a tree is a natural, living and breathing organism that has evolved for millions of years.

 What people don’t realize is that a tree cannot be compared to fashion trends which are popular in one season and replaced on the next one. Therefore it cannot be said that a tree is dated because that would be ranking a tree in the same rank as a fixture.

A tree can never be a fixture but it is always a living thing, an element of nature that can thrive in an indoor environment to benefit homeowners.

Very Much In Fashion

Ficus trees will not be less popular anytime soon. One look at the Instagram feeds from all over the world and you will notice that the Ficus tree is quite popular. Could it be because it has strong symbolism in most cultures around the world?

Apart from its obvious attractiveness, there is no doubt that the property owners who have this tree within their walls consider it more than just an attractive addition to their interior décor.   



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