Fig Tree vs Mastic Tree Plant Comparison
Compare these two plants side by side — care needs, key differences, and which is right for your home.
Fig Tree
Ficus carica
Ficus carica, the common fig, is a deciduous tree or large shrub known for its edible fruit. Typically growing to 3-10 meters tall, it features a spreading habit and distinctive lobed leaves. While primarily an outdoor plant, it can be grown indoors with significant effort. People cultivate fig trees for their sweet, nutritious fruits, which can be eaten fresh, dried, or processed into jams and preserves. Indoor cultivation is challenging due to the plant's high light requirements and dormancy needs.
Mastic Tree
Pistacia lentiscus
Pistacia lentiscus, or Mastic Tree, is an evergreen shrub or small tree native to the Mediterranean. It typically grows to 1-8 meters tall. It is known for producing mastic, a resin used in chewing gum, liquors, and varnishes. The plant has a dense, bushy habit with pinnate leaves. While it can be grown in containers, it is primarily an outdoor plant, thriving in full sun and well-drained soil. People grow it for its ornamental value, drought tolerance, and the aromatic resin it produces.
Quick Plant Comparison
| Feature | Fig Tree | Mastic Tree |
|---|---|---|
| Light | Full sun (at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily) | Full sun to partial shade |
| Watering | Every 1-2 weeks, depending on environmental conditions and pot size. Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings. | Every 1-2 weeks, depending on environmental conditions |
| Humidity | 30-50% | 40-60% |
| Temperature | 15-27°C | 15-25°C |
| Care Level | Expert | Expert |
| Growth Rate | Moderate | Slow |
| Max Height | 1-3 meters (indoors, with difficulty) | 1-2 meters (indoors, in containers) |
| Pet Safety | ❌ Mildly Toxic | ✅ Safe |
| Soil | Well-draining potting mix with perlite and sand to improve drainage. | Well-drained sandy or loamy soil |
| Beginner Friendly | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Weekly Maintenance | 30 minutes weekly | 30 minutes weekly (primarily watering and checking for pests) |
🔬 Botanical Information — Comparing These Plants
Fig Tree
| Scientific Name | Ficus carica |
|---|---|
| Family | Moraceae |
| Native To | Western Asia and the Middle East |
| Also Known As | Common Fig, Edible Fig |
| Leaves | The leaves are large, deeply lobed, and rough in texture. They are typically a vibrant green color. Leaf size can vary depending on the variety and growing conditions, but generally range from 10-20 cm in length. |
| Flowers | Fig trees rarely flower indoors. The flowers are inside the fruit (syconium) and are not visible. |
Mastic Tree
| Scientific Name | Pistacia lentiscus |
|---|---|
| Family | Anacardiaceae |
| Native To | Mediterranean region |
| Also Known As | Mastic Tree, Lentisk |
| Leaves | The leaves are pinnately compound, consisting of 4-10 pairs of leaflets. The leaflets are small, oval-shaped, and leathery in texture. They are a glossy dark green color and emit a resinous aroma when crushed. |
| Flowers | The Mastic Tree produces small, inconspicuous flowers in spring. Male and female flowers are borne on separate plants (dioecious). Flowering is rare indoors. |
📏 Size & Growth — Plant Comparison
Fig Tree
Mastic Tree
🌱 Propagation — Comparing Plant Growth
Fig Tree
Methods: Stem cuttings, air layering, seed (though not recommended for cultivars)
Difficulty: Moderate
Tips: Take stem cuttings in spring or summer. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone and plant in moist potting mix. Maintain high humidity by covering with a plastic bag or dome until roots develop.
Mastic Tree
Methods: Seed, stem cuttings, layering
Difficulty: Moderate
Tips: Take semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer. Use rooting hormone and provide bottom heat for best results. Seeds require scarification and stratification before sowing.
✨ Benefits & Features — Comparing Plant Value
Fig Tree
The common fig is unique for its edible fruit, which is actually an inverted flower. It requires specific conditions to thrive indoors, making it a challenging but rewarding plant for experienced growers.
- ✓ Provides a unique and interesting aesthetic.
- ✓ Can potentially produce edible fruit (with proper care).
- ✓ Offers a connection to nature.
- ✓ Can be a rewarding challenge for experienced plant owners.
- ✓ May improve indoor air quality slightly through photosynthesis.
- ⚠️ Toxic to pets
Mastic Tree
The Mastic Tree is unique for its production of mastic resin, a natural gum with a distinctive flavor and aroma. This resin has been used for centuries in traditional medicine, cooking, and cosmetics. Its drought tolerance and evergreen foliage also make it a valuable ornamental plant in Mediterranean climates.
- ✓ Drought tolerance makes it water-wise.
- ✓ Evergreen foliage provides year-round visual interest.
- ✓ Aromatic leaves release a pleasant scent.
- ✓ Mastic resin has potential medicinal properties.
- ✓ Provides habitat for local wildlife in outdoor settings.
- 🐾 Pet Safe
📅 Maintenance Schedule — Plant Care Comparison
Fig Tree
Mastic Tree
🌞 Light Requirements
Fig Tree
Full sun (at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily)
Low light tolerant: ❌ No
Mastic Tree
Full sun to partial shade
Low light tolerant: ❌ No
💧 Watering Needs
Fig Tree
Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil is dry. Allow excess water to drain away. Overwatering can lead to root rot, indicated by yellowing leaves and a musty smell. Underwatering results in wilting and leaf drop.
Mastic Tree
Water deeply when the top inch of soil is dry. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Signs of overwatering include yellowing leaves and a musty smell. Underwatering is indicated by wilting and dry, crispy leaves.
🌡️ Temperature & Humidity
Fig Tree
Temperature: 15-27°C
Humidity: 30-50%
Mastic Tree
Temperature: 15-25°C
Humidity: 40-60%
🤔 Which Plant Is Right For You?
Fig Tree
Ficus caricaExperienced plant enthusiasts willing to provide the specific conditions required for an outdoor tree to survive indoors.
✅ Choose This Plant If...
- You have a very sunny south-facing window and supplemental grow lights.
- You are experienced with finicky plants and understand their needs.
- You are willing to provide a cool dormancy period in winter.
- You are primarily interested in the aesthetic of the plant, not necessarily fruiting.
- You are prepared to deal with potential pest infestations.
❌ Skip This Plant If...
- You have low light conditions in your home.
- You are a beginner plant owner.
- You are primarily interested in harvesting figs indoors.
- You are not able to provide a cool dormancy period.
- You have pets that might ingest the plant.
Mastic Tree
Pistacia lentiscusGardeners in Mediterranean climates looking for a drought-tolerant ornamental shrub.
✅ Choose This Plant If...
- You live in a Mediterranean climate and want a drought-tolerant shrub.
- You are interested in harvesting mastic resin (though indoor growing makes this difficult).
- You want an evergreen plant with aromatic foliage.
- You have a sunny outdoor space with well-draining soil.
- You are an experienced gardener willing to provide the specific care this plant needs.
❌ Skip This Plant If...
- You live in a cold climate with harsh winters.
- You lack a sunny outdoor space.
- You are a beginner gardener.
- You are looking for a low-maintenance indoor plant.
🎯 Quick Verdict
⚡ Key Differences Between These Plants
Fig Tree needs full sun (at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily), while Mastic Tree prefers full sun to partial shade.
Fig Tree has moderate growth, while Mastic Tree grows slow.
💡 Pro Tips For Comparing These Plants
Fig Tree Care Tips
Ficus carica is primarily an outdoor tree and requires significant effort to grow indoors. It needs very bright light, well-draining soil, and a distinct dormancy period in winter. Indoor figs are prone to pest infestations and may not fruit reliably.
- Provide at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily, supplementing with grow lights if necessary.
- Ensure excellent drainage to prevent root rot.
- Allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
- Provide a cool dormancy period in winter by reducing watering and keeping the plant in a cooler location.
- Monitor regularly for pests and treat promptly.
Mastic Tree Care Tips
Mastic trees are best suited for outdoor environments. Growing them indoors is challenging due to their high light requirements and need for well-drained soil. They require careful watering and fertilization to thrive in containers. Providing adequate ventilation is also crucial.
- Ensure excellent drainage to prevent root rot.
- Provide full sun for optimal growth and resin production.
- Protect from frost in colder climates.
- Prune regularly to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth.
- Fertilize sparingly to avoid nutrient imbalances.
⚠️ Common Problems & Solutions — Plant Care Comparison
Fig Tree
Mastic Tree
❓ Frequently Asked Questions — Comparing These Plants
Fig Tree
What are the light requirements for Fig Tree?
Fig trees need bright, indirect light to thrive. Direct sunlight can scorch their leaves, especially during the hottest part of the day. An east-facing window is often ideal, providing gentle morning light. A south- or west-facing window can also work, but be sure to filter the light with a sheer curtain.
How do I care for Fig Tree?
Fig trees thrive in bright, indirect light. Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, but avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot. Ensure the pot has good drainage. Maintain a consistent temperature between 65-75°F (18-24°C). Fig trees prefer moderate to high humidity. Fertilize monthly during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength.
How do I propagate Fig Tree?
Fig trees can be propagated through stem cuttings or air layering. For stem cuttings, take a 4-6 inch cutting from a healthy stem. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a well-draining potting mix and keep it moist and humid. Roots should develop in a few weeks.
Mastic Tree
What are the light requirements for Mastic Tree?
Mastic Trees thrive in bright, indirect light. Insufficient light can lead to leggy growth and reduced foliage density. A location near a south- or west-facing window, filtered by a sheer curtain, provides the ideal light conditions. If you don’t have access to adequate natural light, consider supplementing with a grow light. Rotate your plant regularly to ensure even light exposure on all sides. Avoid placing your Mastic Tree in direct sunlight, especially during the hottest part of the day, as this can scorch the leaves.
How do I care for Mastic Tree?
To ensure your Mastic Tree thrives indoors, provide it with bright, indirect light. A south- or west-facing window is ideal. Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, allowing excess water to drain away. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.
How do I propagate Mastic Tree?
Mastic Trees can be propagated through stem cuttings or air layering. For stem cuttings, take a 4-6 inch cutting from a healthy stem. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a well-draining potting mix and keep it moist. Cover with a plastic bag to maintain humidity. Roots should develop in 4-6 weeks.
Last updated: April 18, 2026 — Plant care data reviewed and verified by our editorial team.