Overview
Ficus amplissima is a bushy shrubs in the genus Ficus, part of the Moraceae family, with evergreen foliage. Ficus amplissima grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates loam soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H1b. Suggested uses include houseplants and conservatory and greenhouse.
About
Ficus amplissima, commonly known as the bat tree or tsiela, is a bushy evergreen shrub or tree within the Ficus genus. Like other Ficus species, it has leathery leaves and produces small flowers enclosed within a hollow structure that develops into fruit. This cultivar thrives in fertile, well-drained loam soil with moist but well-drained conditions and prefers full sun or partial shade in a sheltered south-, west-, or east-facing aspect. It is suitable for cultivation as a houseplant or in conservatories and greenhouses in the UK, where it requires protection (H1b hardiness). Propagation is typically by semi-hardwood cuttings or air layering.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Ficus
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H1b
Plant details
Ficus amplissima size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Shrubs, Trees, Fruit Edible
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Houseplants, Conservatory and greenhouse
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Ficus amplissima
- Propagation
- Semi-hardwood cuttings, Air layering
- Pest resistance
- Susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite, thrips, mealybugs, scale insects under glass
- Disease resistance
- Susceptible to honey fungus
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Ficus amplissima?
Ficus amplissima prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Ficus amplissima need?
Ficus amplissima grows best in loam soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Ficus amplissima hardy in the UK?
Ficus amplissima has an RHS hardiness rating of H1b, meaning it needs subtropical warmth of 10–15°C and must be grown under glass in the UK.
How do I propagate Ficus amplissima?
Semi-hardwood cuttings, Air layering.
More in the Ficus genus
- Ficus 'Panda'
- Ficus afghanistanica 'Silver Lyre'Afghanistan fig 'Silver Lyre'
- Ficus altissimacouncil tree
- Ficus americanajacquinia-leaved fig
- Ficus aspera
- Ficus australis
- Ficus barteri
- Ficus benjamina 'Amstel Gold'
