Overview
Ficus barteri is a bushy shrubs in the genus Ficus, part of the Moraceae family, with evergreen foliage. Ficus barteri 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 barteri is an evergreen fig in the Moraceae that produces edible fruit and develops as a well-branched shrub or small tree. It suits a sheltered, bright site and tolerates full sun or partial shade. In cultivation it prefers a loam-based, moist but well-drained soil across a wide pH range. It is tender in UK conditions (H1b) and is typically grown under glass or as a houseplant.
About the genus
Ficus is a genus of about 850 species of woody trees, shrubs, vines, epiphytes and hemiepiphytes in the family Moraceae. Collectively known as fig trees or figs, they are native throughout the tropics with a few species extending into the semi-warm temperate zone. Many Ficus species are grown for their fruits, though only two species, the common fig and sycamore fig, are cultivated to any extent, with common fig being the type species and by far the most important.
Wikipedia contributors, "Ficus", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Ficus
In the garden
Ficus barteri sits within the fig genus Ficus and belongs to the Moraceae family. As an evergreen with edible fruit it is often cultivated where warmth and protection are available rather than planted outdoors in exposed beds. Seasonal interest occurs in spring and summer when the plant is actively growing. Position the plant in a bright south-, west- or east-facing location that is sheltered from cold winds; it responds well to both full sun and partial shade. Use a loam-based compost or soil that remains moist but drains freely, and note that it tolerates acid, neutral or alkaline pH. Keep humidity steady in a conservatory or greenhouse and avoid prolonged waterlogging. Because Ficus barteri is rated H1b (tender), overwintering under glass or inside a heated room is the safest option in the UK. Growers often keep it in a container to control soil conditions and to move plants to warmer positions when needed. Prune to maintain size and shape once growth has softened after the main spring flush. Its evergreen foliage makes it useful as a year-round indoor screen or specimen in a conservatory.
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 barteri 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 barteri
- 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 barteri?
Ficus barteri prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Ficus barteri need?
Ficus barteri grows best in loam soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Ficus barteri hardy in the UK?
Ficus barteri 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 barteri?
Semi-hardwood cuttings, Air layering.
