About
A tropical evergreen tree or shrub, often grown as a houseplant, with large, broadly oval-shaped, glossy green leaves with pointed tips. Leaves are arranged in spirals and can reach up to 20cm long.
About the genus
Ficus can be evergreen or deciduous trees, shrubs or climbers, with often leathery, simple, entire or lobed leaves and tiny flowers borne within a hollow receptacle which enlarges to form the fruit
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeLoam
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH1A
Plant details
Plant typeHouseplants, Conservatory Greenhouse
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesHouseplants, Patio and container plants, Sub-tropical
Native toAfrica
ToxicitySkin allergen. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Care notes
CultivationGrow in houseplant compost in full or bright filtered light. During growth water moderately and apply a high nitrogen fertiliser every month; water sparingly in winter. Topdress annually and repot every 2-3 years. See houseplant cultivation for further information
PruningSee pruning group 1
PropagationPropagate by semi-hardwood cuttings with bottom heat in spring or summer
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite, thrips, mealybugs and scale insects under glass
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus