About
A tropical evergreen tree maturing to 4m (13ft) or more, popularly grown in temperate climates as a houseplant for its broadly elliptical, variegated foliage to 40cm (16in) long, dark-green and cream on the upper surface, lighter on the under surface, each with a prominent midrib which along with the leaf stalk is reddish brown. In cultivation, yellow fruits can only appear on the largest plants.
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 typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH1B
Plant details
Plant typeHouseplants, Conservatory Greenhouse
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height2.5-4 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesHouseplants
Care notes
CultivationGrow under glass or as a houseplant in a peat-free, loam-based compost with added bark chippings, in full or filtered light. Water moderately and apply a high nitrogen fertiliser every four weeks during growth. Stop feeding and keep just moist over winter. See ornamental fig cultivation for more advice
PruningPruning group 1
PropagationPropagate by air layering in spring or late summer
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite, thrips, mealybugs and scale insects
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus