About
A compact and upright shrub with large dark glossy green, veined leaves. Makes an ideal houseplant providing rich, green foliage and filtering unwanted pollutants from the air.
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
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH1B
Plant details
Plant typeHouseplants
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesHouseplants
ToxicitySkin allergen. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Care notes
CultivationWater regulary in the growing season letting the top of the compost feel dry to touch before watering again. Mist leaves regulary to improve humidity. Place on a saucer with expanded clay granules or gravel keeping these damp but not sat in water. This will also increase humidity. Avoid sudden temperature drops and cold draughts. See ornamental fig cultivation for more advice
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationRoot semi-ripe cuttings or leaf bud cuttings with bottom heat in spring or late summer
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite, thrips, mealybugs and scale insects under glass
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus