About
An evergreen tree which can grow up to 27m in height in its native Mexico, where the roots can gnarl and twist, stretching out over rocky terrain, and the bark and trunk can be bulbous and twisted in larger specimens, but generally would grow no more than around 2m in the UK where conditions are less favourable. Wide, glossy, pale green foliage, wavy at the edges has pinkish-white veining with tufts of white hairs a prominent feature. Green flowers are followed by pairs of fruits, but these rarely appear when grown indoors. Suitable for bonsai gardening.
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
SunlightPartial 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, Trees
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesHouseplants, Patio and container plants
ToxicitySkin allergen. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Care notes
CultivationGrow indoors in peat-free, loam-based moist but well-drained compost in filtered light. See fig cultivation or houseplant cultivation for further adviceGrow indoors in peat-free, loam-based moist but well-drained compost in filtered light. See fig cultivation or houseplant cultivation for further advice
PruningPruning group 11, in late winter
PropagationPropagate by seed or by semi-hardwood cuttings 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