Overview
Ficus racemosa is a bushy shrubs in the genus Ficus, part of the Moraceae family, with evergreen foliage. Ficus racemosa 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. It is native to Andaman Is., Assam, Bangladesh, Borneo, Cambodia, China South-Central, China Southeast, East Himalaya, India, Jawa, Laos, Lesser Sunda Is., Malaya, Myanmar, Nepal, New Guinea, Northern Territory, Pakistan, Queensland, Sri Lanka, Sulawesi, Sumatera, Thailand, Vietnam, West Himalaya and Western Australia.
About
Ficus racemosa is an evergreen fig grown as a shrub or small tree and valued for its edible fruit. It develops a well-branched habit and retains evergreen foliage. In the UK it is most reliable under glass or kept as a large houseplant where it receives full sun or partial shade on a sheltered south-, west- or east-facing aspect. It prefers loam that stays moist but drains freely and tolerates acid to alkaline soils.
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.
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 racemosa size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Shrubs, Trees, Fruit Edible
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Houseplants, Conservatory and greenhouse
- Native to
- Andaman Is., Assam, Bangladesh, Borneo, Cambodia, China South-Central, China Southeast, East Himalaya, India, Jawa, Laos, Lesser Sunda Is., Malaya, Myanmar, Nepal, New Guinea, Northern Territory, Pakistan, Queensland, Sri Lanka, Sulawesi, Sumatera, Thailand, Vietnam, West Himalaya, Western Australia
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Ficus racemosa
- 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 racemosa?
Ficus racemosa prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Ficus racemosa need?
Ficus racemosa grows best in loam soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Ficus racemosa hardy in the UK?
Ficus racemosa 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 racemosa?
Semi-hardwood cuttings, Air layering.
More in the Ficus genus
- Ficus 'Panda'
- Ficus afghanistanica 'Silver Lyre'Afghanistan fig 'Silver Lyre'
- Ficus altissimacouncil tree
- Ficus americanajacquinia-leaved fig
- Ficus amplissimabat tree
- Ficus aspera
- Ficus australis
- Ficus barteri
