About
A large, broad-headed tropical evergreen tree to 10m tall, often grown as a houseplant. closely arranged, broadly oval-shaped, thick, glossy dark green leaves are about 10-12cm long. It has thick aerial roots and produces spherical purple figs, ripening black, in clusters on mature trees in hot climates; ideal for bonsai training.
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 hardinessH1B
Plant details
Plant typeConservatory Greenhouse, Houseplants, Trees
HabitSpreading branched
FoliageEvergreen
Height2.5-4 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesHouseplants, Sub-tropical
ToxicitySkin allergen. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Care notes
CultivationGrow in houseplant compost in full or bright filtered light. During growth in spring and summer, water moderately and apply a high nitrogen fertiliser every month; water sparingly in winter. Topdress annually and repot every 2-3 years. Ideal for bonsai training. See ornamental fig cultivation or bonsai cultivation for more advice
PruningPruning group 1, houseplants may need restrictive pruning in winter
PropagationPropagate by semi-ripe cuttings or leaf-bud cuttings with bottom heat in spring or summer
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite, thrips, mealybugs and scale insects indoors
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free when grown as a houseplant in cold climates