About
A densely branched tropical tree, grown in temperate climates under glass or as a houseplant for its ornamental elliptical foliage 10-20cm (4-10in) long, variegated in mid-green and pale yellow. The leaves are covered on their undersides in down-like, rust-coloured hairs. The plant is capable of reaching 3m (10ft) grown indoors in containers.
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
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesHouseplants
ToxicitySkin allergen. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
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
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