Overview
Ficus septica is a bushy shrubs in the genus Ficus, part of the Moraceae family, with evergreen foliage. Ficus septica 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.
About
Ficus septica, commonly known as the ivory fig or wavy-leaf fig, is a bushy evergreen shrub or tree within the Ficus genus. This genus includes a variety of evergreen and deciduous plants with leathery leaves and unique fruit formed from small flowers inside a hollow structure. Ficus septica thrives in fertile, well-drained loam soil with moist but well-drained conditions, preferring full sun or partial shade in a sheltered position. It is suitable for cultivation as a houseplant or in conservatories and greenhouses, with interest in spring and summer. Propagation is typically by semi-hardwood cuttings or air layering.
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. Many Ficus species are grown for their fruits, though only two species, the common fig and sycamore fig, are cultivated to any extent, with common fig being the type species and by far the most important.
Wikipedia contributors, "Ficus", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Ficus
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 septica size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Shrubs, Trees, Fruit Edible
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Houseplants, Conservatory and greenhouse
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Ficus septica
- 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 septica?
Ficus septica prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Ficus septica need?
Ficus septica grows best in loam soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Ficus septica hardy in the UK?
Ficus septica 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 septica?
Semi-hardwood cuttings, Air layering.
