did you know?

The genus includes more than 800 trees, shrubs, and vines native to the tropics and subtropics. Many, such as the weeping fig the rubber tree and the fiddle-leaf fig make excellent houseplants.

general maintenance:

Groom plants by removing yellowed foliage. Mist occasionally, or provide with a pebble-lined tray filled with water for extra humidity. Repot when plant becomes rootbound, generally every 2 years. Occasionally dust leaves with a clean, soft cloth. Plants that become leggy and outgrow their space may be air-layered; strip the bark from 1/2 inch section of stem 2 feet from the plant top. Dust with rooting hormone and tightly tie a plastic bag stuffed with damp sphagnum moss around the wound. When roots appear after several months, the stem may be snipped below the new roots, the bag carefully removed and the newly rooted top can be potted up.

pests/diseases:

Mealybugs, spider mites and scale insects may occur.

controls:

Control mealybugs and spider mites with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil, following label directions. To control spider mites, mist frequently to increase humidity. To control scale, remove with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol, remove infested leaves (or branches), or apply horticultural-oil spray, following label directions.

how to sow/plant:

Start with established plants or divisions in well-drained potting medium. If repotting, set plants at the same level they were in their previous pot. The soil level should be 1/2 to 1 inch below the rim of the pot to provide a water reservoir when watering.

water and fertilize:

Water thoroughly when soil surface is dry to the touch spring through fall, and water more sparingly in winter. Feed monthly with an all-purpose water-soluble fertilizer, following label directions. Stop feeding in the winter, when the plant is resting, and resume feeding in the spring when the days begin to lengthen.

garden hint:

When handling ficus, beware of its milky sap, which can irritate skin.

features:

• Shade Tolerant

garden uses:

• Containers
• Indoors

other uses: