did you know?

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

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.

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 one 1 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, 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, 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:

garden uses:

• Containers
• Indoors

other uses: