Curtain Fig Ficus microcarpa
ABOUT
Ficus microcarpa is a species of flowering plant in the family Moraceae. It is native to tropical and subtropical regions of Asia and of Australia, and is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant in other parts of the world.
Ficus microcarpa is a medium to large evergreen tree, with a dense, rounded canopy and a short, sturdy trunk. It can reach heights of up to 50 feet in its native habitat, but is often smaller when grown in cultivation. The leaves of Ficus microcarpa are large and glossy, with a dark green color and a leathery texture. They are oval or elliptical in shape, with pointed tips and serrated edges.
The size of Ficus microcarpa can vary depending on the growing conditions and the age of the plant. In general, young plants have a more upright, branching growth habit, while mature plants tend to have a more rounded, spreading canopy. The leaves of Ficus microcarpa can be up to 6 inches long and 3 inches wide, and are borne on long, sturdy stems.
Ficus microcarpa produces small, inconspicuous flowers that are borne on the underside of the leaves, and are followed by small, green to orange-red, berry-like fruits.
Ficus microcarpa is often used as an ornamental plant in gardens, parks, and other public spaces, and is popular for its attractive, glossy leaves and durable, attractive growth habit. It is also often used as a street tree or as a specimen plant in larger landscapes.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Moraceae
Synonyms
Chinese banyan, Malayan banyan, Indian laurel, Gajumaru, Ginseng, Glossy-leaf fig
Common names
Ficus aggregata, Ficus amblyphylla, Ficus cairnsii, Ficus condaravia, Ficus dahlii, Ficus dictyophleba, Ficus dilatata, Ficus dyctiophleba, Ficus littoralis, Ficus naumannii, Ficus regnans, Ficus retusa, Ficus retusiformis, Ficus rubra, Ficus thynneana, Urostigma amblyphyllum, Urostigma microcarpum, Ficus microcarpa 'Ginseng'
ToxicityTo humans
Ficus microcarpa is generally considered to be non-toxic to humans. However, like all plants, it can cause irritation or allergic reactions in some individuals, particularly those who are sensitive to plant allergens. It is always a good idea to wash your hands after handling plants, and to keep them out of reach of small children, who may be more prone to accidental ingestion.
To pets
Ficus microcarpa is generally considered to be non-toxic to animals. However, as with any plant, it is always a good idea to keep your pets away from it, particularly if they are prone to chewing or eating plants.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Height
Up to 50 feet
Plant type
Tree
Hardiness zones
9
Native area
Asia and Australia
Benefits
General BenefitsVery ornamental plant;
Ficus microcarpa is a large, fast-growing tree that provides ample shade;
Ficus microcarpa is relatively easy to grow;
Ficus microcarpa has a sturdy, deep root system that can help to stabilize soil and prevent erosion.
Medical PropertiesThere is limited scientific evidence to support the use of Ficus microcarpa for medicinal purposes. While some traditional medicine systems have used various parts of the plant for various purposes, such as to treat diarrhea, dysentery, and other digestive disorders, these uses have not been extensively studied and their effectiveness has not been established.
It is important to note that Ficus microcarpa, like all plants, can cause irritation or allergic reactions in some individuals, particularly those who are sensitive to plant allergens. It is necessary to consult a qualified medical professional before using any plant or herbal remedy, and to follow their recommendations for use.
Air-purifying QualitiesLike many other plants, Ficus microcarpa is believed to have air-purifying qualities and may be able to help improve indoor air quality. In particular, Ficus microcarpa is thought to be effective at removing certain pollutants from the air, such as benzene and formaldehyde.
Other UsesFicus microcarpa is a popular choice for bonsai, due to its attractive foliage and ability to adapt to a wide range of growing conditions.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiIn feng shui practice, Ficus microcarpa is often used to create a sense of enclosure and to protect the home or office from negative energy. Placing a Ficus microcarpa plant in a window or near a doorway is thought to help create a sense of protection and to attract positive energy into the space.
WaterProper watering is essential for maintaining the health and vitality of a Ficus lyrata plant. It is important to water your Ficus regularly, but be careful not to overwater it. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings, and then water the plant thoroughly until the water drains out of the bottom of the pot.
During the summer months, Ficus lyrata plants will likely need to be watered: 1 - 2 times a week, depending on the size of the pot and the moisture level of the soil.
In the winter, Ficus lyrata plants will typically need to be watered less frequently. Usually it is about 1 time a week or less.
It is important to pay attention to the moisture level of the soil and the needs of the plant, and adjust your watering schedule accordingly to ensure that your Ficus lyrata plant stays healthy and thriving.
LightFicus microcarpa is generally considered to be a low-light plant, meaning that it can tolerate low levels of light and is well-suited to growing in indoor environments. However, the plant does best when it receives bright, indirect light, and it may struggle if it is placed in a location that receives little or no natural light.
TemperatureFicus microcarpa is generally considered to be a tropical plant, and it is most comfortable in warm, humid environments. The plant prefers temperatures between 70-90°F, and it can tolerate temperatures as low as 50°F. However, it is sensitive to extreme temperature fluctuations and may become stressed if exposed to temperatures outside of this range.
PruningFicus microcarpa plants benefit from pruning to maintain their shape and size, as well as to remove any damaged or diseased branches. Pruning your Ficus microcarpa can also help stimulate new growth and encourage the plant to become more full and bushy.
SoilFicus microcarpa plants thrive in soil with a slightly acidic pH ranging from 6.0 to 6.5. To create the perfect soil mixture, you can begin with a well-draining potting mix that is specially formulated for indoor plants. Adding a small amount of perlite or coarse sand to the mix can also help improve drainage.
RepottingWhen it comes to repotting Ficus microcarpa plants, the timing and frequency depend on various factors such as the size and age of the plant and the size of the pot it is growing in. As a general rule, these plants should be repotted every 2-3 years or when they outgrow their current pot and become pot-bound. You can determine that a Ficus microcarpa plant needs to be repotted when the roots start to protrude from the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot or when the soil dries out more quickly than usual.
Humidity & MistingFicus is native to Southeast Asia and is known for its ability to tolerate a wide range of humidity levels. However, it is generally recommended to keep the humidity level at around 50% or higher for optimal growth and to prevent the leaves from drying out or becoming prone to pests.
Suitable locationsIndoor
All year round
Outdoor
If you live in a warm climate and want to plant a ficus microcarpa tree outdoors, it is important to choose a location that provides partial shade or indirect sunlight. This plant prefers well-draining soil and should be watered regularly to keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged. It is also important to protect the tree from strong winds and frost.
Hardiness zone
10 - 11 USDA
Life cycleFicus microcarpa does not produce flowers or fruit in the traditional sense. It does produce small, inconspicuous flowers that are hidden within the tree's inflorescence, or cluster of flowers. These flowers are typically not visible to the naked eye and do not have a significant visual impact on the tree.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring - early summer
By CUTTINGS:
Stem cuttings can be taken at any time of year and will typically root within 4-8 weeks when provided with the right conditions.
To do this, choose a healthy stem that is at least 6 inches long and cut it just below a leaf node using clean, sharp scissors. Remove the lower leaves from the cutting and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Fill a small pot with well-draining soil and plant the cutting about 1 inch deep. Water the soil and place the pot in a warm, humid place with indirect sunlight. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged and mist the leaves regularly to increase humidity.
By AIR LAYERING:
It typically takes 4-8 weeks for the rooted cutting to be ready to be transplanted.
To propagate ficus microcarpa through air layering, choose a healthy stem that is at least 6 inches long and make a sloping cut about 1 inch below a leaf node. Make a small hole in the stem with a toothpick or a sterilized nail. Apply rooting hormone to the wound and wrap the stem with a damp sphagnum moss or peat moss. Cover the moss with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to retain moisture and secure it with string or a rubber band. Keep the moss moist and check for roots in 4-8 weeks. When the roots are at least 1 inch long, cut the rooted stem below the rooting area and transplant it into a pot filled with well-draining soil.
PestsSpider mite, Scale insects, Mealybug, Aphid
DiseasesVerticillium wilt, Anthracnose, Root Rot, Leaf spot
