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Ficus retusa (F)

laurel fig

A large, broad-headed tropical evergreen tree to 10m tall, often grown as a houseplant. Densely packed, broadly oval-shaped, thick, glossy dark green leaves are about 10-12cm long. It has thick aerial roots and produces spherical purple figs, ripening black, in clusters on mature trees in hot climates; ideal for bonsai training

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Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metres
Time to ultimate height
10–20 years
Ultimate spread
1–1.5 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Green
Autumn Green
Winter Green
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

East–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H1B
Botanical details
Family
Moraceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Spreading branched
Potentially harmful
Skin allergen. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
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

Name status

Correct

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How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in houseplant compost in full or bright filtered light. During growth in spring and summer, water moderately and apply a high nitrogen fertiliser every month; water sparingly in winter. Topdress annually and repot every 2-3 years. Ideal for bonsai training. See ornamental fig cultivation or bonsai cultivation for more advice

Propagation

Propagate by semi-ripe cuttings or leaf-bud cuttings with bottom heat in spring or summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Houseplants
  • Sub-tropical
  • Low Maintenance
  • Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning

Pruning group 1, houseplants may need restrictive pruning in winter

Pests

May be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite, thrips, mealybugs and scale insects indoors

Diseases

Generally disease-free when grown as a houseplant in cold climates

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