Ficus binnendijkii
narrow-leaf fig
An evergreen tree that can reach 30m in the tropics, but is much smaller when grown as a houseplant. It has arching branches and glossy, narrow, pointed leaves up to 25cm long. Mature plants may produce inconspicuous, green flowers in spring followed in autumn by small, red fruit
Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
1.5–2.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | Red | ||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1CBotanical details
- Family
- Moraceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- 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
- Plant range
- S E Asia
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow under glass in loam-based compost in full or filtered light
Propagation
Propagate by semi-hardwood or leaf-bud cuttings
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Patio and container plants
Pruning
Pests
May be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite, thrips, mealybugs and scale insects under glass
Diseases
May be susceptible to honey fungus
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.