Ficus petiolaris
An evergreen tree which can grow up to 27m in height in its native Mexico, where the roots can gnarl and twist, stretching out over rocky terrain, and the bark and trunk can be bulbous and twisted in larger specimens, but generally would grow no more than around 2m in the UK where conditions are less favourable. Wide, glossy, pale green foliage, wavy at the edges has pinkish-white veining with tufts of white hairs a prominent feature. Green flowers are followed by pairs of fruits, but these rarely appear when grown indoors. Suitable for bonsai gardening
Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | Brown | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1ABotanical 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
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow indoors in loam-based moist but well-drained soil in filtered light. See fig cultivation or houseplant cultivation for further advice
Propagation
Propagate by seed or by semi-hardwood cuttings in spring or summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Houseplants
- Patio and container plants
- Conservatory and greenhouse
- Edible fruit
Pruning
Pruning group 11, in late winter
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.