This is also called the Banana fig, Alii fig, or Banana-leaf ficus. They are generally fast-growing, very vigorous plants that can be invasive when growing conditions are ideal. The Creeping fig (Ficus pumila) grows well both indoors and outdoors and is easy to grow. The Mistletoe fig is a type of shrub with spreading nature. For example, the ‘Starlight’ Weeping fig is a cultivar of the ‘Weeping fig’ and is a bushy type of tree plant that has small white and green leaves. This article provides guidelines for the identification and treatment of diseases that may be encountered during the commercial production of ornamental Ficus. This type of ficus has thick waxy leaves and in a nice oval shape. The Fiddle-Leaf fig is a slow-growing ficus tree that can be grown as a house plant. As with many types of indoor ficus plants, moving its position and drafts can stress Weeping fig plant. Although this indoor ficus tree enjoys bright places, you should protect it from long periods of direct sunlight. Characters for identification are explained. Soil and watering. In fact, most people refer to the Ficus benjamina species as just ‘ficus.’. Ficus pumila, Climbing or Creeping Fig. It is also one of the good luck plants according to the Feng Shui. Ficus Whitefly (Singhiella simplex) (Fig Whitefly)Hosts and damage: Attacks various Ficus species (F. aurea, F. altissima, F. bengalensis, F. benjamina, F. lyrata, F. microcarpa, and F. maclellandii).Was also observed on Rhododendron (Azalea) indica.Feeding may cause yellowing of leaves, defoliation and branch dieback. Rubber tree branches may break due to weak wood or poor formation at their juncture with the trunk. One of the popular types of indoor ficus trees is the Fiddle-Leaf fig (Ficus lyrata). Creeping fig is a flat, dense ground-cover that spreads as tall and wide as its trellis or other supporting structure. Bill Oehlke's species page for Pachylia ficus. These woody trees, vines, shrubs, and plants belong to the family Moraceae. The ficus should get plenty of light and a moderate amount of watering in a warm environment. The Ficus carica is the common fig tree and can be grown as an ornamental plant in temperate climates. Ficus stipulata Thunb. Most of the popular practices link the Ficus tree back to one of its native lands, Asia. In order to keep aggressively spreading creeping fig away from walls and buildings, the ground-cover's edges may need to be pruned. Regular pruning of this type of ficus tree in the winter and spring can help to keep its height to a manageable level. You can plant this ficus climbing vine in areas where you need ground cover in shady areas. To keep a Weeping fig healthy, you should water it once a week so that the soil is moist. The tree’s fruit, which is pear-shaped, is actually a fleshy hollow receptacle, known technically as a synconium. Both species are hardy in USDA zones 10b through 11. Because the Indian Laurel needs a warm humid environment, cultivars of the Ficus microcarpa are popular as houseplants. Figs generally thrive in U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) plant hardiness zones 8 through 12, depending on the species. You can also choose tree-type ficus plants to grow indoors as houseplants. This species of ficus shrub-like tree grows outdoors to a height of around 6.5 ft. (2 m). ; Hodges, R. W., 1971. The reason why indoor ficus trees are so popular is that they are very versatile and suit a wide range of interior design needs. As an outdoor tree, ficus plants can be large banyan trees, fig trees, or laurel trees. Fig trunks and branches often have thin bark and often droop as the trees or shrubs grow. Common fig can be invasive in some areas, notes the University of California-Davis Information Center for the Environment's website. Identify the weeping fig tree (F. benjamina) by its weeping form, its smooth, gray bark and oval, large, leathery leaves, which are usually bright green but can be grayish-green or yellowish depending on the cultivated variety. Although figs generally do not have serious disease problems, disinfect pruning tools in full strength household cleaner to prevent spreading diseases. University of California Integrated Pest Management Online: Ficus, Fig, Indian Laurel, Laurel Fig -- Ficus Spp. Ficus Daniella is a type of ficus with thick waxy leaves that grows well as an indoor houseplant. One popular way to grow the Weeping fig is to braid its trunks. It feels firm, but contracts visibly when prodded. One of the interesting features growing this ficus shrub is that it grows tiny red-colored figs when it grows in bright sunshine. Taxa not yet included in identification key Ficus carica, Ficus henneana : Key to the species : 1: Climber, neither epiphytic nor strangling, climbing by adventitious roots: Ficus pumila: Trees or shrubs, sometimes epiphytic or strangling: 2: 2: Ficus pumila var. There are about 850 species of plants in the ficus genus. Extensive surface roots of some fig varieties, including rubber trees and weeping figs, can damage sidewalks and lawnmowers. Fiddle Leaf FigBotanical Name: Ficus lyrata. The distinctive feature of the Sacred fig is its heart-shaped leaves. The shape of this specimen ficus tree is why it is also referred to as a ‘lollipop.’, The common fig tree belongs to the ficus family of plants. The Mistletoe fig has a spreading nature and you can use it to provide plenty of ground cover. The Rubber plant has large attractive leaves which can grow up to 12” (30 cm) long. Ficus, (genus Ficus), genus of about 900 species of trees, shrubs, and vines in the family Moraceae, many of which are commonly known as figs. So, this attractive indoors miniature ficus tree can be the centerpiece of a table or windowsill. The Rubber plant (Ficus elastica), or Rubber tree, is a very popular species of leafy indoor plant from the ficus genus. An identification key, illustrations, descriptions and habitats are provided. Care guide for the Fig / Ficus Bonsai tree (Ficus Retusa / Ginseng). Regular pruning also encourages new leaf growth and results in a bushy type of ficus tree. The leaves can be a variety of colors from dark green with maroon veins to dark reddish-brown color with green edging. This deciduous tree or shrub thrives in USDA zones 8 through 9 but also is hardy in protected areas in USDA zones 6 through 7. Interactive key to the figs of Gunung Palung National Park, West Kalimantan, Indonesia (Borneo) by Timothy Laman and George Weiblen. However, with yearly pruning, you can keep its height much shorter. In this article, you will learn about the many types of ficus trees that can add glossy foliage to your home or garden. Dwarf Weeping Cherry Trees - Including Care Guide (With Pictures), Ash Tree: Types, Bark and Leaves - Identification Guide (Pictures), Types of Redbud Trees: Eastern, Western, Chinese, and More (Pictures), The Best Desert Trees with Pictures and Names, Types of Ficus Trees: Outdoors and Indoors Ficus Plants (Including Pictures), 15 Small or Dwarf Evergreen Trees For Your Garden, Types of Shrubs: 18 Different Types of Bushes to Grow in Your Yard, Lilac Bush: Facts, How to Grow It, Care Tips and More. Soil. Audrey ficus is suitable for outdoors but you can also keep it compact as an indoor ficus plant. A few Ficus species have atypical growth habits that can help you to identify them. So wear gloves and goggles when you prune fig plants, and keep the pruning tools away from children. Aerial roots that grow from the branches toward the ground are a distinguishing feature of some figs, such as the banyan tree (Ficus benghalensis), which is hardy in USDA zones 10 through 12. Many fig species have simple, smooth oval leaves. However, the ficus species includes fig fruit trees, large banyan trees, and the humble houseplant the rubber plant. This small ficus tree has a thin sturdy stem and its foliage can be pruned to resemble a large green glossy ball. Unlike many types of trees in the ficus genus, the Sacred fig enjoys full sunshine to grow well. Fig plants have tiny, greenish flowers that grow facing each other inside hollow fruits or synconia. The long spindly stems or trunks can be braided or pleated to form an attractive indoor ficus tree plant. Twenty-seven species and two subspecies of Ficus are reported from one study site in central Africa. This compact tree has very small leaves that are curled up. The leaves grow between 3” and 5” (8 – 13 cm) and are long and narrow. Many are tall forest trees that are buttressed by great spreading roots; others are planted as ornamentals. Here are some of the best ways to care for your ficus plants. The only reason to trim a ficus tree that grows outdoors is to encourage new growth or to create an attractive hedge. Ficus fruits come in several colors including yellowish-green, copper, dark purple and bronze. The Narrow Leaf fig can be grown indoors and is relatively easy to care for. Although fig trees can reach towering heights, they're often grown as much smaller houseplants. The species-level diversity of Ficus in tropical forests is discussed. Ficus carica is an Asian species of flowering plant in the mulberry family, known as the common fig.It is the source of the fruit also called the fig and as such is an important crop in those areas where it is grown commercially. These grow together to form a small shrub-like tree that is very decorative. As with most ficus plants, the Creeping fig enjoys plenty of light in indirect sunlight and moist soil. It grows up to 3 metres tall which makes it a brilliant ornamental plant for rooms with tall ceilings. The Audrey ficus (Ficus benghalensis) is classified as a species of tree ficus that has luscious dark green velvety leaves and striking cream-colored veins. Another is the slow-growing ‘Snowflake’ variegated type of creeping ficus with white and green leaves and crinkly edges. It is also good to remember that some of these varieties of ficus trees make good indoor plants. You should plant it in pots or containers that allow the soil to drain well. An avid gardener, Evans has a Bachelor of Arts in political science from the University of New Hampshire, a Juris Doctor from Vermont Law School, and a personal trainer certificate from American Fitness Professionals and Associates. The milky sap in fig plants can irritate eyes and skin. In their natural setting, ficus trees can grow to a great height and their wide spread can provide a lot of shade. Fertilizing: Feed the baobab with liquid fertilizer every month in half concentration when it is time to … If you have this small indoor ficus tree plant in your home, it should be in a place that gets plenty of light. The shape and size of fig plants can help you identify those plants. When the Fiddle-leaf grows outdoors it can reach heights of 50 ft. (15 m) and has a large bushy appearance. One interesting cultivar is the Ficus Emerald Green. Avoid overhead watering. As an indoor container plant, it remains under 10 feet tall. Being easy to care for is one of the reasons why Audrey ficus plant is a good choice as a houseplant. The Indian Laurel is a ficus tree that needs a warm humid environment. Ficus is a pantropical genus of trees, shrubs, and vines occupying a wide variety of ecological niches; most are evergreen, but some deciduous species are endemic to areas outside of the tropics and to higher elevations. Although it doesn’t tolerate frost well, it is hardy down to 34°F (1°C). When most people talk about a “ficus” plant, they refer to the ficus species ‘Weeping fig’ (Ficus benjamina). Spots become brown and leaves fall. Opuntia valida, Artesia, NM. The Indian Laurel is also a popular type of bonsai ficus miniature tree. One of the distinguishing features of this type of ficus tree is its violin-shaped leaves that are a deep glossy green color. ), Grevilleas (Grevillea spp.) Ficus elastica cultivars include ‘Variegata’ (left) and ‘Black Prince’ (right), The Weeping fig is a popular indoors ficus plant. Otherwise all native Australian tree species are listed by common name in alphabetical order. Although it needs a good amount of light, it also continues to grow in low light and little water. Ficus. Status: Not Native, EPPC(II) Specimen: View details of USF Herbarium specimens Despite the fact that this is a giant “rubber” plant when it grows outdoors, you don’t have to worry about that when growing the Rubber plant indoors. If you stand this small ficus tree at a wall, you should rotate it once a week to prevent the leaves falling off. Despite the fact that this type of ficus tree grows to enormous heights outdoors, you can keep it as a fairly compact indoor plant, as it will not grow nearly as big indoors. The long thin trunk can reach a height of up to 9.8 ft. (3 m) indoors. Other Names: Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree, Ficus pandurata. Ficus, also known as “fig,” is a group of more than 800 tropical and semitropical trees, shrubs and vines. Hardy in USDA zones 8 through 11, creeping fig (Ficus pumila) has heart-shaped, 1-inch-long, evergreen leaves. The peculiar form of development of Ficus bengalensis – the rather accidentally national tree of India – leads to the emergence of imposing tree species.Most representative of all is the famous ‘The Great Banyan‘ – where banyan is the local name of Ficus bengalensis. Bacterial Leaf Spot Ficus benjamina: Angular yellow spots are limited in size by veins. One of the most popular trees for indoor bonsai, the Ficus genus consists of over 800 different species of evergreen trees, shrubs and woody climbers usually found in moist forests in tropical and sub-tropical areas of the world. The Narrow Leaf fig (Ficus maclellandii ‘Alii’) is another species of ficus tree that grows well indoors. This ficus tree also makes a good indoor houseplant. Semitropical trees, ficus species identification Banana-leaf ficus your indoor ficus tree at a wall, you protect! To 9.8 ft. ( 2 m ) ficus species identification tools in full sun thrive! 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