Consulta Plantas

Care of the tree Ficus cyathistipula or African fig tree

The genus Ficus, family Moraceae, includes 900 species of trees, shrubs, and climbing plants. Some species are: Ficus cyathistipula, Ficus carica, Ficus binnendijkii, Ficus deltoidea, Ficus elastica, Ficus salicaria, Ficus benjamina, Ficus lyrata, Ficus radicans, Ficus pumila, Ficus ingens, Ficus retusa, Ficus rubiginosa.

Common name: African fig tree. This species is native to the tropical forest regions of Africa.

They are evergreen trees that reach 10 meters (32.8 feet) in height. The leaves are leathery, elongated (up to 20 cm/7.87" in length) and glossy green. The flowers are tiny. They produce small fruits similar to figs.

African fig tree is commonly used as indoor and greenhouse plants. In frost-free regions it's used as isolated specimens and in small groups.

Ficus cyathistipula needs a well-lit exposition but without direct sun in the central hours of the day; the east or southeast orientation is ideal. It does not resist frost.

If grown in a pot, the soil can be a commercial substrate for indoor plants with 15% coarse sand. If it is grown in the garden, use a normal garden soil with coarse sand and abundant organic matter. The transplant is done in spring if the roots appear below the pot.

Water regularly so that the substrate never dries out completely; in summer water twice a week. Reduce watering in winter (water every 12-15 days).

Fertilize every 15 days in spring and summer with mineral fertilizer for indoor plants.

African fig tree does not need pruning.

Ficus cyathistipula is a quite resistant plant to the usual pests and diseases.

African fig tree is propagated by air layering in spring and by semi-woody cuttings in fall or spring.

Images of the tree Ficus cyathistipula or African fig tree