Ficus microcarpa

Sunset

Zones 9, 13, 16-25, 27, H1, H2

Full

Moderate

Indian Laurel Fig, Chinese Banyan
Moraceae
Evergreen, Trees

FICUS

The average gardener would never expect to find the commercial edible fig, small-leafed climbing fig, banyan tree, and potted rubber tree under one heading—but they are classed together because they bear small or large figs (inedible in most species). Ornamental types are discussed here; for sorts grown for tasty fruit, see Fig. Many ornamental species make good houseplants. Generally, they thrive on rich, steadily moist (not wet) soil, frequent light feedings, and bright, indirect light.

Ficus microcarpa

Native from Malay peninsula to Borneo. One of the more common banyans in Hawaiian landscapes, where it grows quickly to 60 ft. high, with a dense canopy spreading to about 75 ft. wide; produces multiple aerial roots in wet areas. In California and Arizona, it grows at a more moderate rate to 25–30 ft. high, 35–40 ft. wide. Beautiful weeping form, with long, drooping branches thickly clothed with blunt-tipped, 2–4-in.-long leaves. Light rose to chartreuse new leaves, produced almost continuously.