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4.6 out of 5 (179 experiences)


About Ficus Microcarpa
Did you know that all plants in the Ficus genus produce figs? In fact, the word Ficus quite literally means figs! Even cooler, all figs are pollinated by tiny wasps that use the fruits as a safe place to raise their young. š Ficus plants also contain latex which emerges as a milky sap when twigs are broken. This latex makes them toxic, so be sure to keep a close eye out if you have children or pets!
Taxonomy
Ficus microcarpa
Ficus
Moraceae
Rosales
Also known as
Ficus Ginseng, Ficus Ginseng, Chinese Banyan, Malayan Banyan, Curtain Fig and Indian Laurel

How to care for Ficus Microcarpa

How often to water your Ficus Microcarpa

every 9
Ficus Microcarpa needs 0.5 cups of water every 9 when it doesnāt get direct sunlight and is potted in a 5" pot.
Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.
Water 0.5 cups every
9

Check the growing potential in your area
A plant's growing potential is determined from its location, the time of year, and current local weather.

Select a city to check sunlight intensity

Finding light for Ficus Ginseng in your home

a window
Ficus Microcarpa love being close to bright, sunny windows š.
Place it less than 1ft from a south-facing window to maximize the potential for growth.
Ficus Microcarpa does not tolerate low-light š«.
Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement of Ficus Microcarpa in your home š”.

How to fertilize Ficus Microcarpa

Most potting soils come with ample nutrients which plants use to produce new growth.
By the time your plant has depleted the nutrients in its soil itās likely grown enough to need a larger pot anyway.
To replenish this plant's nutrients, repot your Ficus Microcarpa after it doubles in size or once a yearāwhichever comes first.

Ficus Microcarpa is generally easy to care for, though some plant parents report facing challenges with growing it. Check out the reviews down below to read more about their experiences!
Water Needs
Ficus Microcarpa prefers for the soil to dry out between waterings and should be watered regularly. Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.
Sunlight Needs
Ficus Microcarpa requires abundant, bright and direct light. Place it less than one foot from a window to ensure it receives enough light to survive šŖ. Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement in your home š”.
Toxicity
Ficus Microcarpa is not safe to consume. If you, a family member, or a pet has ingested any amount of plant material contact Poison Control, US (800) 222-1222, or your veterinarian. If you have children, cats, or dogs in the home, we suggest keeping this plant out of reach.
Humidity
Ficus Microcarpa doesnāt require additional humidity. Plants absorb most water through their root system rather than their leaves, so the best way to provide humidity for your plants is through watering the soil.
Soil
Ficus Microcarpa does best in well-draining soil. A good soil will contain lots of organic matter such as coco coir as well as perlite or vermiculite to help with drainage. Adding a handful of perlite to regular store-bought potting soil should do the trick!
Fertilizer
Ficus Microcarpa should be repotted after it doubles in size or once a year, whichever comes first. Fresh potting soil has all the nutrients your plant needs, so as long as itās refreshed yearly, you shouldnāt need to use fertilizer. Remember, plants get their energy from sunlight, not fertilizer!
Dormancy
Itās common for Ficus Microcarpa to go dormant in the wintertime and you may notice their growth slow down. Waterings should be spaced out more during this time.
Native Region
Ficus Microcarpa is native to worldwide Tropics.
Flowers
Yes, you may see your Ficus Microcarpa bloom with the right amount of sunlight and water.
Growth Pattern
Ficus Microcarpa will branch off as it grows. To encourage branching, pinch off the newest growth at the tip and the stem will branch off into two.
Growing Outdoors
USDA Hardiness Zone
Ficus Microcarpa can be grown outdoors in USDA Hardiness Zones 9a-11b. Find your local hardiness zone here.
Propagation
Ficus Microcarpa can be propagated by the stem method. To propagate:
- Make a cut just above the node. The node is the break in the stem where the leaf emerges.
- To get the cutting to root, you can either:
- Place the cutting in water until roots emerge and are ~2ā long and then transplant into well-draining soil, or
- Place the cutting directly into well-draining soil and water when dry.
Yellow Leaves
Yellow leaves arenāt always a reason to panic, and can be a normal part of a plantās life cycle. Unless brand new leaves are turning yellow or all the leaves change color at once, itās likely just your plant shedding old leaves.
Overwatering and root rot are the most likely cause of problems in Ficus Microcarpa, since they are sensitive to wet soil. The leaves may also appear to be curling or drooping. Less often, yellow leaves are caused by underwatering, nutrient deficiencies, or pests.
Replace soggy soil with fresh, dry soil and download Greg to make sure your plant never gets overwatered again!
Care Summary for Ficus Microcarpa
Ficus Microcarpa
Greg recommends:

0.5 cups every 9 days

< 1ft from a window

Repot after 2x growth
Based on the 4ā pot your plant is in, and that it doesnāt get direct sunlight.

What other plant parents say












I love my bonsai; however, it is a little picky and difficult to care for. When I first got it, it came in a plastic pot which seemed to work fine but I always repot my plants in terracotta pots so after a month or so I did! It worked charms and was doing really well and was SUPER lush and full⦠Then out of nowhere it started dropping leaves and browning rapidly. It was losing 20 ish leaves a day and eventually it only had about 10 leaves left. I was super bummed and thought I killed it, but I placed it next to a growing light in hopes that would help, which is did!! Not only has it made a comeback, but it is now thriving. Ficus ginseng are tricky little guys, but worth it.








Iām going to admit Iām not the best plant parent at times and often I forget to water my ficus : ( But, he always powers through and continues to grow and prosper. As long as your little buddy is getting lots of sunlight heās a survivor and super easy to care for!







I got this little guy recently bc I love the feature on the trunk that reminds me of an elfin face. Itās easy to care for, & a nice bonsai. I plan to let grow for awhile & then style it as a bonsai in s few years. I would absolutely recommend this as for anyone, as it is easy to keep happy inside year round.



