Ginseng Ficus.

At a glance

Care level

Easy

Plant type

Tree, Houseplant

Light

Bright, indirect light

Indoor light

bright-indirect

Water

Every 7 to 14 days

Mature size

Up to 10 feet indoors

Growth rate

medium

Hardiness

USDA 10 to 12

Bloom time

Rarely flowers indoors

Care

Provide bright, indirect light and water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot. Rotate the plant regularly to ensure even growth.

Watering

Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil is dry; allow excess water to drain.

Feeding

Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every other month during the growing season.

Pruning

Prune to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth, typically in spring or early summer.

Repotting

Repot every 2-3 years when rootbound, using a pot one size larger.

Soil

Well-draining potting mix

Soil pH

Slightly acidic to neutral (5.5-7.0)

Temperature

16 to 24°C

Humidity

40 to 60%

Safety

People

The sap can cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

Pets

Mildly toxic to cats and dogs if ingested, causing oral irritation and stomach upset.

Children

The small fruits could pose a choking hazard for young children.

Contact allergens

Sap may cause skin irritation.

Airborne allergens

Pollen can be an allergen for some people.

Edibility

The fruit is technically edible but not recommended for consumption.

How to identify it

• Thick, swollen, aerial roots
• Glossy, oval-shaped leaves
• Smooth, light gray bark
• Produces fig-like fruits
• Often trained into a bonsai style

Height

0.6 to 3m

Spread

0.3 to 1.5m

Leaves

Green, evergreen

Fruit

Green, Yellow, Brown, Autumn (rare indoors)

Common problems

• Mealybugs — These small, white, cottony pests feed on plant sap, weakening the plant and causing yellowing leaves.
• Scale insects — These immobile insects attach to stems and leaves, sucking sap and leaving behind sticky honeydew that can lead to sooty mold.
• Ficus rust — This fungal disease causes small, yellow to orange spots on the undersides of leaves, which can eventually lead to leaf drop.
• Leaf drop — Sudden leaf drop can be caused by changes in light, temperature, watering, or transplant shock.

Growing it

Propagation

Cuttings, Air layering

When to plant

Spring, Summer

Pair your Ficus microcarpa with plants that appreciate bright, indirect light and consistent moisture, but be sure they also tolerate good drainage.

Grows well with

• Bird of Paradise — These tropical plants share similar light and watering needs, creating a cohesive exotic look.
• Philodendron — Many Philodendron varieties offer lush foliage that complements the Ficus's unique structure, and they prefer similar conditions.
• Croton — Crotons provide vibrant color and texture that contrasts beautifully with the Ficus, and they enjoy comparable warmth and humidity.

Keep away from

• Asparagus Fern — Asparagus Ferns can be sensitive to the same watering inconsistencies that affect Ficus, potentially leading to mutual decline.
• Chinese Evergreen — While generally tough, some Chinese Evergreens prefer lower light than Ficus microcarpa ideally needs, which could lead to suboptimal growth for one or both.

Similar species

• Fiddle Leaf Fig — Both are popular Ficus houseplants with large leaves, but Fiddle Leaf Figs have broader, violin-shaped leaves and are more sensitive to environmental changes.
• Weeping Fig — Weeping Figs have smaller, more delicate leaves and a more cascading growth habit compared to the broader leaves and upright structure of Ficus microcarpa.

Science

Family

Moraceae

Genus

Ficus

Order

Rosales

Class

Magnoliopsida

Native range

Southeast Asia and Australia

Conservation

This species is not of conservation concern globally.

It often starts as an epiphyte, growing on other trees, and sends roots down to the ground.

Uses

Ornamental, Street tree, Bonsai

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

How much light does Ficus microcarpa need?

It prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate some direct sun, especially when established.

How often should I water it?

Water thoroughly when the top inch or two of soil feels dry, and allow for good drainage.

Can it be grown outdoors?

Yes, in frost-free climates, it thrives outdoors and can develop impressive aerial roots.

What is the best soil for Ficus microcarpa?

A well-draining potting mix, similar to what you'd use for other houseplants, is ideal.

Where the name comes from

Ficus is the Latin name for fig trees. 'Microcarpa' means 'small fruit', referring to its diminutive figs.

Good to know

• It's also known as the Chinese Banyan or Malayan Banyan.
• It's a popular choice for bonsai due to its attractive aerial roots.
• In some cultures, it's considered a sacred tree.