El Ficus microcarp, commonly known as Indian laurel, ginseng ficus, or Chinese fig, is one of the most appreciated ornamental plant species in the world. It stands out in both outdoor and indoor gardens due to its interesting appearance, its adaptability, and the ease of its cultivation and maintenance. Despite its exotic appearance and its striking aerial roots, has become one of the favorite options for those looking for a resistant, long-lived plant with its own personality.
What is Ficus microcarpa? Botanical characteristics
- Scientific name: Ficus microcarpa (synonyms: Ficus retusa, Ficus nitida)
- Common names: Indian Laurel, Ficus ginseng, Chinese Fig
- Family: moraceae
- Origin: South and Southeast Asia, China and tropical areas
- Plant type: Fast-growing evergreen tree
- Adult height: It can grow to over 15 meters in optimal conditions, but in pots and as a bonsai it is much more compact.
Its leaves They are green, leathery in texture, shiny, simple, alternate, oval and small (between 2 and 6 cm). Being perennial, the plant always remains leafy. When leaves or branches are cut, the plant exudes a milky latex, typical of species of the Ficus genus, which should avoid contact with skin or mucous membranes, as it can cause irritation.
Its flowers They are tiny and develop within a syconium, a fleshy structure that we often mistake for a fruit, similar to figs but much smaller. This explains the epithet "microcarpa," which means "small fruit."
Curiosities and differences with other Ficus
It should not be confused with Ficus microcarpa 'ginseng' with true ginseng (Panax ginseng), which is used in traditional Asian medicine. It is also not the same as Ficus microcarpa 'Tiger Bark', which has a mottled bark, nor to other popular varieties such as or Ficus elastica.
Furthermore, a curious ability of ficus in general is the trunk fusion: If several trunks remain in contact, they can join together and form thick, solid structures, which is very useful in the design of bonsai and ornamental specimens with great visual impact.
Indoor or outdoor? Where to place Ficus microcarpa
- Exterior: Ideal for regions with mild winters and temperatures rarely below 0°C. It prefers semi-shaded locations or even a few hours of gentle sunlight at dawn or dusk. It does not tolerate frost or intense cold. In Mediterranean or subtropical climates, it can remain outdoors year-round.
- Interior: It is usually in the form of a bonsai or decorative pot. It is recommended to place it in a place with abundant but indirect light, near a window, but avoiding prolonged direct sunlight. It's a good idea to rotate the pot to ensure uniform growth on all sides.
It is essential to protect it from cold drafts and sudden changes in temperature, which can cause leaves to fall and slow their development.
Ideal light and temperature
- Amount of light: At least 4-6 hours of bright natural light per day.
- Ideal place: Near an east- or west-facing window, or on a bright terrace protected from direct sunlight.
- Optimum temperature: Between 16 and 25 °C, avoiding drops below 12 °C for prolonged periods.
In heated or air-conditioned indoor environments, it may resent dry air, so maintaining adequate humidity is key (more details in the care section).
Irrigation: how to maintain proper hydration
One of the fundamental cares of the Ficus microcarp is the moderate watering and well adjusted to its vegetative cycle and the environment. This species needs the substrate to be slightly damp, but never soaked or puddled.
- Verification: Before watering, insert your finger about 2-3 cm into the substrate. If it's dry, it's time to water.
- Frequency: Generally, water once or twice a week in spring and summer; reduce the frequency in winter as the plant goes dormant and needs less water.
- Sewer system: It is essential to have a good drainageNever leave water accumulating in the saucer under the pot.
In summer, you can slightly increase the frequency, always checking the actual moisture content of the substrate, while in winter, water demand usually decreases. Excess water can cause root rot, one of the most common problems in potted ficus.
Spraying the leaves is highly recommended for increase ambient humidity, especially indoors or if there's heating, but don't overdo it to prevent the growth of fungus. You can place a container of water near the plant or group it with other plants to create a more humid microclimate.
Soil and substrate for Ficus microcarpa
This species grows in almost any type of soil, although it appreciates fertile soils rich in organic matter that retain some moisture without compacting. The ideal substrate should have good aeration and drainage to avoid waterlogging problems.
- Recommended mix: 70% universal substrate + 30% perlite, gravel or coarse sand.
- Avoid excess lime: Very calcareous substrates can cause yellow leaves due to difficulties in iron absorption.
- Pots: It is essential to have drainage holes in the base to allow excess water to drain away.
Fertilization and fertilization
El regular subscriber promotes vigorous growth, shiny leaves and greater resistance to pests and diseases. Ficus microcarp appreciates being fertilized during its growing season:
- From spring to autumn: Balanced liquid fertilizer (NPK 10-10-10 or 20-20-20) can be added every 2-4 weeks, following the manufacturer's instructions.
- In winter: Reduce or stop fertilizing, as the plant will decrease its activity and does not require extra nutrients.
- Recommendation: Do not fertilize immediately after transplanting until the plant has sent out new shoots.
Pruning, pinching and shaping
One of the most interesting practices in the Ficus microcarp is pruning, which allows you to control its shape and size, especially in specimens grown as bonsai or in pots.
- Formation pruning: It is carried out from spring to summer, removing long, crossed or diseased branches to maintain the desired shape.
- Pinching: It consists of trimming new shoots to a distance of two leaves to stimulate branching and thickening of the canopy.
- Defoliated: It can be done in late spring to reduce leaf size and promote a denser canopy.
- Root pruning: If transplanting and root pruning are necessary, do so with caution. Although it tolerates drastic pruning well, be careful not to overdo it to avoid weakening the plant.
When pruned, the ficus exudes a milky latex which acts as a natural wound healer. Always use clean tools and gloves, as latex can cause irritation.
It is also possible to model branches by means of wiring at any time, avoiding doing so just after transplanting. Make sure the wire doesn't nick or damage the bark and remove it promptly.
Transplanting Ficus microcarpa
To maintain optimal growth, the Ficus microcarp must be transplanted every 2 or 3 years (in young, fast-growing specimens, it can be annual). The best time is early spring, before new growth begins.
- Partially renews the substrate: Remove some of the old soil and lightly cut the roots, especially if they are very matted or damaged.
- Use a fresh substrate and make sure the new pot has good drainage.
- Avoid transplanting during periods of intense cold or in the middle of summer.
Reproduction of Ficus microcarpa
This species reproduces easily by various methods:
- Cuttings: Cut a stem of semi-ripe wood in early spring and plant it in moist, well-aerated soil. It will root within a few weeks if the temperature is right.
- Air layer: A common technique for mature ficuses, it consists of wrapping part of the branch with moist moss until it produces roots, then allowing it to be separated from the parent plant.
- Seeds: It is not common in domestic cultivation due to the difficulty of pollination and germination, except under controlled conditions.
- Division: If the specimen has several trunks, they can be separated during transplantation and planted separately.
Most common problems and diseases
- Mealybug and cottony cushion scale: They are sucking insects that appear as white, cottony masses on leaves and stems. Remove manually with a cotton swab soaked in alcohol or treat with a specific insecticide.
- Mites (red spider): They cause discoloration, wilting, and spider webs. Spray the leaves to increase humidity and use acaricides if necessary.
- Leaf spots: Caused by fungi if there is excess humidity and poor ventilation. Remove affected leaves and treat with a preventative fungicide.
- Root rot: Caused by overwatering or poor drainage. Remove the plant, remove damaged roots, and repot in healthy soil.
- Leaf fall and yellow leaves: It usually indicates irrigation problems, insufficient light or sudden changes in temperature.
Inspect your plant regularly and respond at the first signs. Avoid over-fertilizing and salt buildup in the substrate.
Decoration and ideas for using Ficus microcarpa
Due to its elegant appearance and evergreen nature, the Ficus microcarp It is perfect for both create tropical environments in gardens as to use it as focal point in modern, classic or minimalist interiorsIn bonsai format, it is appreciated for its symbolism of longevity and wisdom, and for its ease in shaping into different forms.
Outdoors, it's recommended to keep it away from buildings, walls, and pavements, as its powerful root system can lift surfaces and pipes if left untouched. Indoors, it pairs beautifully with other tropical plants and decorative vases!
Frequently asked questions about Ficus microcarpa
- Does Ficus microcarpa bloom? Yes, but its flowers are tiny and appear within the syconium, going unnoticed. It doesn't usually flower or fruit in normal domestic environments.
- Is it toxic to pets? Ficus latex can be toxic if ingested by dogs, cats, and other pets. Keep it out of their reach.
- How long does a Ficus microcarpa live? Under good conditions, it can live for several decades indoors and even longer outdoors.
- How to prevent leaf loss? Take care with watering, avoid drafts and sudden temperature changes, and ensure good light without direct exposure to strong sunlight.
