Fig
ficus carica
Also known as: ["Common Fig","Figue"]
Overview
A deciduous tree or large shrub known for its sweet edible fruit.
Benefits & Perks
["edible fruits","aesthetic foliage","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Rosales |
| Family: | Moraceae |
| Genus: | Ficus |
| Botanical Name: | Ficus carica |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Fruits
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden in temperate climates, or indoor pot in cooler regions
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"6–9"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if indoor air is very dry
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining mix of loam, compost, and sand or perlite.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate to heavy, depending on size and fruiting goals.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours/day) in spring/summer; partial shade in intense summer heat.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense light, protect from harsh midday sun, and adjust placement based on outdoor/indoor conditions.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant for even light, use sheer curtains in summer, and avoid sudden light changes.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, less frequently in winter
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, allow soil to dry between waterings, and avoid overwatering.
Soil
well-draining, loamy soil with some organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0–7.0).
Use raised beds for drainage, avoid heavy clay soils, and test pH annually.
Temperature
60–85°F (15–29°C); prefers warm days and cooler nights; dormant in winter below 50°F (10°C).
Avoid sudden temperature shifts, protect from frost, and ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer, none in fall and winter
Dilute fertilizer to half strength, fertilize after watering, and avoid contact with roots.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings (softwood or hardwood).
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take cutting, apply hormone, plant in medium, maintain humidity, and wait for roots.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
High humidity (70–90%), indirect light, and warm temperatures (70–75°F).
Medium
Well-draining mix of peat, perlite, and sand.
Hormone
Recommended to use rooting hormone for faster root development.
Timeline
Roots in 4–8 weeks; establish in new pot after 3–6 months.
Tools Needed
Pruners, rooting hormone, pots, and plastic bags for humidity.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, disease-free cuttings; keep soil consistently moist; and avoid direct sun.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Thinning cuts, heading back, and selective branch removal.
Pruning Plan
Shape the plant, encourage fruiting wood, and remove dead/diseased branches.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers, and saw for larger branches.
Checklist
Sterilize tools, make clean cuts, remove dead wood, and shape evenly.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth starts.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter.
Method
Remove old soil, trim roots if needed, place in new pot with fresh soil, and water lightly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; essential for young plants to support growth.
Checklist
Check root bound status, prepare new pot, use fresh soil, and water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture, water deeply, ensure drainage, adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the root zone, ensure even saturation, allow excess water to drain, and water in the morning to reduce evaporation.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top 1–2 inches of soil are dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or sand for drainage, incorporate organic matter for fertility, and ensure aeration.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf drop, wilting, stunted growth, or browning leaf edges.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, causes leaf drop, and may lead to frost damage or death in severe cases.
Solution: Move to a warmer location, insulate roots with mulch, and protect from drafts or frost.
Hot Stress
Leaf scorch, wilting, reduced fruit set, and increased water demand.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat, increase watering, and use mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check season, dilute properly, apply to soil, and rinse tools afterward.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced liquid fertilizer every 4–6 weeks in spring/summer; reduce or stop in fall/winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicThe latex of Ficus carica can cause mild gastrointestinal irritation in cats. The ficin enzyme may lead to digestive upset, especially in cats with sensitive stomachs.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicThe latex of Ficus carica can cause mild gastrointestinal irritation in dogs. The proteolytic enzyme ficin may lead to digestive upset, particularly in small or sensitive breeds.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicThe milky latex of Ficus carica can cause mild gastrointestinal irritation if ingested. It contains ficin, a proteolytic enzyme, which may lead to digestive upset in sensitive individuals.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are figs toxic to pets?
A: Figs are mildly toxic to dogs and cats if ingested in large quantities, causing skin irritation or gastrointestinal upset.
Q: How often should I water a fig tree?
A: Water deeply once a week, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings, especially during fruiting season.
Q: Can fig trees grow indoors?
A: While fig trees can be grown in large containers indoors, they require bright light and may not fruit as prolifically as outdoor plants.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Moraceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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