Moreton Bay Fig
ficus macrophylla
Also known as: ["Australian Banyan","Broad-leaved Fig"]
Overview
A large evergreen tree native to eastern Australia, known for its massive trunk and aerial roots.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","shade tolerant","rare/collector’s item"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Rosales |
| Family: | Moraceae |
| Genus: | Ficus |
| Botanical Name: | Ficus macrophylla |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Trees
- Suitable Location: indoor pot in a bright room with indirect light, or sheltered outdoor location
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
- Misting: every 2–3 days to maintain humidity, especially in dry environments
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging and root rot.
- Soil Type: Well-draining potting mix with added perlite or coarse sand; can include orchid bark for aeration.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: Annually or as needed to maintain shape and health; light pruning can be done year-round.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of growth if necessary, but avoid heavy pruning unless required.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily; tolerates some direct morning sun but avoid harsh afternoon sun.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate slowly to brighter light to prevent leaf burn; place in a spot with filtered light or dappled shade outdoors; rotate the plant monthly for even growth.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to filtered light
Avoid direct afternoon sun; rotate plant monthly; use sheer curtains to filter intense light.
Watering
every 7–10 days, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, allow soil to dry between waterings, and avoid letting the plant sit in water.
Soil
well-draining, rich potting mix with added organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure good drainage, avoid compacted soil, and refresh soil every 2–3 years.
Temperature
Prefers 65–75°F (18–24°C); tolerates a range of 50–85°F (10–29°C); prefers stable temperatures and dislikes drafts.
Avoid sudden temperature shifts; protect from drafts; maintain stable indoor temperatures.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during active growth (spring and summer), with a balanced liquid fertilizer
Fertilize during active growth; avoid overfertilizing; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings with leaf nodes; air layering is also effective for larger specimens.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Select a healthy stem, make a clean cut below a node, apply rooting hormone, place 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%), warm temperatures (70–80°F or 21–27°C), and indirect light.
Medium
Well-draining mix of peat, perlite, and sand; or sphagnum moss for air layering.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended to encourage faster root development.
Timeline
Stem cuttings may root in 4–8 weeks; air layering can take 2–3 months to establish roots.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, plastic bag or propagator, misting spray bottle.
Quick Tips
Use healthy cuttings, maintain high humidity, keep warm, and be patient with rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Use clean cuts just above a leaf node or branch junction; remove crossing or crowded branches.
Pruning Plan
Prune to control size, encourage bushier growth, and remove dead or diseased branches.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers (for larger branches), disinfectant (e.g., rubbing alcohol).
Checklist
Disinfect tools, prune selectively, remove dead/diseased parts, shape the plant, clean up debris.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before the active growing season begins.
Pot Size
Choose a pot 1–2 inches larger in diameter than the current one; ensure it has drainage holes.
Method
Remove the plant gently, trim any circling roots, place in a new pot with fresh soil, water lightly, and avoid direct sun for a few days.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; necessary to refresh soil and provide space for growth.
Checklist
Select new pot, prepare soil mix, trim roots if needed, repot carefully, water lightly, and acclimate slowly.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture, water thoroughly, ensure drainage, adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water the root zone directly, ensuring even moisture distribution; water early in the day to allow foliage to dry; ensure excess water drains away to prevent waterlogging.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply when the top 1–2 inches of soil are dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand for drainage; incorporate organic matter like compost for fertility; use orchid bark for aeration.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf drop, yellowing, stunted growth, or wilting due to sudden temperature changes or extremes.
Cold Stress
Leaves may drop or turn brown; growth slows or halts; risk of root damage in freezing conditions.
Solution: Move to a warmer location; protect from drafts; use a space heater if necessary; avoid overwatering in cold conditions.
Hot Stress
Wilting, leaf scorch, or leaf drop; may drop leaves to conserve water in extreme heat.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity with misting or a humidifier; ensure adequate watering but avoid waterlogging.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check growth season, use diluted fertilizer, avoid winter feeding, flush soil periodically.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer; reduce or stop in fall and winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats may experience mild gastrointestinal upset if they ingest parts of Ficus macrophylla. The plant contains compounds that can irritate the digestive tract, leading to discomfort.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if ingested
Dogs
Slightly ToxicIngestion of Ficus macrophylla can cause mild gastrointestinal upset in dogs due to the presence of irritant compounds in the plant. The effects are generally not severe but can cause discomfort.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if ingested
Humans
Slightly ToxicThe sap of Ficus macrophylla contains irritant compounds that can cause skin irritation and mild gastrointestinal distress if ingested. The plant is not considered highly toxic but can cause discomfort.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if touched or ingested
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Ficus macrophylla suitable for indoor cultivation?
A: While it can be grown indoors as a bonsai or container plant, it typically requires significant space and is more suited to outdoor cultivation.
Q: How fast does Ficus macrophylla grow?
A: It is a relatively fast-growing tree, capable of reaching significant size over several years.
Q: Does Ficus macrophylla produce edible fruit?
A: Yes, it produces figs, but they are not commonly consumed by humans.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Moraceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | partial shade to filtered ligh |
| Water: | every 7–10 days, allowing so |
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