Bird's Nest Fig

ficus reflexa

Also known as: ["Japanese Ficus","Bird's Nest Ficus"]

Family: Moraceae Genus: Ficus Category: Trees

Overview

A tropical evergreen tree or shrub with small, leathery leaves and aerial roots.

Benefits & Perks

["aesthetic foliage","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Rosales
Family: Moraceae
Genus: Ficus
Botanical Name: Ficus reflexa

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Trees
  • Suitable Location: indoor pot in a bright room with indirect light
  • Suitable For:
    Beginners Collectors & Enthusiasts Indoor Plant Lovers Outdoor Landscapers
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–30°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
  • Misting: every 2–3 days, especially in dry indoor environments
  • Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining potting mix with added perlite or sand for aeration.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: moderate
  • Toughness Level: moderate
  • Pruning Frequency: Annually or as needed to maintain shape and health.
  • Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of growth if necessary.
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 gradually to direct light; protect from intense sun to prevent scorching; adjust placement based on indoor/outdoor conditions.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves, root rot, or stunted growth indicate poor soil or drainage issues.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
moderate

moderate

Sunlight

bright, indirect light

Rotate plant for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter strong light; avoid drafty windows.

Watering

every 7–10 days, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings

Allow soil to dry between waterings; avoid overwatering; ensure good drainage.

Soil

well-draining, peat-based potting mix

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).

Use a mix of peat, pine bark, and perlite; avoid heavy clay soils; ensure pots have drainage holes.

Temperature

Prefers 60–75°F (15–24°C); tolerates 50–85°F (10–29°C); avoid sudden temperature fluctuations.

Avoid placing near heating/cooling vents; maintain stable temperatures; protect from drafts.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during active growth (spring and summer)

Fertilize only when actively growing; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; avoid overfertilizing.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings in water or soil.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Select a healthy stem.
  2. Cut below a node.
  3. Remove lower leaves.
  4. Place in medium.
  5. Maintain humidity.

Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.

Environment

Warm, humid, and bright indirect light with consistent moisture.

Medium

Well-draining potting mix or water with occasional root hormone application.

Hormone

Optional but recommended for faster rooting.

Timeline

Roots develop in 4–8 weeks; new growth appears in 2–3 months.

Tools Needed

Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, plastic wrap or propagator.

Quick Tips

Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain high humidity; change water regularly if using water propagation.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Selective thinning and heading back to promote branching.

Pruning Plan

Shape the plant, encourage bushier growth, and remove dead or overgrown branches.

Tools

Clean, sharp pruning shears or scissors.

Checklist

Sterilize tools; prune during dormancy or active growth; make clean cuts just above nodes.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Spring before new growth begins.

Pot Size

Choose a pot 1–2 inches larger in diameter than the current one.

Method

Remove plant gently; trim roots if crowded; place in new pot with fresh soil; water lightly.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; promotes fresh soil and root health.

Checklist

Check root bound status; prepare new pot with drainage; use fresh soil mix; water after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture; water evenly; ensure drainage; adjust for season.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, ensuring even moisture reaches the root zone but avoiding waterlogging.

Pro Tip: Use room temperature water to avoid shocking the roots.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water 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 for fertility; ensure proper aeration.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Yellowing leaves, leaf drop, stunted growth, or browning leaf edges.

Cold Stress

Slows growth, causes leaf drop, and may lead to root damage in prolonged cold.

Solution: Move to a warmer spot; insulate from drafts; avoid cold water; use a space heater if necessary.

Hot Stress

Wilting, leaf scorch, or leaf drop due to excessive heat and dryness.

Solution: Increase humidity, provide shade, water more frequently, and ensure good air circulation.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Check growth phase; use diluted fertilizer; apply to moist soil; rinse pot periodically.

Fertilizing Method

Use balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring/summer); reduce or stop in fall/winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellow leaves in Ficus reflexa can indicate various issues, including nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, underwatering, or pest infestations, often signaling stress or poor health.

Wilting in Ficus reflexa may result from water stress, either due to overwatering causing root rot or underwatering leading to dehydration, both of which can severely impact plant health.

Leaf spots on Ficus reflexa can be caused by fungal or bacterial infections, leading to unsightly discoloration, leaf drop, and potentially weakening the plant if not addressed.

Rotting, particularly root or stem rot, in Ficus reflexa is commonly caused by overwatering or poor drainage, leading to decay of plant tissues and potential plant death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Slightly Toxic

Cats are sensitive to the irritants in Ficus reflexa, which can cause mild gastrointestinal upset and oral irritation. The sap can also cause skin irritation upon contact.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting drooling oral irritation lack of appetite
🌿 Toxic Parts:
leaves sap
⚡ Toxic If:

if ingested

Keep the plant away from cats. If ingestion is suspected, seek veterinary advice immediately.
Dogs
Slightly Toxic

Ingestion of Ficus reflexa by dogs can lead to mild gastrointestinal irritation due to the presence of ficin and other irritants. Symptoms are typically mild and self-limiting but should be monitored.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea drooling lethargy
🌿 Toxic Parts:
leaves sap
⚡ Toxic If:

if ingested

Keep the plant out of reach of pets. If ingestion occurs, contact a veterinarian for guidance.
Humans
Slightly Toxic

Ficus reflexa contains ficin, a proteolytic enzyme, and other irritants that can cause mild gastrointestinal upset and skin irritation upon contact with the sap. The effects are generally not severe but can be uncomfortable.

⚠️ Symptoms:
mild nausea stomach discomfort skin irritation rash
🌿 Toxic Parts:
leaves sap
⚡ Toxic If:

if ingested

Wear gloves when handling the plant to avoid skin contact with the sap. Wash hands thoroughly after handling. Keep out of reach of children.
Important: Keep this plant out of reach of children and pets. If ingestion occurs, contact poison control or veterinary services immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Ficus reflexa toxic to pets?

A: Yes, it is mildly toxic to dogs and cats if ingested.

Q: How often should I water Ficus reflexa?

A: Water when the top inch of soil is dry, typically once a week.

Q: Does Ficus reflexa need direct sunlight?

A: It prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate some direct sunlight.

Quick Reference
Family: Moraceae
Care: moderate
Light: bright, indirect light
Water: every 7–10 days, allowing so
Suitable For: ["beginners","collectors/enthusiasts","indoor plant lovers","outdoor landscapers"]
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