How to Grow and Care for Ficus Altissima

The Ficus altissima, also known as the Council Tree or Lofty Fig, is a popular houseplant native to Southeast Asia. This member of the Moraceae family has large, lustrous leaves that can grow up to ten inches long. The leaves are a vibrant green with striking yellow-green veins, and some cultivars feature variegation. Its size and attractive foliage make it a statement piece for indoor collections.

Ficus Altissima Care

Light

Ficus altissima thrives in bright, indirect sunlight. An ideal placement is near an east-facing window that provides gentle morning sun, or several feet from a more intense south or west-facing window. While it can adapt to some direct light, too much can scorch the leaves, leaving brown marks. Insufficient light causes the plant to become leggy and lose its characteristic variegation.

Soil

Ficus altissima requires a well-draining and aerated soil mix to prevent water from sitting around its roots. A standard indoor potting soil can be amended to create a suitable medium. Combine regular potting mix with materials like perlite or sand to improve drainage, creating a substrate that retains some moisture without becoming waterlogged.

Water

Water your Ficus altissima when the top two to three inches of soil feel dry to the touch. When watering, do so thoroughly until water flows from the pot’s drainage holes, as this encourages a healthy root system. Discard any excess water that collects in the saucer to prevent the plant from sitting in water, which leads to root rot.

Temperature and Humidity

Ficus altissima prefers temperatures between 65 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit (18-29°C). Protect it from sudden temperature drops and drafts from vents or open windows. While it tolerates average household humidity, it thrives in levels of 50% or more. To increase humidity, you can mist the leaves, group it with other plants, or use a nearby humidifier.

Fertilizer

Fertilizing provides nutrients for robust growth. During the spring and summer growing season, feed your Ficus altissima with a balanced liquid fertilizer every four to six weeks. Diluting the fertilizer to half-strength is a good practice to avoid over-fertilizing. Reduce feeding during the fall and winter when the plant’s growth naturally slows.

Pruning and Repotting

Pruning helps control the plant’s size and shape and is best performed during the growing season. You can prune to remove any yellowing or dead leaves, or trim back branches to encourage a fuller, bushier growth habit. When cutting the stems, be aware that the plant exudes a sticky, milky white sap, so it is advisable to wear gloves.

Repot your Ficus altissima when it outgrows its container, which is about every two to three years. Signs it needs a new pot include roots growing from the drainage holes or slowed growth. Choose a new pot that is one to two inches larger in diameter than the previous one. The best time for repotting is during the spring and summer growing season.

Propagating Ficus Altissima

The most common way to propagate Ficus altissima is with stem cuttings. Using clean pruning shears, cut a healthy stem just below a leaf node, ensuring the cutting has at least two or three leaves. Remove the lower leaves to prevent them from rotting. You can dip the cut end in rooting hormone to encourage root development.

You can root the cutting in either water or soil. For water rooting, place the cutting in a jar of clean water, ensuring no leaves are submerged, and change the water weekly. Once roots are at least an inch long, plant the cutting in soil. To root directly in soil, plant the cutting in a pot with a well-draining mix and keep it moist until new growth appears.

Common Ficus Altissima Problems

Leaf drop is a frequent issue, often caused by environmental shock from being moved or from sudden changes in temperature, light, or watering. Inconsistent watering is another primary cause. If you have recently moved your plant, give it time to acclimate to its new surroundings.

Ficus altissima is susceptible to common pests like spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects. Regularly inspect the leaves and stems for signs like small insects, fine webbing, or a sticky residue. Treat infestations by wiping pests off with a damp cloth or by using insecticidal soap or neem oil. Isolate the affected plant to prevent pests from spreading.

Yellowing leaves are often a sign of overwatering. If you notice the edges of the leaves turning brown and crispy, it may be a sign of underwatering or low humidity. Adjusting your watering schedule or increasing the ambient humidity can resolve these problems.

Ficus Altissima Toxicity

Ficus altissima is toxic. Its leaves and stems contain a milky sap that can cause skin irritation or rashes, especially for those with sensitive skin. If ingested by pets or humans, this sap can lead to gastrointestinal upset. Place this plant out of reach of small children and pets.