Ficus Lingua

Ficus Lingua Ficus Buxifolia

What is the plant

This native of central and west Africa is a medium-sized evergreen plant that is especially good for bonsai. The thick, dark green leaves are small and triangular. They resemble those of boxwood, hence the common and specific (bux-box, folia-leaf) names. The trunk is dark brown with thin and flexible branches that produce a naturally beautiful branching pattern. Flowers are produced in the axils of the leaves and are followed by small, inedible green fruits that are only 3/8” long and rarely ripen.

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Humidity

Normal

Lighting

Full Sun

Temperature

16°C - 22°C

Hardiness zone

10b - 10b

Difficulty

Easy

Water
Allow the soil to dry out between watering. If the soil is too moist the plant will drop its leaves.
Sunlight
Fig is tolerant of indoor conditions so can be grown year around on a brightly lighted windowsill.
Fertilizer
Apply a balanced fertilizer every two weeks from spring and summer, every 6 weeks the rest of the year.

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Soil
Use a soil mix made up of equal parts of loam, peat moss, and sand.
Pruning
Prune branches throughout the year once the new shoots have developed 10-12 leaves leaving the first 2-3 leaves. Getting the trunk and main branches to thicken can be difficult, so allow the main branches to develop 30-40 leaves before cutting back.
Temperature
It likes warm temperature, 65-75o F., and can even be placed directly over a radiator. Once temperatures in the spring are 60o F. or above, boxwood fig can be taken outdoors and placed in a sunny or partially shaded location. In fall when temperatures fall below 60o F., it must be brought in doors again.