African Fig Tree (Ficus cyathistipula) Care Indoors; Watering, Light, Soil, Problems
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African Fig Tree (Ficus cyathistipula) grows best in bright light with some sunlight, average warmth and humidity, and moderately moist, fertile, well-drained soil coupled with fortnightly feeding in the growing season.
Ficus cyathistipula also called Birchbark Fig is among favorite Ficus varieties, and bears glossy, leathery, tumbler-shaped, dark-green leaves arranged spirally on a 4 cm long petiole.
Birchbark Fig is an evergreen, vigourously-growing, shrubby plant with a thin trunk, which branches readily and may have adventitious roots. The leaves clothe the upright stems all through the year. It has a dark and flaky bark which gives it the common name, 'Birchbark Fig'.
The figs are reddish when ripe, and have thick, spongy walls which enable them to float on water. The epithet, 'cyathistipula', arises from their cup-shape (cyathus-) and persistent stipules (stipula).
Botanical name: Ficus cyathistipula
Family: Moraceae
Common names: African Fig Tree, Birchbark Fig
Origin
Ficus cyathistipula is native to tropical forest regions of Africa where it grows besides freshed streams and rivers or in swamps where they overhang pools.
Size
African Fig Tree can grow to a height of 16 feet in the wild but grows to 6-8 feet indoors. The leaves are about 1.8 feet long and 3 inches wide. It is one of popular trees for indoors.
Is Ficus cyathistipula toxic?
Yes. Ficus cyathistipula like other Ficus Plants is toxic to humans and pets according to Pet Poison Helpline. The plants produce a milky white latex which is an irritant to the eyes and the skin. If ingested it can cause irritation in the mouth, drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite and abdominal pains. Keep African Fig Tree away from cats, dogs and other pets to avoid any mishaps.
Where to Buy
Ficus Plants are a spectacular addition to your plant collection, you may get them online from Etsy (Link to Etsy).
How to Care for Ficus cyathistipula Indoors
To care for African Fig Tree indoors, provide bright light with 4-6 hours of direct sunlight, warmth of 16-240C, humidity of 50-55% and moderately moist, rich, well-drained soil coupled with fortnightly feeding during the growing season.
Ficus cyathistipula requires regular pruning to keep it neat, discourage pests and diseases as well as encourage a bushy growth. Repotting is only needed when it becomes pot-bound.
This guide will cover everything you need to know to keep your Ficus cyathistipula happy and thriving indoors; from lighting and watering to soil, humidity, propagation, and troubleshooting common issues. Keep reading for more on these growing conditions and how to achieve them.
Watering
Water African Fig Tree liberally in spring and summer until water drips through the drainage hole. Allow the top 2-3 inches of soil to dry out between waterings to keep the soil moderately moist. Take care not to overwater to prevent rotting, drooping, yellowing and leaf drop.
Lessen watering in fall and winter to maintain the soil barely moist as growth is minimal at this time. Do not let the soil dry out completely for a long period as it can result in wilting, drooping, yellowing and leaf loss.
Ensure that the soil is free-draining and the pot has a drainage hole to prevent waterlogging which can result in root-rot, yellowing and leaf drop.
Use tepid (room temperature) water to avoid shocking this tropical plant as it can cause stunted growth and leaf loss. In addition, confirm that the water is chlorine-free to avoid spots on the leaves and browning of leaf edges.
Light Requirements
African Fig Tree prefers bright light with at least 4-6 hours of morning or late afternoon direct sunlight. Keep it away from hot midday sun to prevent scorching of the leaves.
Ficus cyathistipula can adapt to lower light but it will grow much slower. Too low light will result in yellowing, leggy growth and leaf loss. If the natural light is not sufficient, use a grow light to increase it.
For even growth to prevent lopsided growth, give the pot a quarter turn every month, to ensure that the plant receives light on all sides.
Temperature & Humidity
African Fig Tree thrives in a warmth of 16-240C. Keep it from drafts to prevent sudden temperature drops as they can lead to reduced growth, wilting, drooping, yellowing and leaf drop.
Ficus cyathistipula has no need for extra humidity; a humidity of 50-55% is ideal for this plant. If the air is too dry, it may cause brown leaf tips and edges. To raise humidity, group the plants together, set the pot on a wet pebble tray or use a cool mist humidifier. Maintain good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases.
Fertilizer
Feed African Fig Tree with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 2-3 weeks in spring and summer to promote a lush growth. Withhold feeding in fall and winter to prevent fertilizer burn as growth is reduced at this time.
Potting Soil
African Fig Tree soil should be rich in organic matter and well-draining to prevent sogginess. A blend of 50% potting soil, 30% peat moss or coco coir (for moisture retention) and 20% perlite or sand (for aeration) is ideal for this plant.
Repotting
Repot African Fig Tree at the beginning of the growing season (spring to early summer), only when it is pot-bound. Avoid frequent repotting as it prefers to be pot-bound. Repot only when it has outgrown its current pot; when roots begin to grow through the drainage holes.
Use a pot 1 size larger that has a drainage hole to prevent the soil from getting soggy. Never allow the roots to sit in soggy soil as it may lead to leaf drop and root-rot. Use a heavy pot as the plant can become top-heavy and topple over.
For a large Birchbark Fig which may be difficult to handle, annually replenish the top 2-4 inches of soil with fresh soil. Check out these ceramic pots on Amazon.
Pruning & Grooming
Pruning African Fig Tree is easy; remove dead and yellow leaves to maintain the plant neat and also discourage pests and diseases.
Cutback the branches when the plant has reached maximum height or it has become leggy, to rejuvenate growth and encourage a bushy growth. You may use the foliage emanating from the prunings to propagate new plants.
Regularly clean the leaves by damp-wiping with a soft cloth, to get rid of dust to increase surface area for light absorption, and to discourage pest infestation.
Ficus cyathistipula Propagation
African Fig Tree is propagated from stem cuttings and by air layering. You can root the cutting in soil or in water. The best time to propagate is in the beginning of the growing season (spring to early summer) when in active growth. Learn how to propagate Ficus cyathistipula (African Fig Tree).
Ficus cyathistipula Problems & Remedies
Ficus cyathistipula problems indoors are yellow leaves, dropping leaves, drooping leaves, brown leaf tips, pests, and diseases among others. Check out these Ficus cyathistipula (African Fig Tree) common problems and their treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is the African Fig Tree easy to care for?
Yes. African Fig Tree is one of the easiest Ficus varieties to grow indoors, requiring minimal maintenance.
2. Can I grow an African Fig Tree in low light?
African Fig Tree can survive in medium light but grows best in bright, indirect light.
3. Is the African Fig Tree pet-friendly?
No, like most Ficus plants, African Fig Tree is toxic to pets if ingested. Keep it out of reach of cats and dogs.
4. How often should I prune my Ficus cyathistipula?
Prune your Ficus cyathistipula in spring or summer to shape the plant and remove dead or damaged leaves.
5. Can I grow the African Fig Tree in a small pot?
Yes, you can grow African Fig Tree in a small pot, but it will eventually need repotting every 2–3 years as it outgrows its container.
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