African Fig Tree (Ficus cyathistipula) Indoor Care, Propagation and Growing Problems
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African Fig Tree (Ficus cyathistipula) grows best in bright light with some direct sunlight, average warmth, moderate humidity and moderately moist, fertile, well-drained soil coupled with fortnightly feeding in the growing season.
Ficus cyathistipula also called Birchbark Fig is one of the popular Ficus varieties with 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 is an evegreen shrubby plant which 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 the best trees for indoors.
Toxicity
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.
Where to Buy
Ficus Plants are a spectacular addition to your plant collection, you may get them online from Etsy (Link to Etsy).
African Fig Plant Care Indoors
African Fig Tree (Ficus cyathistipula) flourishes in bright light with 4-6 hours of direct sunlight, average warmth of 16-240C, moderate humidity of 50-55% and moderately moist, rich, well-drained, all purpose 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. Keep reading for more on these growing conditions and how to achieve them.
Light Requirements
African Fig Tree grows best in bright light with at least 4-6 hours of morning or late afternoon direct sunlight. It Fig can adapt to lower light but it will grow much slower.
You may grow Ficus cyathistipula under grow lights where natural light is not sufficient. Check out these full spectrum grow lights on Amazon.
For even growth to prevent lopsided growth, rotate the pot regularly to ensure that the plant receives light on all sides.
Watering
Water African Fig Tree liberally during the growing season and allow the top 2-3 inches of soil to dry out between waterings to keep the soil moderately moist.
Lessen watering during the cold season to maintain the soil barely moist as growth is minimal at this time but do not let the soil dry out completely.
Ensure that the pot has a drainage hole to prevent the soil from getting soggy as it can result in leaf drop and root-rot. Use tepid (room temperature) water to avoid shocking this tropical plant. Confirm that the water is chlorine-free to avoid spots on the leaves.
Temperature and Humidity
The best temperature for African Fig Tree is an average warmth of 16-240C. Protect it from cold drafts to prevent sudden drops in temperature as they can lead to leaf drop.
Average humidity of 50-55% is ideal for African Fig Tree. However, if the air is too dry especially where temperature is high, elevate the humidity. To raise humidity, set the pot on a wet pebble tray or use a cool mist humidifier. Take a look at these techniques on how to raise humidity for houseplants.
Regularly clean the leaves by damp-wiping with a soft cloth to get rid of dust and discourage pest infestation. Ascertain that there is good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases.
Fertilizer (Feeding)
Feed African Fig Tree every 2-3 weeks during the growing period with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer to promote a lush growth. Withhold feeding in the cold season as growth is reduced and feeding at this time can lead to fertilizer burn and death of the plant.
Potting Medium
African Fig Tree soil should be rich in organic matter and free-draining to prevent it from getting soggy while providing the required nutrients. Most all purpose potting mixes are ideal for this plant.
Repotting
Repot African Fig Tree at the beginning of the growing season only when it has become 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 and one that has a drainage hole to prevent the soil from getting soggy. Use a heavy pot as the plant can become top-heavy and topple over.
Never allow the roots to sit in soggy soil as it may lead to leaf drop and root-rot. 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 available on Amazon.
Pruning
Pruning African Fig Tree is easy. Remove dead and yellow leaves to maintain the plant neat and tidy 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 emating from pruning to propagate new plants.
Propagation
African Fig Tree (Ficus cyathistipula) can be propagated during the growing season by from stem and stem-tip cuttings.
How to Propagate African Fig Tree from stem and stem-tip cuttings
Take non-woody stem or stem-tip cuttings of about 6 inches long from a healthy African Fig Tree.
Strip off the lower leaves from the cutting and retain 2-3 leaves on top.
Allow the sap to dry and then dip the lower cut end cutting in a rooting hormone to hasten rooting.
Insert the cutting in moist rooting soil and confirm that the rooting container has adequate drainage to prevent the soil from getting soggy as it can lead to rotting.
To enhance rooting of the cutting, create a mini-greenhouse by covering the set up with a polythene bag or sheet.
Ensure the leaves do not touch the bag or the sheet too much by propping it up with sticks.
Place the set up in warm, well-lit spot and maintain the soil moist through out until new growth emerges.
New growth indicates that the cutting has rooted. In about 3-4 weeks, rooting will have taken place.
Gradually over a period of two weeks, remove the plastic cover to acclimate the new plant.
In 4-6 months, there will be adequate root development after which you can begin Ficus cyathistipula routine care.
Related content: how to propagate Rubber Plant (3 Methods of Ficus elastica propagation)
Ficus cyathistipula common Problems and Remedies
African Fig Tree (Ficus cyathistipula) problems include pests, diseases, leaf drop, drooping leaves, yellow leaves, among others. Keep reading for more on these problems and how to fix them.
Pests
The common pests in African Fig Tree are aphids, mealy bugs, scale insects and spider mites. Isolate the affected plant to prevent spread to other plants. Learn how to identify and get rid of pests in houseplants.
Diseases
African Fig Tree is prone to root-rot disease which is enhanced by soggy soil. Ensure there is free drainage of both the soil and the pot and also reduce watering during the cold season.
Leaf drop
There are many and varied causes of leaf drop in African Fig Tree. One possible cause of leaf drop is sudden changes in the growing conditions. This often happens when you bring the plant home or when you move it to a new location in the home.
When you bring your plant home, position it under bright light with 4-6 hours of direct morning or late afternoon sunlight and warm conditions. Water the plant liberally during the growing season while allowing the top 2-3 inches of soil to dry out between waterings. It may loss a few leaves but will eventually settle.
If you need to move the plant to a new location in your home, do so gradually to acclimate it to the new conditions. For instance, if you want to take it outside, move it to a shaded place first before you can take out under bright light.
The second possible cause of leaf drop in Birchbark Fig is extremely cold or hot temperatures due to drafts. Too high or too low temperatures will affect the normal functioning of the plant systems.
Too high temperatures will cause dehydration which can lead to wilting and leaf drop. Too low temperatures cause the plant to stop growing and begin to die which begins with leaf drop. Keep the plant away from drafts and maintain an average warmth of 16-240C. Check out this guide on understanding temperature for houseplants.
The third possible cause of leaf drop in African Fig Tree is too little light. Place the plant in a brighter spot and ensure it is receiving bright light with 4-6 hours of direct sunshine or instal a grow light where natural lighting is not sufficient.
Related: 14 reasons why Rubber Plant is dropping leaves and how to fix them
Drooping leaves
Drooping leaves in African Fig Tree are an indication of underwatering. Water the plant immediately and the leaves should perk up. Never allow the soil to dry out completely; maintain the soil moderately moist during the growing season and fairly moist in the cold period. Learn more on how to water houseplants correctly.
Yellow leaf edges
Yellowing leaf edges in African Fig Tree are due to underfeeding. Feed the plant every 2-3 weeks with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer during the growing period but do not feed in the cold period.
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