Small, widely-spreading, and evergreen, Ficus Auriculata, known as Roxburgh fig or Elephant ear fig tree, can reach heights of up to 12 meters. It may have several boles, all of which can range in diameter from 10 to 15 cm. It is a species of fig tree native to Asia and is well-known for its large, oblong leaves. The plant could temporarily go dormant if it is exposed to cold weather.
Many households find gardening a peaceful activity, particularly on the weekend. It’s a fantastic approach to creating a greener, prettier atmosphere. However, it serves no purpose in filling your garden with the same kind of plants, making it appear uninteresting. Regardless of space limitations, always keep an eye out for an increasingly wide variety of plant species indoors and outside.
Ficus Auriculata is one example of an evergreen tree you might grow in a container or garden. It is a tropical and subtropical plant with rapid growth that has been used popularly for therapeutic purposes in gardens from ancient times. However, this plant is primarily planted in backyards for its edible fruits, medicinal properties, and plate-making leaves. Let’s discover how to cultivate this plant on your property and some of its possible advantages.
Ficus Auriculata: Key facts
| Species name | Ficus Auriculata |
| Taxonomic tree | Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Plantae Phylum: Spermatophyta Subphylum: Angiospermae Class: Dicotyledonae Order: Urticales Family: Moraceae Genus: Ficus Species: Ficus auriculata |
| Plant type | Autotrophic
Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) Sub-Tropical / Monsoonal Tree (Shrubby (1m-5m)) Umbrella Shaped Terrestrial (Riverine) |
| Distribution | The Himalayas, Indian subcontinent, southern China, Indochina, Bangladesh, etc. |
| Other names | Timla and Tirmal. |
| Cultural/amenity | Impact- Positive |
| Human health | Impact- Positive |
| Uses | Both as a decorative plant and as a medicinal plant |
| Temperature range | 50-90 F (10-32°C) |
| Best season for growth | Summer |
| Maintenance | Very low |
Ficus Auriculata: Genus
Also referred to as the common fig, Ficus Auriculata is a tree belonging to the Ficus genus, which consist of nearly 850 species of shrubs, woody trees, vines, hemiepiphytes, and epiphytes, all belonging to the family Moraceae. Collectively called fig trees or figs, this genus can be found all through the tropics with a few species also found in the semi-warm temperate zone.
Ficus Auriculata: Native habitat
Ficus Auriculata is primarily native to Asia and can be found commonly in southern China, India, Pakistan, Bhutan, Nepal, Myanmar, Vietnam and Thailand.
Ficus Auriculata: Sun tolerance
Ficus Auriculata thrives in full sun to partial shade. Place it in a spot that receives direct sunlight for only a part of the day daily. Make sure it receives at least 2-6 hours of sunlight and partial shade every day. In hotter climates, direct sunlight for long can scorch its leaves.
Ficus Auriculata: Mature height and growth rate
Ficus Auriculata is a fast-growing tree, which can grow up to 10-15 feet. It can grow up to 5 feet in just a year, provided it is given ideal conditions for growth.
Ficus Auriculata: Leaves
Ficus Auriculata features broad, ovate leaves known for their ornamental value. The leaves come in green and golden yellow colours, depending on the season. They are usually over 6 inches long and more than 6 inches wide. They can grow up to 21 inches wide and 12 inches long as the tree grows.
Ficus Auriculata: Fruits
Ficus Auriculata initially produces green fruits that turn into a brownish, coppery shade as they mature. Harvested during summers, these fruits are edible and known for their delicious taste. Known as figs, these round fruits grow in clusters on the larger branches and the trunk. Ficus Auriculata can take around 2-5 years to produce fruits.
How to grow Ficus Auriculata?
Propagation and pot size
Ficus Auriculata can also be grown from cuttings. Cutting and planting the branches of a fresh, healthy tree is how it is done. However, the process may take a while for the cuttings to mature. Therefore you must have patience. Place a fresh plant firmly four to six inches away from the soil surface or plastic-based planter. Replant the plant in a larger container if you bought it from a nursery. But make sure it has adequate drainage holes because they’ll help with good aeration and maintain the plant strong and thriving.
How to grow Ficus Auriculata indoors?
- Location: Ficus Auriculata can be planted all year round indoors, beside a sunny window, or outside during warmer climates. In the spring and summer, you can also put a Ficus bonsai on your balcony or backyard. The delicate leaves of the Ficus Auriculata can often burn in the afternoon sun, which it favors in the morning. It may weaken from lack of light, leading to leaf drops, and doesn’t like cold winds, and they don’t appreciate sudden changes.
- Humidity: If you do not frequently use the heat or air conditioning and don’t live in a humid area, you might want to put this plant on a moisture plate or have a humidifier nearby. If you reside in a humid environment, you may set your Ficus Auriculata outside in direct sunlight when the temperature consistently rises over 30 degrees.
- Soil mixture: It takes effort to prepare the soil and pot for this plant properly. Before it needs to be transferred, your Ficus Auriculata bonsai soil must be able to remain in its original container for at least some months.
- Watering: Watering is crucial for Ficus Auriculata trees since they are housed in tiny pots, where the air dries up much more quickly than it does for plants in the land or larger pots. Monitor your tree every day. Finding the right balance between insufficient and too much water might be difficult, but it is essential. When your tree needs water, give them a chance to catch their breath before giving them another good soak. When the soil has started to feel a little dry, that’s the ideal moment to water this plant. Whenever the time comes, water sparingly but deeply. It won’t suffocate your tree and will allow appropriate moisture absorption into the soil.
- Fertilising: A half-strength chemical fertiliser or an organic liquid fertiliser is required for Ficus Auriculata. Throughout the growing season, bonsai fertilisers should be applied often and consistently (March to September). In the Winter, fertilise once a month. Fertilising is recommended in the Ficus bonsai care manual because it responds quickly and ardently to needs.
How to care for Ficus Auriculata?
- Repotting: As it absorbs all the nutrients in the soil, roots will gradually shape themselves to resemble the shape of the pot. Nutrient deficiencies and overcrowding can have severe effects. Therefore, repotting is necessary. You should report your plant every three years if they are flourishing. However, 4-5 years is certainly long enough under normal circumstances. If the root ball is well-rooted, it may be repotted.
- Pruning: The top and exterior borders of plant bonsai kinds grow the fastest to compete with other shrubs for exposure. By pruning, we may control plant growth and produce a more aesthetically pleasing shape. The Ficus Auriculata proliferates. It is advised to cut back to about two leaves for every six grown. Make use of scissors or clippers made specifically for bonsai.
- Pests and Diseases: Ficus Auriculata is prone to a few peculiar and common diseases. Scales are the most typical insect that infects this plant. Scale typically appears as brown or black pimples on the branches. These bumps contain insects that are shielded by a waxy shell. The sticky substance that stains the components could also be present. Mealybugs appear at the base of the leaf as whitish cottony spots, and some infestations target the roots. These are poisonous to insecticides that contain malathion. Most figs may easily take
- dormant oil at one tablespoon per gallon. One can treat the root meals with oil. Systemic poisoning will be necessary to combat this infestation.
Ficus Auriculata: Uses
Medicinal uses
- On cuts and wounds, the stems’ latex is applied.
- Bee stings can be relieved by applying the plant’s component to them.
- The fruit may function as a digestive.
- Diarrhea and dysentery are treated with roasted fruit.
Agroforestry uses
- In initiatives to prevent erosion, Ficus Auriculata is planted.
Edible uses
- These figs’ fruits can be eaten and used to make curries, juice, and jam. In many cultures, unripe fruits are used in salads.
Other uses
- Plates are made from leaves.
- The wood serves as fuel.
Ficus Auriculata for home decor
Ficus Auriculata is a beautiful and versatile tree species, making it an excellent choice for home decor. They are also effortless to grow, as they can be kept indoors or outside.
The best part about Ficus Auriculata is that they are a fast-growing plant. It takes only one year for the trees to reach a height of five feet, but they can grow up to 15 feet tall. In addition, the leaves on this tree are dark green and shiny, so they look beautiful when placed next to other plants in your home.
The best way to keep this plant alive is by watering it regularly—they need an average amount of water each day (about three cups per week). You should also make sure that you keep them away from direct sunlight when possible since it can cause them to burn quickly if you do not do so.
Conclusion
The Ficus Auriculata plant is perfect for your indoor or outdoor space. It is attractive, offers health advantages, is simple to maintain, grows more quickly. You may buy seeds or a little Ficus Auriculata plant at the nursery to add this tropical marvel to your indoor or backyard garden. You can also propagate this plant from cuttings. By absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing more oxygen, It is believed to elevate mood, lower stress levels, and raise oxygen levels. So, embrace your inner gardener and plant Ficus Auriculata, which will add to the beauty of your interior or outdoor spaces.
FAQs
What is the blooming season of Ficus Auriculata?
Ficus Auriculata usually blooms in Winter or spring.
How much time does it take to produce fruit?
Three to five years.
Which are the pollinators of this plant?
Birds and wasps are the pollinators of this plant.
What is the pruning season of Ficus Auriculata?
Usually, all over the year, you can avoid the monsoon.
Is grafting or vegetative reproduction required?
Although it's not tricky for seeds, it does develop faster from cutting and can improve the quality of the fruits.