African fig tree in pot

Credit: Yercaud Elango

Ficus cyathistipula in the ground

Credit: Krzysztof Ziarnek

African fig leaves

Credit: Ji-Elle

African fig tree trunk

Credit: Ji-Elle

Ficus cyathistipula, the African fig tree

Fig trees can be found all over the world. While ficus pumila flourishes in East Asia, Ficus cyathistipula grows in Africa. A member of the Moraceae family, this plant thrives in humid environments, such as the edges of ponds and swamps. But it also adapts well to our interiors.

How to recognize Ficus cyathistipula?

In the wild, Ficus cyathistipula reaches a height of five meters. It is a shrub with dense foliage and a slender habit. In our latitudes, it is sold in the wild, with limbs extending from its base, or pruned. It then resembles a small tree with a single trunk crowned by a tuft of leaves.

The ovoid blades grow in a spiral, as in ficus retusa. Dark green, leathery and shiny, they measure up to 20 centimetres long and seven centimetres wide.

Ficus cyathistipula produces sycones. This inflorescence gives rise to a false fruit that encloses the flowers. The fig, initially yellow or light green, turns reddish as it ripens.

The fruit is edible, but not very tasty. The rest of the plant is toxic if ingested. The sap can also be irritating to the skin.

Our maintenance tips

Ficus cyathistipula don't like change. Once yours has been installed away from draughts, don't move it again. It could lose its leaves.

Watering

Your Ficus cyathistipula is more afraid of too much water than of forgetting. You should only water when the surface of the soil is two to three centimetres dry.

When you do water, do so generously. Use non-calcareous water, such as demineralized water or rainwater, always at room temperature.

If you use a planter or saucer, empty any standing water after each watering.

Spray

Ficus cyathistipula appreciate a high degree of humidity. Fogging their foliage increases humidity and prevents the appearance of pests.

Spray with room-temperature water. Use non-calcareous water, such as rainwater, to avoid staining the leaves.

Repotting

In spring, transfer your Ficus cyathistipula to a larger pot, so that it can continue to grow.

In a drilled pot, place a layer of clay balls or gravel to promote drainage. The pot should be deeper and larger than the previous one to accommodate the roots and support the growth of your ficus cyathistipula.

Choose a special potting soil for green plants or houseplants. After pouring in the substrate, plant your plant. Fill in with soil and tamp down to eliminate any air pockets.

Fertilization

You can stimulate the development of your plant during its growth phase, in spring and summer, with fertilizer.

Apply liquid green plant fertilizer diluted with water.

Cleaning

Over time, dust accumulates on the leaves, slowing down photosynthesis. To remove it, clean the foliage with a clean, damp sponge.

Prune

Trim your Ficus cyathistipula, whatever its size, to make it denser. Use a clean, sharp tool. Shorten each branch by at least five centimetres, cutting above a healthy leaf. Remove dead branches too.

Caution! Sap is toxic. Wear gloves for protection.

Plantation

Once the last spring frosts have passed, you can plant.

Choose your location with care:

a sunny location facing south or south-west ;
close to a wall to protect the tree from the wind and retain heat at night.

Immerse the rootball in water until the bubbles disappear.

Meanwhile, dig a hole twice to three times as wide and deep as the root ball. Remove stones, roots and other weeds. Place a little compost at the bottom and cover with a thin layer of soil.

Place your plant in the center of the hole. The neck of the shrub should be level with the ground. Fill in with a mixture of soil, potting compost and sand. Tamp down.

Dig a trough and water. Finish by mulching the base to keep weeds down and retain moisture.

Cutting

Cutting is carried out during the strong growth phase, generally in spring and early summer.

Cut off the end of a branch about fifteen centimeters long. Remove all leaves except the top pair.

Place your cutting in a glass filled with water at room temperature. Make sure you submerge the knots, which will form the roots.

Place in a bright spot away from direct sunlight. Change the water regularly to keep it clear until the roots appear.

Diseases / Threats

Whiteflies

Red spiders

Mealybugs

Information

Family	Moraceae - Moraceae
Type	Ficus - Ficus
Species	African fig tree - Ficus cyathistipula
Lifecycle	Perennial
Foliage	Evergreen
Exposures	Sun Half-shade
Substrats	Humus soil Sandy soil
Planting methods	Open ground In pots In tubs
Categories	Shrub Interior
Tags	Fritillary Toxic
Origins	South Africa West Africa East Africa Central Africa
Hardiness (USDA)	10b
Leaf color
Fruit colors