Red-leaved fig (Ficus ingens)

Ficus ingens leaves

In general, when we see a plant that has the leaves of another color, we are usually concerned, since it may be that it is lacking some nutrient. But there are several species, such as the ficus ingens, that the red that their new flakes acquire is not a sign of problems, but rather a measure so that insects do not eat them.

If you want to know more about this magnificent tree, then I'm going to tell you about it.

Origin and characteristics

View of a Ficus ingens

Image - todo-ficus.net

Our protagonist is an evergreen tree native to the dry tropical or subtropical regions of Africa and southern Arabia. Its scientific name is ficus ingens, although it is popularly known by the name of the red-leaved fig tree. Reaches a height of 15 meters, and its leaves are smooth, leathery, red-brown when young and dull green when mature. These measure 16,5 by 8,5cm. In autumn, the oldest ones turn reddish in color.

The fruit is a nearly spherical fig measuring 0,9 by 1,2cm in diameter, and is purple or yellowish brown when ripe. It is eatable.

What are their cares?

Figs of Ficus ingens

If you want to have a copy, we recommend that you provide it with the following care:

  • Location: outside, in full sun. It must be planted at a distance of at least 7 meters from any construction.
  • Earth:
    • Garden: it must be fertile, with good drainage.
    • Pot: universal growing substrate mixed with perlite in equal parts.
  • Subscriber: from early spring to late summer with ecological fertilizers once a month.
  • Multiplication: by seeds or cuttings in spring.
  • Planting time: early spring.
  • Rusticity: does not support cold and frost. To be well you need that the minimum temperature does not drop below 0 degrees.

What did you think of the red-leaved fig tree? Did you know her?


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