Ficus carica



Ficus carica (common name: Fig, Common Fig, Edible Fig) is a plant of the Ficeae family that originates from the Meditereanean Basin. It is cultivated for its edible figs which it produces abundantly in suitable climates. It is uncommon as a house plant, but it can be grown against a sunny south facing window.

Characteristics
It is a  monoecious,  deciduous  tree or large  shrub, growing to a height of 6.9–10 metres. It's leaves are lobed with three or five lobes. Leaf shape is very variable and a plant can changed its leaf shape quite significantly in a short space of time.

The plant is self fertile and produce false fruits known as figs which are edible. It can produce up to four crops per year.

Fertilization
Ficus carica is best fertilised with a low nitrogen fertiliser such as tomato feed to encourage healthy growth and the production of figs without too much leaf growth. Production of figs is inhibited by too much nitrogen as this encourages leaves at the expense of fruit.

Light
Must be grown near a window which receives at least seven hours of direct light per day. Displays some phototropism (it grows slightly towards the sunlight), but it is not strong.

Pests and diseases
Spider mites.

Potting
Can be grown in a variety of pots depending on the size of the plant. Figs tolerate tight pots as their natural habitats include growing from rock crevices. When grown for fruit outside the roots are usually restricted by planting in a pot in the ground in order to keep the plant from spreading and to encourage better fruiting. Figs have very efficient root systems.

Washing
Spraying with water is sufficient. Leaves aren't glossy and don't accumulate dust.

Watering
Water once per week. Leave the soil to dry first and then soak once a week. If the plant manages to produce fruit indoors then its quality will be undermined by too much water. The best figs are produced on water stressed plants, and the species is well adapted to deal with this.

Fruit
Will start growing fruit indoors, although whether it will ripen is not known. Very ornamental when bearing fruit.