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The plant is admired for its caudiciform growth a swollen base or caudex that stores water, giving it a bonsai-like appearance. Above this, it produces large, heart-shaped leaves with a velvety texture. The foliage is typically light to mid-green with prominent red to pink veins, creating a striking contrast against the pale green leaf blade. New growth often emerges with a reddish flush before maturing.
In its natural environment, Ficus petiolaris can eventually grow into a small tree, but in cultivation it is usually kept much smaller, often as a bonsai-style specimen or grown in decorative pots as a collectors plant.
Thrives in bright, indirect light or partial sun. Outdoors in warm climates, it enjoys dappled sunlight. Indoors, place near a bright window with filtered light.
Allow the top 45 cm of soil to dry out between waterings. Water thoroughly during the growing season (spring and summer), but reduce significantly in winter when the plant enters a semi-dormant phase. The caudex stores water, so overwatering is a bigger risk than underwatering.
Temperature: Prefers warm conditions, ideally 1828C. Protect from draughts and never allow prolonged exposure below 12C.
Humidity: Adapts to average household humidity. High humidity is not essential.
Use a gritty, free-draining cactus or succulent-style mix to mimic its rocky native environment. Good drainage is essential to protect the caudex from rot.
Feed every 4 weeks in spring and summer with a diluted, balanced liquid fertiliser. Stop feeding in autumn and winter when growth slows.
Prune lightly to shape and control size. The plant can be trained bonsai-style by pruning back branches and allowing the caudex to develop character.
A slow to moderate grower. When grown in containers, the caudex becomes the main ornamental feature, while the heart-shaped, veined leaves add colour and texture. Over many years, it may reach 12 metres indoors if unpruned.
Leaf drop: Often occurs in winter dormancy or due to sudden environmental change.
Yellowing leaves: Usually caused by overwatering.
Pests: May attract scale, mealybugs, or spider mites indoors.
Ficus petiolaris is one of several caudiciform figs, along with Ficus palmeri and Ficus macrophylla. Its swollen base and striking red-veined foliage make it highly desirable among collectors of unusual figs, caudiciforms, and bonsai. Its resilience in rocky habitats highlights its ability to adapt to low-water environments, making it a suitable choice for those who love rare plants but prefer low-maintenance care.
Quick Care Summary
Light: Bright, indirect to dappled sun
Water: Let topsoil dry; water less in winter
Temperature: 1828C; protect below 12C
Humidity: Average household levels are fine
Soil: Gritty, well-draining cactus/succulent mix
Feed: Monthly in spring/summer
Growth: Slow-growing; caudex-forming fig with large heart-shaped leaves and red veins
