What Does a Money Ficus Look Like? A Detailed Guide to Its Growing Environment, Cultivation Methods and Precautions

Money Ficus, a plant of the genus Ficus in the mulberry family, commonly known as the “round-leaf rubber tree” or “Indian rubber tree”, is an evergreen large tree. So, what does a Money Ficus look like? What environment is it suitable for growing in? What are the cultivation methods and precautions?

1. What does a Money Ficus look like?

The Money Ficus grows 50-80 cm tall and is much branched. The leaves are broadly obovate, broadly rounded at the tip, 1.5-5 cm long, and leathery; the upper leaf surface is deep green, the underside is pale yellow; the leaf margins have dark-colored glands. The syconium (fig) is spherical to pear-shaped, solitary, and turns yellow or slightly red when mature. It generally grows in mountain open forests at altitudes of 400 m—2500 m and 600 m—900 m, and also grows in hilly areas and beside villages at 100 m—300 m.

2. What environment is it suitable for growing in?

The Money Ficus prefers a warm and humid environment, needs plenty of sunlight, is relatively cold-tolerant and also shade-tolerant, and requires fertile, well-drained soil. In winter, the temperature should not be lower than 5°C. Because the Money Ficus grows quickly, it needs repotting every spring, with added fertile soil, and pruning and shaping. During the summer heat, it should be watered more, and the leaves should be sprayed with water frequently. During the growing season, fertilize once every half month, and avoid intense direct sunlight.

3. What are the cultivation methods and precautions for the Money Ficus?

1. Light: The Money Ficus is a subtropical plant and likes a sunny, well-ventilated, warm and humid environment. It is drought-tolerant and tolerates partial shade. It should generally be placed in a well-ventilated, well-lit spot with a certain amount of ambient humidity; if sunlight is insufficient, ventilation is poor, and there is no certain ambient humidity, the plant may turn yellow and dry out, leading to pest and disease problems, and eventually death.

2. Watering: The Money Ficus should be watered according to how wet or dry its soil is, keeping the soil moist; water until water seeps out of the drainage hole at the bottom of the pot, but do not give it a half watering. After watering once, wait until the soil surface turns pale and the topsoil is dry, then water a second time; never wait until the potting soil is completely dry before watering. In hot seasons, frequently spray water on the leaves or the surrounding environment to lower the temperature and increase air humidity. Water less often in winter and spring, and more often in summer and autumn.

3. Fertilizing: Fertilizing the Money Ficus can be done together with watering, for example in summer with soaking liquid of cake fertilizer (sesame paste residue), organic fertilizer, etc. In summer, if the Money Ficus is placed outdoors, it can receive rain and dew, and there is no need to worry about the acidity or alkalinity of the water. In winter, more care is needed, because tap water is weakly alkaline; generally, after every 2-4 waterings with tap water, it is better to use a diluted orange peel soaking liquid once.

Precautions for the Money Ficus

1. The Money Ficus prefers a warm and humid environment and a well-ventilated environment, needs plenty of sunlight, is relatively cold-tolerant and also shade-tolerant, and requires fertile, well-drained soil; in winter, the temperature should not be lower than 5°C.

2. The Money Ficus grows quickly, so it needs repotting every spring, with added fertile soil, and pruning and shaping; during the summer heat, it should be watered more, and the leaves should be sprayed with water frequently. During the growing season, fertilize once every half month.

3. In summer, when the temperature exceeds 30°C, the Money Ficus can be moved to a well-ventilated room on the north side.

4. In autumn and winter, the Money Ficus may drop its leaves in some places; this is normal, and in the following spring it will still sprout and grow new leaves.