How to Grow Ficus Auriculata | Roxburgh Fig Care

Looking to add a Ficus Auriculata to your plant collection? Our article will guide you through everything you need to know about growing Roxburgh Fig!

Ficus Auriculata, also known as the Giant Indian Fig, is a stunning tree that can add a touch of tropical beauty to any garden or landscape. With its large, glossy leaves and impressive size, it’s no wonder that many gardeners are eager to learn how to grow this magnificent plant.

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Ficus Auriculata Information

Ficus auriculata, also known as the Roxburgh Fig, is a species of fig tree native to South Asia and Southeast Asia. This plant is commonly found in various regions of India, particularly in the states of Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra.

It can grow up to 20 meters tall. The leaves are large and ear-shaped, hence the name auriculata. The tree produces small, greenish-yellow figs that are edible and used in traditional medicine.

Ficus auriculata is also used for its wood, which is used for furniture-making and as fuel. Overall, this species of fig tree is an important part of the ecosystem and economy in its native regions.

Comon Names: Elephant Ear Fig Tree.
Elephant Ear Tree.
Giant Indian Fig.
Roxburgh fig.

Here are some common names for Ficus auriculata in different languages spoken in India:

English: Elephant Ear Fig, Roxburgh Fig
Hindi: नक्कई (Nakai), नाकज़ (Nakj), फाइकस ऑरिक्युलाटा (Phaikas orikyulata)
Bengali: ঘোষ গাছ (Ghosh Gachh)
Tamil: ஆந்தாலி மரம் (Aanthali maram)
Telugu: అడవి అత్తి చెట్టు (Adavi atti chettu)
Kannada: ಆನೆ ಮರ (Ane mara)
Malayalam: ആനക്കുന്നേരം (Aanakkunneram)
Marathi: एकुन वट (Ekun Vat)
Gujarati: ગાંધો વૃક્ષ (Gando Vriksh)
Punjabi: ਹਾਥੀ ਗੱਛ (Haathi Gachh)

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How to Propagate Ficus auriculata?

Propagating Ficus auriculata can be done through several methods, including seed propagation, cutting propagation, and air layering. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Seed Propagation:

1. Collect ripe fig fruits from the Ficus auriculata tree.
2. Extract the seeds by cutting open the fruits.
3. Rinse the seeds under running water to remove any pulp or residue.
4. Soak the seeds in warm water for 24 hours to help with germination.
5. Fill a seed tray or pots with a well-draining potting mix.
6. Sow the Ficus auriculata seeds about 0.5 to 1 inch deep in the soil.
7. Place the tray or pots in a warm, bright location but avoid direct sunlight.
8. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
9. Germination can take several weeks to a couple of months.

Cutting Propagation:

1. Select a healthy, mature branch from the Ficus auriculata tree.
2. Using a clean, sharp pair of pruning shears, cut a 6- to 8-inch section of the branch.
3. Remove any leaves from the lower two-thirds of the cutting.
4. Dip the cut end of the cutting in a rooting hormone powder to promote root development (optional but recommended).
5. Fill a pot with a well-draining rooting medium, such as a mixture of perlite and peat moss or a seed starting mix.
6. Insert the cutting into the potting medium, ensuring that at least two nodes are buried in the soil.
7. Place the pot in a warm, bright location with indirect sunlight.
8. Mist the Ficus auriculata cutting regularly to maintain high humidity around the plant.
9. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
10. After a few weeks, roots should start to develop.

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Requirements to Grow Ficus auriculata

Sunlight

Ficus auriculata thrives in full to partial sunlight. It prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate some direct sunlight. Place it in a location where it receives at least 4-6 hours of sunlight each day.

Soil

This tree prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A mixture of loam, sand, and compost works well. Ensure good drainage to prevent waterlogging, as excessive moisture can lead to root rot.

Water

Ficus auriculata requires regular watering, especially during the growing season. Keep the soil consistently moist but not overly saturated. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering again.

Temperature

Roxburgh Fig grows in a range of climates, from tropical coastal areas to subtropical regions with distinct wet and dry seasons. It thrives in the warm and humid climate of these regions, with temperatures typically ranging from 18°C to 29°C.

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Ficus Auriculata Care

Fertilizer

Feed Ficus auriculata with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer during the growing season (spring and summer). Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application rates.

Avoid over-fertilizing, as it can cause salt buildup in the soil. During the dormant season, reduce or stop fertilization.

Pruning

Prune Ficus auriculata to maintain its shape and size. Remove dead, damaged, or diseased branches. It responds well to pruning and can be trained as a bonsai.

Prune in early spring before new growth emerges. Use clean, sharp pruning tools to prevent the spread of diseases.

Pests and Diseases

Common pests that can affect Ficus auriculata include aphids, scale insects, and mealybugs. Regularly inspect the plant for signs of infestation and treat accordingly with insecticidal soaps or horticultural oils.

It can be susceptible to fungal diseases such as leaf spots and root rot, so ensure proper air circulation and avoid overwatering.

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