Hello! I'm a

Ficus ‘Nitida’

The plants sold as Ficus ‘Nitida’ are usually a variety of Ficus microcarpa.

Latin name
Ficus microcarpa ‘Nitida’

Pronunciation
(FYE-kuss my-kro-KAR-pee-ah ‘nit-EE-dah’)

Common name
Laurel fig, Indian Laurel

Origin
India, Southeast Asia, Indonesia, Philippines, New Guinea, Northern Queensland

Botanically, Ficus nitida is a synonym for Ficus benjamina, the weeping fig.

Ficus ‘Nitida’ can be distinguished from Ficus benjamina by having a less weeping habit, rounder leaves and often, a more defined trunk.

Did you know?

In some cultures, Ficus ‘Nitida’ is associated with protection and wisdom, often planted near temples or sacred spaces.

Toxic to pets and humans if ingested. Its milky latex sap can cause skin irritation and, when eaten, may result in oral discomfort, drooling and digestive upset.

caring for your plant

Light

Bright, diffused light is recommended to maintain a lush and dense canopy.

Watering

requires moist, but not wet, conditions. They can be quite thirsty during the summer.

Pruning

Pruning large landscapes trees is a job for a specialist and should not be attempted by the home gardener.

Feeding

Fertilizer should be added during periods of active growth, especially the spring and summer. A weak foliar feed is also beneficial in early spring.

pest & diseases

Mealybugs, soft scale insects, thrips, aphids and two-spotted spider mites can be troublesome. Honeydew produced by sap-sucking insects can attract ants and provide a host for sooty moulds. The disease Phomopsis, which can be spread by non-sterile tools such as secateurs and pruning saws, is fatal and cannot be controlled.

Our plants are grown in Ecoponic, an alternative to soil. Officially known as a vulkaponic substrate, it replaces traditional compost with a clean, mineral-based medium that helps protect peatlands.

According to the IUCN UK Peatland Programme, “A loss of only 5% of UK peatland carbon would be equal to the UK’s annual greenhouse gas emissions.” As well as storing carbon, the natural wetlands where peat is found are critical to the survival of plants and wildlife. Ecoponic also improves plant health and uses water more efficiently.

Find out more about Ecoponic here.

Buy one of my cousins from the nursery

Did you know?

Research from the University of Exeter found that offices with plants can increase productivity by up to 15% while also improving concentration and job satisfaction.