Photo: Aadi KulkarniCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Ficus Altissima Plant Care
Ficus altissima Blume
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
With its large, glossy, violin-shaped leaves, this plant originating from Southeast Asia is a standout in any collection. Plant collectors are drawn to its unique foliage and ability to thrive both indoors and outdoors, making it a versatile and eye-catching addition to any plant display.
Every 7–14 days
Bright indirect
65–85°F
50–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Ficus Altissima?
Water Ficus Altissima every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 65–85°F (18–29°C) and 50–80% humidity. Fertilize it every 4 months during the growing season. The ASPCA lists it as toxic to cats and dogs, so keep it out of reach of pets.
What Is the Ficus Altissima?
Ficus Altissima (Ficus altissima) belongs to the Moraceae family within the Ficus genus. Ficus Altissima is native to southeastern Asia. Ficus Altissima is also known as Council Tree, False Banyan, Tall Fig.
Ficus Altissima displays a climbing, vining growth habit, reaching up to 10 ft tall with a spread of approximately 5 ft.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Ficus Altissima?
Ficus altissima requires watering every 7–14 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–14 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Ficus Altissima Need?
Ficus Altissima thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Ficus Altissima in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Ficus Altissima Prefer?
Ficus altissima grows best at temperatures of 65–85°F. Ficus Altissima prefers humidity levels of 50–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–85°F
Humidity
50–80%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Ficus Altissima?
Well-draining mix with perlite and peat. Good drainage is essential for Ficus Altissima to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Ficus Altissima?
Feed Ficus Altissima every 4 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 4 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Propagate a Ficus Altissima?
Ficus Altissima can be propagated through stem cuttings or division. Similar propagation techniques also apply to fig tree plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Ficus Altissima Toxic to Pets and Children?
Toxic to cats and dogs
Source: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center plant list, which covers Ficus species (which includes Ficus Altissima). View the ASPCA entry
Toxic to cats and dogs
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Ficus Altissima?
Ficus Altissima is susceptible to mealybugs, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Ficus Altissima Need?
Ficus Altissima grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10a. Ficus Altissima is native to southeastern Asia. In cooler regions, grow Ficus Altissima as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 10a – 12b
Keep exploring plants
Ficus Altissima is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Ficus genus — compare its care with other Ficus species on PlantoScan.
Ficus is part of the Moraceae plant family — browse all Moraceae genera and species.
Ficus Altissima thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Ficus Species
Other Ficus species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Ficus altissima Blume, family Moraceae (first published in Bijdr. Fl. Ned. Ind. : 455 (1825)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record, Wikidata.
- Pet toxicity: The ASPCA lists Ficus species (which includes Ficus Altissima) as toxic to cats and dogs. Source: ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List.
- Photo: Aadi Kulkarni, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 10a – 12b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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