Fig Tree Plant Care

Fig Tree (Ficus carica) belongs to the Moraceae family within the Ficus genus. Fig Tree is native to Mediterranean region, Western and southern Asia. Fig Tree is also known as Common Fig, Edible Fig.

Fig Tree displays a deciduous, spreading growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 30 ft. Fig Tree produces no visible flowers. tiny flowers are inside the figs..

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Fig Tree every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Fig Tree thrives in full sun to bright indirect light. Avoid placing Fig Tree in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Ficus carica tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F. Fig Tree prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Well-draining soil mix. Good drainage is essential for Fig Tree to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Fig Tree every 12 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun to bright indirect light and well-draining soil mix. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Fig Tree is suited to USDA Zone 7a – 11b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Fig Tree can spread to about 30 ft (9.1 m) and reach about 30 ft (9 m) tall. Space plants about 30 ft (9.1 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.

Prune Fig Tree while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.

Fig Tree is hardy down to USDA zone 7a, so once established it can stay outdoors through winter in that zone and warmer ones.

Water deeply in late autumn before the ground freezes, and spread a 5–8 cm (2–3 in) layer of mulch over the root zone, keeping it away from the trunk.

Young and container-grown trees need extra protection: roots in a pot freeze much more easily than roots in the ground.

Fig Tree can be propagated through by stem cuttings or layering. Similar propagation techniques also apply to fiddle leaf fig plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Fig Tree 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.

Fig Tree grows outdoors in USDA Zone 7a – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 7a. Fig Tree is native to Mediterranean region, Western and southern Asia.