Photo: Sindhu HaridasCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Sunrise Fig Plant Care
Ficus drupacea Thunb.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Ficus drupacea, commonly known as the Island Fig or Sycamore Fig, stands out for its large, glossy leaves with prominent veins and a striking green color. This tropical tree is native to Southeast Asia and thrives in humid climates, making it a favorite among plant enthusiasts for its lush foliage.
Every 7–14 days
Bright indirect
65–85°F
50–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Sunrise Fig?
Water Sunrise Fig 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. It is reported as toxic to pets, so keep it out of reach of pets.
Where Is the Sunrise Fig Native To?
What Is the Sunrise Fig?
Sunrise Fig (Ficus drupacea) belongs to the Moraceae family within the Ficus genus. Sunrise Fig is native to Southeast Asia and Northeast Australia. Sunrise Fig is also known as Indian Laurel, Country Fig, Drupaceous Fig.
Sunrise Fig displays a climbing, vining growth habit, reaching up to 10 ft tall with a spread of approximately 5 ft. Sunrise Fig produces none..
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Sunrise Fig?
Ficus drupacea 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 Sunrise Fig Need?
Sunrise Fig thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Sunrise Fig in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Sunrise Fig Prefer?
Ficus drupacea grows best at temperatures of 65–85°F. Sunrise Fig 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 Sunrise Fig?
Well-draining mix with perlite and peat. Good drainage is essential for Sunrise Fig to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Sunrise Fig?
Feed Sunrise Fig 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 Repot a Sunrise Fig?
Repot Ficus drupacea every 2-3 years in spring to provide room for root growth and refresh the soil.. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Sunrise Fig?
Sunrise Fig can be propagated through stem cuttings or division. Similar propagation techniques also apply to weeping fig plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Sunrise Fig Toxic to Pets and Children?
Toxic (caution)
Reported as toxic in our plant data. Not verified by the ASPCA.
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 Sunrise Fig?
Sunrise Fig 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 Sunrise Fig Need?
Sunrise Fig grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Sunrise Fig is native to Southeast Asia and Northeast Australia. In cooler regions, grow Sunrise Fig as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 10b – 12b
Keep exploring plants
Sunrise Fig 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.
Sunrise Fig 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 drupacea Thunb., family Moraceae (first published in Ficus : 11 (1786)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Sunrise Fig is reported as toxic to pets in our plant data (not verified by the ASPCA), so treat it with caution. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Sindhu Haridas, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 10b – 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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