Photo: 呂一起(Lyu yi-chi)CC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Japanese Fig Plant Care
Ficus erecta Thunb.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Ficus erecta, also known as the African fig or Malayan banyan, stands out with its tall stature and glossy, dark green leaves that are oval in shape. This tree is native to tropical regions of Africa and Asia and is beloved by plant enthusiasts for its elegant appearance and air-purifying qualities.
Every 7–14 days
Bright indirect
65–85°F
50–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Japanese Fig?
Water Japanese 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 Japanese Fig Native To?
What Is the Japanese Fig?
Japanese Fig (Ficus erecta) belongs to the Moraceae family within the Ficus genus. Japanese Fig is native to the eastern Himalayas, Assam, Bangladesh, Vietnam, southern China, Taiwan, Jeju Island of South Korea, the Ryukyu Islands, and Japan.
Japanese Fig displays a climbing, vining growth habit, reaching up to 10 ft tall with a spread of approximately 5 ft. Japanese Fig produces none.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Japanese Fig?
Ficus erecta 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 Japanese Fig Need?
Japanese Fig thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Japanese Fig in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Japanese Fig Prefer?
Ficus erecta grows best at temperatures of 65–85°F. Japanese 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 Japanese Fig?
Well-draining mix with perlite and peat. Good drainage is essential for Japanese Fig to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Japanese Fig?
Feed Japanese 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 Japanese Fig?
Repot Ficus erecta every 2-3 years in the spring when it outgrows its current container to allow for continued growth and health.. 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 Japanese Fig?
Japanese 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 Japanese 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 Japanese Fig?
Japanese 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 Japanese Fig Need?
Japanese Fig grows outdoors in USDA Zone 8b – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 8b. Japanese Fig is native to the eastern Himalayas, Assam, Bangladesh, Vietnam, southern China, Taiwan, Jeju Island of South Korea, the Ryukyu Islands, and Japan.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 8b – 11b
Keep exploring plants
Japanese 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.
Japanese 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 erecta Thunb., family Moraceae (first published in Ficus : 9 (1786)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Japanese 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: 呂一起(Lyu yi-chi), CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 8b – 11b, 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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