Photo: Caroline VogetCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Oak leaf fig Plant Care
Ficus ilicina Sond.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
With its glossy, dark green leaves and distinctive serrated edges, this plant native to Central and South America is a favorite among plant collectors for its unique appearance. The striking foliage of Ficus ilicina adds a touch of elegance to any indoor garden, making it a sought-after addition for those looking to enhance their plant collection.
Every 7–14 days
Bright indirect
65–85°F
50–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Oak leaf fig?
Water Oak leaf 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 Oak leaf fig Native To?
- Algeria
- Angola
- Benin
- Botswana
- Burkina Faso
- Burundi
- Cameroon
- Cape Verde
- Central African Republic
- Chad
- Côte d'Ivoire
- Djibouti
- DR Congo
- Egypt
- Equatorial Guinea
- Eritrea
- Eswatini
- Ethiopia
- Gabon
- Ghana
- Guinea
- Guinea-Bissau
- Kenya
- Lesotho
- Liberia
- Libya
- Madagascar
- Malawi
- Mali
- Mauritania
- Morocco
- Mozambique
- Namibia
- Niger
- Nigeria
- Republic of the Congo
- Rwanda
- Sao Tome and Principe
- Senegal
- Sierra Leone
- Somalia
- South Africa
- South Sudan
- Sudan
- Tanzania
- The Gambia
- Togo
- Tunisia
- Uganda
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
What Is the Oak leaf fig?
Oak leaf fig (Ficus ilicina) belongs to the Moraceae family within the Ficus genus. Oak leaf fig is native to the semi-desert regions of southwestern Africa. Oak leaf fig is also known as Cuban laurel.
Oak leaf fig displays a climbing, vining growth habit, reaching up to 10 ft tall with a spread of approximately 5 ft. Oak leaf fig produces none.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Oak leaf fig?
Ficus ilicina 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 Oak leaf fig Need?
Oak leaf fig thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Oak leaf fig in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Oak leaf fig Prefer?
Ficus ilicina grows best at temperatures of 65–85°F. Oak leaf 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 Oak leaf fig?
Well-draining mix with perlite and peat. Good drainage is essential for Oak leaf fig to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Oak leaf fig?
Feed Oak leaf 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 Oak leaf fig?
Ficus ilicina should be repotted every 2-3 years in the spring.. 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 Oak leaf fig?
Oak leaf 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 Oak leaf 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 Oak leaf fig?
Oak leaf 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 Oak leaf fig Need?
Oak leaf fig grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9b – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9b. Oak leaf fig is native to the semi-desert regions of southwestern Africa. In cooler regions, grow Oak leaf fig as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 9b – 11b
Keep exploring plants
Oak leaf 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.
Oak leaf 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 ilicina Sond., family Moraceae (first published in Ann. Mus. Bot. Lugduno-Batavi 1: 289 (1865)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Oak leaf 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: Caroline Voget, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 9b – 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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