Photo: Peter de LangeCC0Image: PlantoScan
Moreton Bay fig Plant Care
Ficus macrophylla Pers.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Ficus macrophylla, commonly known as the Moreton Bay fig or Australian banyan, is a large evergreen banyan tree of the mulberry and fig family Moraceae. It is native to eastern Australia, from the Wide Bay–Burnett region of Queensland in the north to the Illawarra region of New South Wales.
Every 7–14 days
Bright indirect
65–85°F
50–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Moreton Bay fig?
Water Moreton Bay 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 Moreton Bay fig Native To?
What Is the Moreton Bay fig?
Moreton Bay fig (Ficus macrophylla) belongs to the Moraceae family within the Ficus genus. Moreton Bay fig is native to eastern Australia, from the Wide Bay–Burnett region of Queensland in the north to the Illawarra region of New South Wales. Moreton Bay fig is also known as Australian banyan, Large-leaved fig.
Moreton Bay fig 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 Moreton Bay fig?
Ficus macrophylla 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 Moreton Bay fig Need?
Moreton Bay fig thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Moreton Bay fig in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Moreton Bay fig Prefer?
Ficus macrophylla grows best at temperatures of 65–85°F. Moreton Bay 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 Moreton Bay fig?
Well-draining mix with perlite and peat. Good drainage is essential for Moreton Bay fig to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Moreton Bay fig?
Feed Moreton Bay 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 Propagate a Moreton Bay fig?
Moreton Bay 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 Moreton Bay 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 Moreton Bay fig?
Moreton Bay 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 Moreton Bay fig Need?
Moreton Bay fig grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Moreton Bay fig is native to eastern Australia, from the Wide Bay–Burnett region of Queensland in the north to the Illawarra region of New South Wales. In cooler regions, grow Moreton Bay fig as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13b
Keep exploring plants
Moreton Bay 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.
Moreton Bay 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 macrophylla Pers., family Moraceae (first published in Syn. Pl. 2: 609 (1807)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Moreton Bay 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: Peter de Lange, CC0, PlantoScan.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13b, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- 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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