Photo: no rights reservedCC0 1.0via iNaturalist
Giant Leaf Fig Plant Care
Ficus maxima Mill.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
The Ficus maxima is known for its large, glossy, oval-shaped leaves that cascade from its branches. Originating from tropical regions of Asia, this plant is highly sought after by collectors for its lush foliage and elegant appearance, making it a stunning addition to any indoor jungle.
Every 7–14 days
Bright indirect
65–85°F
50–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Giant Leaf Fig?
Water Giant 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 Giant Leaf Fig Native To?
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Argentina
- Aruba
- Bahamas
- Barbados
- Belize
- Bolivia
- Brazil
- Cayman Islands
- Chile
- Colombia
- Costa Rica
- Cuba
- Curaçao
- Dominica
- Dominican Republic
- Ecuador
- El Salvador
- French Guiana
- Grenada
- Guadeloupe
- Guatemala
- Guyana
- Haiti
- Honduras
- Jamaica
- Martinique
- Mexico
- Nicaragua
- Panama
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Puerto Rico
- Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Saint Lucia
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- Suriname
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Turks and Caicos Islands
- Uruguay
- Venezuela
- Virgin Islands, British
- Virgin Islands, U.S.
What Is the Giant Leaf Fig?
Giant Leaf Fig (Ficus maxima) belongs to the Moraceae family within the Ficus genus. Giant Leaf Fig is native to Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean and South America south to Paraguay. Giant Leaf Fig is also known as Large-leaved Fig.
Giant Leaf Fig displays a climbing, vining growth habit, reaching up to 10 ft tall with a spread of approximately 5 ft. Giant Leaf Fig produces none.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Giant Leaf Fig?
Ficus maxima 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 Giant Leaf Fig Need?
Giant Leaf Fig thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Giant 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 Giant Leaf Fig Prefer?
Ficus maxima grows best at temperatures of 65–85°F. Giant 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 Giant Leaf Fig?
Well-draining mix with perlite and peat. Good drainage is essential for Giant Leaf Fig to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Giant Leaf Fig?
Feed Giant 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 Giant Leaf Fig?
Repot Ficus maxima every 2-3 years in the spring when it has outgrown its current container.. 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 Giant Leaf Fig?
Giant 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 Giant 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 Giant Leaf Fig?
Giant 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 Giant Leaf Fig Need?
Giant Leaf Fig grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Giant Leaf Fig is native to Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean and South America south to Paraguay. In cooler regions, grow Giant Leaf Fig as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 10b – 12b
Keep exploring plants
Giant 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.
Giant 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 maxima Mill., family Moraceae (first published in Gard. Dict. ed. 8 : n.º 6 (1768)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Giant 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: Public domain, CC0 1.0, 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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