Ficus phaeosyce Plant Care
Ficus phaeosyce K.Schum. & Lauterb.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
A tree in the Moraceae family, Ficus phaeosyce grows in eastern New Guinea, endemic to the nation of Papua Niugini. It is a shade tolerant understorey species, locally very abundant.
Every 7–14 days
Bright indirect
65–85°F
50–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Ficus phaeosyce?
Water Ficus phaeosyce 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.
What Is the Ficus phaeosyce?
Ficus phaeosyce (Ficus phaeosyce) belongs to the Moraceae family within the Ficus genus. Ficus phaeosyce is native to the nation of Papua Niugini.
Ficus phaeosyce 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 Ficus phaeosyce?
Ficus phaeosyce 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 Ficus phaeosyce Need?
Ficus phaeosyce thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Ficus phaeosyce in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Ficus phaeosyce Prefer?
Ficus phaeosyce grows best at temperatures of 65–85°F. Ficus phaeosyce 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 Ficus phaeosyce?
Well-draining mix with perlite and peat. Good drainage is essential for Ficus phaeosyce to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Ficus phaeosyce?
Feed Ficus phaeosyce 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 Ficus phaeosyce?
Ficus phaeosyce 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 Ficus phaeosyce 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 Ficus phaeosyce?
Ficus phaeosyce 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 Ficus phaeosyce Need?
Ficus phaeosyce grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Ficus phaeosyce is native to the nation of Papua Niugini. In cooler regions, grow Ficus phaeosyce as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13b
Keep exploring plants
Ficus phaeosyce 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.
Ficus phaeosyce 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 phaeosyce K.Schum. & Lauterb., family Moraceae (first published in Fl. Schutzgeb. Südsee : 276 (1900)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Ficus phaeosyce 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.
- 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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