Photo: Mario GuzmánCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Ficus auriculata Plant Care
Rhytidophyllum auriculatum Hook.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant is known for its unique, deeply lobed and glossy green leaves that resemble elephant ears. Originating from the tropical regions of Southeast Asia, Rhytidophyllum auriculatum is highly sought after by plant collectors for its striking foliage that adds a touch of exotic beauty to any indoor space.
Every 7–14 days
Bright indirect light
65–80°F
60–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Ficus auriculata?
Water Ficus auriculata every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 65–80°F (18–27°C) and 60–80% humidity. Fertilize it every month during the growing season.
Where Is the Ficus auriculata Native To?
What Is the Ficus auriculata?
Ficus auriculata (Rhytidophyllum auriculatum) belongs to the Gesneriaceae family within the Rhytidophyllum genus. Ficus auriculata is native to Haiti. Ficus auriculata is also known as Ficus elastica var. auriculata.
Ficus auriculata displays a low rosette, spreading growth habit, reaching up to 10 ft tall with a spread of approximately 8 ft. Ficus auriculata produces tubular flowers in shades of red, orange, or yellow.
Leaf size: approximately 8 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Ficus auriculata?
Rhytidophyllum auriculatum 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 auriculata Need?
Ficus auriculata thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Ficus auriculata in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Ficus auriculata Prefer?
Rhytidophyllum auriculatum grows best at temperatures of 65–80°F. Ficus auriculata prefers humidity levels of 60–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–80°F
Humidity
60–80%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Ficus auriculata?
Well-draining, rich potting mix with added perlite for aeration. Good drainage is essential for Ficus auriculata to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Ficus auriculata?
Feed Ficus auriculata every month 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 month
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Ficus auriculata?
Repot every 1-2 years in 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 Ficus auriculata?
Ficus auriculata can be propagated through leaf cuttings, division, offsets. Similar propagation techniques also apply to rhytidophyllum exsertum plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Ficus auriculata Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Ficus auriculata, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
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 auriculata?
Ficus auriculata is susceptible to spider mites, aphids, mealybugs. 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 auriculata Need?
Ficus auriculata grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Ficus auriculata is native to Haiti. In cooler regions, grow Ficus auriculata as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 10b – 11b
Keep exploring plants
Ficus auriculata 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 Rhytidophyllum genus — compare its care with other Rhytidophyllum species on PlantoScan.
Rhytidophyllum is part of the Gesneriaceae plant family — browse all Gesneriaceae genera and species.
Ficus auriculata thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Rhytidophyllum Species
Other Rhytidophyllum species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Rhytidophyllum auriculatum Hook., family Gesneriaceae (first published in Bot. Mag. 64: t. 3562 (1837)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Ficus auriculata, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Mario Guzmán, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 10b – 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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