Photo: Skjold SøndergaardCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Ficus mathewsii Plant Care
Ficus mathewsii Miq.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Originating from the forests of Madagascar, this plant is characterized by its striking oblong leaves that have a glossy, dark green hue. Plant collectors are drawn to Ficus mathewsii for its unique foliage and ability to thrive as an indoor specimen, adding a touch of exotic beauty to any space.
Every 7–14 days
Bright indirect
65–85°F
50–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Ficus mathewsii?
Water Ficus mathewsii 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 Ficus mathewsii Native To?
What Is the Ficus mathewsii?
Ficus mathewsii (Ficus mathewsii) belongs to the Moraceae family within the Ficus genus. Ficus mathewsii is native to tropical South America, including in northern and eastern Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, the Guianas, Peru, and Venezuela.
Ficus mathewsii displays a climbing, vining growth habit, reaching up to 10 ft tall with a spread of approximately 5 ft. Ficus mathewsii produces none.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Ficus mathewsii?
Ficus mathewsii 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 mathewsii Need?
Ficus mathewsii thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Ficus mathewsii in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Ficus mathewsii Prefer?
Ficus mathewsii grows best at temperatures of 65–85°F. Ficus mathewsii 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 mathewsii?
Well-draining mix with perlite and peat. Good drainage is essential for Ficus mathewsii to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Ficus mathewsii?
Feed Ficus mathewsii 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 Ficus mathewsii?
Repot Ficus mathewsii every 2-3 years in the spring when the roots become crowded or the plant outgrows 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 Ficus mathewsii?
Ficus mathewsii 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 mathewsii 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 mathewsii?
Ficus mathewsii 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 mathewsii Need?
Ficus mathewsii grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Ficus mathewsii is native to tropical South America, including in northern and eastern Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, the Guianas, Peru, and Venezuela. In cooler regions, grow Ficus mathewsii as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 10b – 12b
Keep exploring plants
Ficus mathewsii 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 mathewsii 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 mathewsii Miq., family Moraceae (first published in Ann. Mus. Bot. Lugduno-Batavi 3: 298 (1867)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Ficus mathewsii 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: Skjold Søndergaard, CC BY 4.0, 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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