Ficus neriifolia
Common Name(s):
Previously known as:
- Ficus gasparriniana
- Ficus nerifolia
- Description
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The Willow-leaf fig is an evergreen tree native to China and the Himalayas. It can grow up to 50 feet tall in its native subtropical habitat, though it is commonly seen as an indoor bonsai.
Keep it in a sunny, warm location with consistent moisture. It tolerates pruning very well and is easily shaped.
It is often sold under a misspelling, F. nerifolia. The larger F. gasparriniana var. laceratifolia, while now considered the same species, is often labeled as a separate plant due to its larger form and distinct leaves and fruits.
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Ficus
- Species:
- neriifolia
- Family:
- Moraceae
- Life Cycle:
- Woody
- Recommended Propagation Strategy:
- Stem Cutting
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- China and the Himalayas
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Houseplant
- Tree
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Broadleaf Evergreen
- Maintenance:
- Medium
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Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
- Soil Texture:
- High Organic Matter
- Loam (Silt)
- Sand
- Soil Drainage:
- Good Drainage
- Moist
- Available Space To Plant:
- 12 inches-3 feet
- 3 feet-6 feet
- 6-feet-12 feet
- 12-24 feet
- 24-60 feet
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 10b, 10a, 11b, 11a
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Fruit:
- Fruit Color:
- Green
- Fruit Length:
- > 3 inches
- Fruit Width:
- > 3 inches
- Fruit Description:
- The fruit develops from the same structure the flowers are held in. They are green and ovoid, often growing in pairs.
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Green
- Flower Size:
- < 1 inch
- Flower Description:
- Like other Ficus species, the flower is inverted. The reproductive structures are located within the teardrop shape.
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Leaves:
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Broadleaf Evergreen
- Leaf Color:
- Green
- Leaf Feel:
- Leathery
- Leaf Value To Gardener:
- Showy
- Leaf Type:
- Simple
- Leaf Shape:
- Elliptical
- Lanceolate
- Leaf Margin:
- Entire
- Hairs Present:
- No
- Leaf Length:
- 3-6 inches
- Leaf Width:
- 1-3 inches
- Leaf Description:
- The long willow-like leaves are between 3.25 and 7 inches long and 1 to 2.5 inches wide. They are often asymmetrical in shape.
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Bark:
- Bark Color:
- Dark Gray
- Light Gray
- Surface/Attachment:
- Smooth
- Bark Description:
- Smooth, dark grey bark.
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Stem:
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Container
- Houseplants
- Small Space
- Design Feature:
- Specimen
