The Moraceae, or ficus, family is a large group with more than 500 species of tropical trees, shrubs and vines. Ficus microcarpa "Nitida" thrives in USDA hardiness zones 9 and 10. Also known as Indian laurel, Indian laurel fig and Chinese banyon, under ideal conditions Ficus nitida grows into a 50- to 60-foot-tall evergreen tree with a 60- to 75-foot spread. Used as a street tree in Florida, Arizona and California, Ficus nitida is planted in several of California's coastal cities including San Francisco and San Luis Obispo.
1
Select a well-draining, sunny location where shade is desired. The Ficus nitida tree grows into a large tree that provides heavy year-round shade when it reaches maturity.
2
Dig a planting hole three times the width of the tree's root ball. Set the tree in the center of the hole, untangling any encircling roots. Backfill with the original soil and tamp. Water thoroughly.
3
Surround the tree with 4 inches of mulch, pulling it back 6 inches from the tree's trunk. Mulch keeps the soil moist and inhibits weed growth.
4
Water when the soil is dry to the touch. Ficus nitida is a tropical tree and requires consistently moist soil.
5
Fertilize with a balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer only if the tree is planted in sandy or poor soil. Ficus nitida generally doesn't require fertilizer when planted in soil that is rich in organic matter.
6
Prune to shape the tree into a multi-stemmed or single trunk according to your garden's design. Examine the tree after winter storms, and remove weak or damaged branches.
7
Monitor Ficus nitida for pests such as thrips and aphids. Spray the tree with a neem oil product or spinosad insecticide to control thrips. Pruning thrip-infested branches is effective if only a small portion of the tree is infected. Aphids are easily knocked off the leaves and branches with a strong stream of water.
The Moraceae, or ficus, family is a large group with more than 500 species of tropical trees, shrubs and vines. Ficus microcarpa "Nitida" thrives in USDA hardiness zones 9 and 10. Also known as Indian laurel, Indian laurel fig and Chinese banyon, under ideal conditions Ficus nitida grows into a 50- to 60-foot-tall evergreen tree with a 60- to 75-foot spread. Used as a street tree in Florida, Arizona and California, Ficus nitida is planted in several of California's coastal cities including San Francisco and San Luis Obispo.
1
Select a well-draining, sunny location where shade is desired. The Ficus nitida tree grows into a large tree that provides heavy year-round shade when it reaches maturity.
2
Dig a planting hole three times the width of the tree's root ball. Set the tree in the center of the hole, untangling any encircling roots. Backfill with the original soil and tamp. Water thoroughly.
3
Surround the tree with 4 inches of mulch, pulling it back 6 inches from the tree's trunk. Mulch keeps the soil moist and inhibits weed growth.
4
Water when the soil is dry to the touch. Ficus nitida is a tropical tree and requires consistently moist soil.
5
Fertilize with a balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer only if the tree is planted in sandy or poor soil. Ficus nitida generally doesn't require fertilizer when planted in soil that is rich in organic matter.
6
Prune to shape the tree into a multi-stemmed or single trunk according to your garden's design. Examine the tree after winter storms, and remove weak or damaged branches.
7
Monitor Ficus nitida for pests such as thrips and aphids. Spray the tree with a neem oil product or spinosad insecticide to control thrips. Pruning thrip-infested branches is effective if only a small portion of the tree is infected. Aphids are easily knocked off the leaves and branches with a strong stream of water.