Ficus aspera aka Mosaic Fig

Taxonomy

Ficus aspera, more commonly known as the mosaic fig, is a plant native to Vanuatu in the south Pacific region. This plant was first described in 1786 by German botanist Georg Forster and is used as an ornamental plant. The wild form of Ficus aspera is a deciduous or evergreen, non-strangling "sandpaper" fig which usually grows to 3-4 m tall and 6 wide, but occasionally to 20 m tall with villous, 3 cm diameter twigs. Leaves are large and roughly oval, deep-green and extremely rough with a harsh surface, with rather hairy undersides. The variegated form, also known as Ficus aspera f. parcellii or Clown Fig has a highly variable mosaic of paler grey-green, cream, and dull pink, on dark green leaves. The figs produced from this plant are marble-sized, and variegated with pink and purple instead of orange-red. It is a remarkable plant, and all figs in the Ficus genus are pollinated by tiny wasps who use the fruits as a safe place for their young. However, be sure to keep an eye out for the milky sap which emerges from these plants when twigs are broken, as it is toxic.

Common names

Mosaic Fig, Clown Fig

How to care for Mosaic Fig

Difficulty

If you're looking for a plant that offers a moderate level of challenge, Mosaic Fig is a great choice to test your gardening skills.

Water

Mosaic Fig should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Mosaic Fig loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

To ensure optimal growth, the Mosaic Fig prefers bright indirect light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

Dormancy

During the cold period, it is common for Mosaic Fig to go dormant, resulting in a slowdown of growth. To accommodate this, waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

There is no verified data on the toxicity of this plant in the records of Ploi. If any person, including yourself, a family member, or a pet, consume plant material with an uncertain toxicity level, it is advisable to seek the advice of a healthcare expert.

Humidity

No extra humidity is necessary for the Mosaic Fig. Absorption of water by plants is primarily done through their roots, and soil watering is the most effective method to provide humidity to your plants.

Fertilizer

Repotting the Mosaic Fig should be done either when it has doubled in size or on a yearly basis, whichever occurs sooner. Fresh potting soil with all the required nutrients, refreshed annually, will provide the plant with all the necessary sustenance, making the use of fertilizer unnecessary. Keep in mind that plants receive their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.

Region of origin

Mosaic Fig’s native range is worldwide Tropics.


More info:
Wikipedia