Ficus lutea aka Dahomey Rubbertree
Taxonomy
Ficus lutea is a tree in the family Moraceae, commonly known as the giant-leaved fig or Lagos rubbertree. It is a large, briefly-deciduous tree, capable of growing to 25 m in height with a spreading crown of up to 45 m wide. Bark is relatively smooth-textured and dark grey to brown in colour. It has lovely smooth, glossy, distinctive leaves that can measure from 130 to 430 mm in length and up to 200 mm in width, with clear yellow veining and entire margins. This tree is native to the Eastern Cape of South Africa to Tropical Africa and can also become a strangler in certain conditions.
Did you know that this fig tree also produces fruits? All plants in the Ficus genus produce figs, resulting from tiny wasps that use the fruits as a safe place to raise their young. In addition, Ficus plants contain a milky sap that emerges when the twigs are broken. This sap makes them toxic, so be sure to keep a close eye out if you have children or pets!
Common names
Dahomey Rubbertree, West African Rubbertree, Lagos RubbertreeHow to care for Dahomey Rubbertree
Difficulty
If you're looking for a plant that offers a moderate level of challenge, Dahomey Rubbertree is a great choice to test your gardening skills.
Water
Dahomey Rubbertree should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Soil
Dahomey Rubbertree 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 Dahomey Rubbertree 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 Dahomey Rubbertree 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 Dahomey Rubbertree. 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 Dahomey Rubbertree 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
Dahomey Rubbertree’s native range is worldwide Tropics.
More info:
Wikipedia
