Ficus pseudopalma aka Palm Like Fig

Ficus pseudopalma requires regular to moderate watering. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings, then water thoroughly until water drains from the bottom of the pot. During the growing season (spring through fall), you'll likely water about once per week, though this varies with temperature and humidity. Reduce watering frequency in winter when growth slows. Always ensure proper drainage to prevent root rot, as overwatering is more damaging than slight underwatering.

Ficus pseudopalma grows best in well-draining, fertile potting mix. A standard indoor potting soil amended with perlite or coarse sand to improve drainage works well. The plant tolerates various soil types but prefers a slightly acidic to neutral pH. Good drainage is essential to prevent root rot. In its native Philippines, the plant grows in forest soils and grasslands, indicating adaptability to different soil conditions as long as drainage is adequate.

As a tropical species from the Philippines, Ficus pseudopalma appreciates higher humidity levels, ideally 50-70%. In dry indoor environments, especially during winter heating season, the plant benefits from regular misting, a humidity tray with pebbles and water, or placement near a humidifier. Grouping tropical plants together can also help create a more humid microclimate. Low humidity can lead to brown leaf tips and edges.

Feed Ficus pseudopalma with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 2-4 weeks during the growing season (spring through fall). Reduce or stop fertilizing in winter when growth naturally slows. Over-fertilization can cause leaf burn and salt buildup in the soil. If you notice white crusty deposits on the soil surface, flush the soil with plain water to remove excess salts before resuming fertilization.

Ficus pseudopalma can be propagated through stem cuttings, air layering (marcotting), or seeds. Stem cuttings should be about 15cm (6 inches) long with several nodes; dip in rooting hormone and place in moist potting mix, maintaining high humidity with a plastic cover. Air layering is effective for larger stems and has a high success rate. While seeds can be used, they rarely produce viable offspring outside the Philippines because the specific fig wasp pollinator is required for fertilization. In the Philippines, lubi-lubi naturally grows from seeds.

Ficus pseudopalma typically grows 1.5-3 metres (5-10 feet) tall as an indoor plant, though it can reach 5-8 metres in ideal outdoor conditions. The plant has a distinctive growth habit with an upright, usually unbranched stem topped by a rosette of large leaves, resembling a palm tree. The impressive leaves can reach 75-100cm (30-40 inches) in length. Growth rate is moderate for a tropical plant. The stem diameter reaches approximately 5cm at maturity.

Ficus pseudopalma is endemic to the Philippines, particularly abundant on the island of Luzon. In its native habitat, it grows in grasslands, secondary forests, and at the edges of primary forests at low elevations where it is considered common. The Bicol Region, especially Camarines Sur province, is known for cultivating this plant as a vegetable crop. The species has been introduced as an ornamental to Hawaii and other tropical regions, though it has never naturalized outside the Philippines due to the absence of its specific pollinating wasp.

Ficus pseudopalma thrives in warm temperatures between 18-29°C (65-85°F) and cannot tolerate frost. As a tropical Philippine native, it should be kept above 13°C (55°F) at all times. In cold climates, grow it in containers that can be brought indoors during winter. Even brief exposure to frost can cause significant damage to the foliage. Avoid placing the plant near cold drafts, air conditioning vents, or single-pane windows in winter.

Repot Ficus pseudopalma every 2-3 years or when roots begin growing through drainage holes. The best time to repot is in spring when the plant is entering active growth. Choose a pot only 2-5cm (1-2 inches) larger in diameter than the current container, as too large a pot can lead to overwatering issues. Use fresh, well-draining potting mix and ensure the new container has adequate drainage holes. Handle the root ball gently, as Ficus species can be sensitive to root disturbance.

Ficus pseudopalma can grow outdoors year-round in USDA zones 10-12 where temperatures stay above 13°C (55°F). It thrives in full sun to partial shade and makes an excellent landscape specimen with its distinctive palm-like silhouette. In cooler climates, grow it as a container plant that moves outdoors in summer and indoors before frost. In its native Philippines, it grows naturally in grasslands and forest edges. The plant was successfully introduced as a landscaping ornamental in Hawaii.

Ficus pseudopalma naturally maintains a single-stemmed, palm-like form and generally requires minimal pruning. Remove any damaged, yellowed, or dead leaves at the base as needed. If you want to encourage branching (which is unusual for this species), you can cut the main stem, though this will change its characteristic palm-like appearance. When pruning, wear gloves as the milky latex sap can cause skin irritation. Clean cuts with sharp, sterilized tools and allow the sap to dry.

The large leaves of Ficus pseudopalma can accumulate dust, which blocks light absorption and can attract pests. Wipe leaves regularly with a damp soft cloth or give the plant a gentle shower with room-temperature water. For larger plants, misting followed by gentle wiping works well. Avoid using leaf shine products as they can clog leaf pores. Clean leaves also allow you to inspect for pests like spider mites and scale insects more easily.

Yellow leaves on Ficus pseudopalma commonly indicate watering issues. Overwatering is the most frequent cause—check if soil feels soggy and reduce watering frequency. Underwatered leaves turn yellow and papery before dropping, typically from the bottom up. Other causes include insufficient light, nutrient deficiency, or natural aging of lower leaves. Root rot from persistent overwatering can also cause yellowing. Check roots for brown, mushy tissue and repot in fresh soil if rot is present.

Brown leaf tips or edges on Ficus pseudopalma usually indicate low humidity, underwatering, or excess fertilizer salt buildup. Brown spots can also result from overwatering, sunburn from intense direct light, or fungal issues. To address humidity-related browning, increase ambient humidity through misting, a pebble tray, or a humidifier. Flush the soil with plain water to remove excess fertilizer salts. Ensure the plant isn't in harsh afternoon sun.

Drooping leaves on Ficus pseudopalma are typically a sign of water stress. Underwatered leaves will feel thin and papery, while overwatered leaves feel heavy and soft despite wet soil. Check soil moisture to determine the cause. Drooping can also result from temperature extremes, recent repotting or environmental changes, or root problems. If the soil is appropriately moist, check for root rot by examining the roots—healthy roots are white or tan, while rotted roots are brown and mushy.

Ficus pseudopalma may drop leaves in response to environmental stress, including changes in light, temperature, or location. Watering issues (both over and under) are common causes. Ficus species are known for being sensitive to changes in their environment—even moving the plant to a new spot can trigger leaf drop. Other causes include pests, drafts, or sudden temperature changes. Some lower leaf drop is natural as the plant grows. Allow the plant time to acclimate after any environmental change.

Common pests on Ficus pseudopalma include spider mites (look for fine webbing and stippled leaves), mealybugs (cottony white masses), and scale insects (small oval bumps on stems and leaves). Treat infestations by washing leaves thoroughly, using insecticidal soap, or applying neem oil. Spider mites thrive in dry, dusty conditions—regular misting helps prevent them. Anthracnose fungus causes greasy yellow spots; treat with fungicide and avoid overhead watering. Root rot from overwatering is the most common disease; improve drainage and reduce watering if affected.

Yes, Ficus pseudopalma is cultivated as an edible vegetable in the Philippines. The young shoots and tender leaves are harvested and eaten raw in salads or cooked as a potherb. In the Bicol Region, the leaves are traditionally prepared in coconut milk (a dish sometimes called "lubi-lubi"). The small dark green figs are also technically edible though not particularly flavorful. When harvesting, collect the first to fourth nodes from the top, selecting young reddish leaves. The plant is commercially grown in Camarines Sur alongside rice.

In traditional Philippine medicine, Ficus pseudopalma leaves are used to prepare decoctions for treating diabetes and kidney stones. Phytochemical studies have identified bioactive compounds in the plant including flavonoids, unsaturated sterols, triterpenes, steroid glycosides, saponins, tannins, and phenols. While these traditional uses are documented, scientific validation of their effectiveness is limited. As with any herbal remedy, consult a healthcare professional before use, especially if you have existing health conditions.

Like all Ficus species, Ficus pseudopalma has an obligate mutualistic relationship with a specific species of fig wasp (family Agaonidae). Each Ficus species can only be pollinated by its particular wasp partner. The female wasps enter the fig through a small opening, pollinate the flowers inside, and lay eggs. Without the wasp, the plant cannot produce viable seeds. This explains why F. pseudopalma, though introduced to Hawaii as an ornamental, never naturalized there—its pollinating wasp was never introduced to the islands.

Ficus pseudopalma produces flowers, but they are hidden inside the fig fruit structure (technically called a syconium). The small flowers are contained within the fleshy receptacle that develops into the fig. The plant produces paired dark green figs approximately 2.5cm (1 inch) in diameter. However, flowering and fruiting are uncommon in indoor cultivation and outside the native Philippines, largely because the specific pollinating fig wasp is absent. Even without fruit, the plant is grown for its striking palm-like foliage.

Palm Like Fig is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal attention, making it an excellent choice for beginners.

Palm Like Fig requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your Palm Fig will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

Ploi's records do not contain confirmed information on the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event of accidental ingestion of plant material with questionable toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is always a good idea to consult a healthcare professional.

During the cold period, it is common for Palm Like Fig to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more during this period.