Ficus rubiginosa aka Illawarra Fig

Taxonomy

Ficus rubiginosa, also known as the rusty fig or Port Jackson fig, is a species of flowering plant native to eastern Australia. It starts as a seedling that grows on other plants or rocks and matures into a tree that can reach up to 30 meters in height with a yellow-brown buttressed trunk. The leaves are oval and glossy green, while the fruits are small, round, and yellow, with a syconium shape. The fruit can ripen and turn red at any time of year and is a favorite food for many species of birds. F. rubiginosa is pollinated exclusively by the fig wasp species Pleistodontes imperialis. It also hosts other wasp species and nematodes in its syconia. This evergreen tree is commonly used as a shade tree in parks and public spaces, and as an indoor plant or in bonsai. However, it can be invasive in small gardens due to its aggressive root system. All plants in the Ficus genus produce figs, and they are pollinated by tiny wasps that use the fruits as a safe place to raise their young. Ficus plants are toxic due to the latex they contain, so it's important to keep them away from children and pets.

Common names

Illawarra Fig, Rusty Fig, Port Jackson Fig

How to care for Illawarra Fig

Difficulty

With a bit of knowledge and dedication, you can successfully care for Illawarra Fig, making it a rewarding choice for those seeking a moderate challenge.

Water

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

Soil

Illawarra 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

Illawarra 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 Illawarra Fig will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

Dormancy

During the wintertime, it is common for Illawarra Fig plants to go dormant and their growth rate may slow down. Therefore, the amount of waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

Ploi does not possess verified information regarding the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event that you, a member of your family, or a pet ingests plant material with an unclear toxicity level, it is highly recommended to seek the advice of a medical professional.

Humidity

The Illawarra Fig does not necessitate supplementary humidity. Plants primarily absorb water through their roots, rather than their leaves. Hence, the most effective way to supply humidity to your plants is by watering the soil.

Fertilizer

The Illawarra Fig should be transferred to a new pot once it has increased in size two-fold, or on an annual basis, whichever occurs earlier. Replacing the soil with fresh potting soil containing all the necessary nutrients, is sufficient enough to support the growth of the plant, thus avoiding the need to use fertilizer. It's important to note that plants derive their energy from the sun and not fertilizer.

Region of origin

Illawarra Fig’s native range is worldwide Tropics.


More info:
Wikipedia