Moraceae
Port Jackson Fig
Ficus rubiginosa
Give it bright light, let the soil dry slightly between waterings and keep it frost-free. Feed every two weeks from spring to autumn and repot every two to four years. Wear gloves when handling because the sap can irritate skin.
Every 5 days
Bright indirect
13° - °C
% - %
Categories
What is Port Jackson Fig?
Port Jackson Fig (Ficus rubiginosa) is a easy-care plant from the Moraceae family. Ficus rubiginosa is an evergreen fig native to eastern Australia. It has glossy oval dark green leaves with rust-colored down on the underside and small round figs that ripen from yellow to red. In the wild it can become a large tree with a buttressed trunk, while indoors and as bonsai it stays comp...
Port Jackson Fig grows up to 30.0m, watering every 5 days. It is suitable for indoor environments and not safe for pets.
Unlike many tropical plants, Port Jackson Fig tolerates watering mistakes. Best for beginners. Without precautions, ingestion can cause irritation in pets. Keep out of reach of cats and dogs. Without adequate drainage, root rot can develop within 10 days.
How to Care for Port Jackson Fig?
TLDR: Port Jackson Fig needs Bright indirect, watering every 5 days, and temperatures between 13-30°C with 40-70% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Port Jackson Fig?
Water once or twice a week in summer and every 7 to 10 days in winter. Avoid soggy soil to prevent root rot.
How Much Light Does Port Jackson Fig Need?
Bright diffused light is ideal, though it tolerates shade and some direct sun.
What Is the Best Soil for Port Jackson Fig?
Use a free-draining mix such as coarse sand, compost and garden substrate, with expanded clay at the base.
What Pot Should You Use for Port Jackson Fig?
Pot with drainage holes, repot every 2 to 4 years.
Care Schedule
Fertilize
Every 14 days
Misting
Every 3 days
Rotate
Every 7 days
Repot
Every 730 days
What Is Port Jackson Fig and Where Does It Come From?
Ficus rubiginosa is an evergreen fig native to eastern Australia. It has glossy oval dark green leaves with rust-colored down on the underside and small round figs that ripen from yellow to red. In the wild it can become a large tree with a buttressed trunk, while indoors and as bonsai it stays compact and forgiving.
How to Propagate Port Jackson Fig?
Stem cutting
Use clean sharp tools and wear gloves because the sap irritates skin.
- 1 Cut a healthy semi-woody stem with a few leaves
- 2 Let the milky sap dry or rinse it off
- 3 Place in moist, well-draining substrate in a warm bright spot
Materials needed:
Air layering
Keep the moss moist until roots appear.
- 1 Make a small cut in a healthy branch
- 2 Wrap the cut with moist sphagnum moss and plastic
- 3 Cut and pot the branch once roots show
Materials needed:
How Big Does Port Jackson Fig Grow?
TLDR: Port Jackson Fig can reach up to 30.0m tall with Medium growth rate.
Max height
30.0m
Growth rate
Medium
Foliage
Evergreen
Warning: Toxic Plant
This plant can be toxic if ingested. Keep out of reach of:
Plant Uses
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
What Diseases Commonly Affect Port Jackson Fig?
TLDR: Port Jackson Fig is susceptible to 6 known diseases. Monitor regularly for early detection.
Root Rot
Root rot is a serious fungal disease that affects the root system of plants, causing them to decay and die. It is primarily caused by overwatering, poor drainage, or soil-borne fungi such as Pythium, Phytophthora, Rhizoctonia, and Fusarium. The disease thrives in waterlogged conditions where roots are deprived of oxygen, making them susceptible to fungal infection.
Mealybugs
Mealybugs are small, soft-bodied insects covered with a white, waxy, cottony material. They are common pests of houseplants and outdoor plants in mild climates. These sap-sucking insects feed on plant tissue, causing damage, stunted growth, and can lead to plant death if left untreated. They produce sticky honeydew which attracts sooty mold.
Aphids
Aphids are small, soft-bodied, pear-shaped insects (1/16 to 1/8 inch long) that feed by sucking nutrient-rich sap from plants. They reproduce rapidly and can quickly weaken plants, causing distorted growth and transmitting plant viruses. Aphids come in various colors including green, black, red, yellow, brown, and gray. They secrete honeydew, a sticky substance that attracts ants and encourages sooty mold growth.
Scale Insects
Scale insects are small sap-sucking pests that appear as brown, shell-like bumps on plant stems and leaves. There are over 25 species, divided into armored (hard) and unarmored (soft) scales. They feed by piercing plant tissue and extracting sap, which weakens the plant and can lead to yellowing, stunted growth, and even death if left untreated. They also excrete honeydew, which attracts ants and promotes sooty mold growth.
Fun Facts
It is pollinated only by the fig wasp Pleistodontes imperialis.
It can start life as a seedling on other plants or on rocks.
It has received the Royal Horticultural Society Award of Garden Merit.
Frequently asked questions
Is Port Jackson fig toxic?
How often should I water it?
Can it grow indoors?
Compare with similar plants
| Attribute | Difficulty | Light | Watering | Pet Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Field Maple | Easy | Bright indirect | 14d | ✓ |
| Silver Birch | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | ✓ |
| Common Blanketflower | Easy | Direct sun | 10d | ✓ |
| Cushion Bush | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | ✓ |
