[AG] Ficus with Figs

[Linda Guy]

Would it surprise you to know that ficus is simply an ornamental fig? F. benjamina can sprout a reddish fig [though none of mine have ever produced when I grew them in more temperate climes]. F. auriculata also produces larger figs. In fact in reviewing the many varieties of ornamental figs, most produce some kind of fruit, that is
mostly inedible. You might want to pick up the Sunset Western Garden Book [pp294-5] at the library and read about ficus; in addition, it would help you determine the specific variety you have.

I've had experience with f. benjamina, they can be particularly fussy about being moved, e.g. from nursery to home. If it were dropping green leaves, I'd suspect insufficient water. But since they are discolored, I'm more suspicious that it is due to the move, particularly if the leaves were exposed in transit in an open truck bed.

Keeping the root zone evenly moist is key, but you sound as if you are at risk to rot the plant. Be patient. I once lost all the leaves on a 15' ficus due to it's move post-purchase; I had no choice but to dangle part of it out of a station wagon for the very slow 2 mile trip home. For two months, it was 'autumn' in my living
room.But it eventually releafed.

Good luck!
Linda Guy
Master Gardener

gpbrady@earthlink.net wrote:

> arid_gardenerI have a couple of quesitons.
>
> First, I thought I bought a Ficus tree, but now I have small white fig shaped fruit at the ends of some branches.  Is this normal or did the nursury make a mistake?
>
> Second, the same ficus is in full sun and has black and brown dried leaves, I am watering it, but the tree seems to have become even more sparse.  I have put down bark to prevent water evaporation, and the soil beneath it seem moist, yet not too wet.  Is the leave discoloration normal due to the heat or should I water even more?
>
> Geoff
>
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