Ficus Salicifolia | Willow Leaf Fig

This unique and harder-to-find Ficus makes a wonderful bonsai specimen or beautiful addition to any miniature garden. Its long slender leaves blow in the breeze adding a whimsical and willow-like movement to any garden or outdoor space. 

Ficus (figs) are in the Mulberry or Moraceae family and are generally tropical or sub-tropical plants that will not tolerate freezing temperatures. The four most commonly used for bonsai cultivation include this guy, the Willow leaf fig (Ficus salicifolia), Chinese Banyan (Ficus microcarpa, retusa, nitida and/or green island), Weeping fig, (Ficus benjamina) and Creeping fig (Ficus pumila or repens).

Average Size

(Including Nursery Pot) 

4" Nursery Pot: 10" H x 8" W

Care Guide

Light

Ficus salicifolia thrives in medium to bright indirect or filtered light. Lighting extremes such as direct sun or low light should be avoided. Rotating your plant every so often will help to encourage even growth.

Water and Soil

This plant likes to dry out a bit between watering. Since these plants are very susceptible to overwatering, care should be taken to ensure the plant does not receive more moisture if the top level of soil is still somewhat moist. It is best to err on the side of underwatering, and only water this plant once the top 2” of soil are completely dry. Ficus plants require a well draining soil. Amending a standard potting mix with bark and perlite will help provide additional drainage. Ficus tend to grow extensive root systems, so these plants generally need to be potted up in size every few years.

Temperature and Humidity

Ficus salicifolia prefers a warm room temperature setting, between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Temperatures below 55 degrees can be damaging to the plants foliage, and should be avoided. Ficus are well loved for their ability to thrive in the home without added humidity. However these plants would certainly love to receive higher humidity if possible.

What Else?

This plants wide glossy leaves can collect dust. It is important for respiration and photosynthesis that the leaves are wiped clean with a wet sponge or towel every so often. When wiping the leaves of your Ficus you may notice very small white dots or spots covering the surface of the leaves. These are called lithocysts, and they are a normal part of the Ficus plants cellular construction.

Our Happy & Healthy Guarantee

Frond & Folia guarantees that the plant you receive will arrive in happy and healthy condition, and we take extreme care in packaging and shipping to ensure this. We are proud to report that over 99% of our orders to date have been delivered in happy and healthy condition. If you have concerns about shipping during cold weather, please reference our Winter Shipping Insurance.