grow ficus
ABOUT THIS TROPICAL FICUS TREE
West Indian Laurel Tree (ficus americana andicola) – A large tree with marvelous, glossy green foliage and small red fruits most known for its unusually large root structure at the base of the tree. Easily maintained as a potted plant by occasional grooming of the branches and aerial roots. Originally found growing at higher elevations in the rain and cloud forests of Andes from Venezuela to Peru this Ficus has become a favorite in Florida and Southern Cal. It makes a great ornamental and is popular as a street tree in tropical regions.
The growth rate of West Indian Laurel will vary greatly depending on soil type, sunlight, temperature and other factors. A few leaves are often trimmed prior to shipping to reduce transpiration and travel stress.
The growth rate of West Indian Laurel will vary greatly depending on soil type, sunlight, temperature and other factors. A few leaves are often trimmed prior to shipping to reduce transpiration and travel stress.
QUICK SPECS
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OUTDOOR
Zone 10a-11
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PATIO
Zone 4a-11
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SOIL TYPE
Rich Moist
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% SUN
80-100%
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POT SIZE
2x2x7″ Deep
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INCLUDES
One Tree
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TROPICAL FICUS TREE CARE
Tropical Ficus trees grow happily in a pot or in-ground. Often utilized in interiorscape, these trees are easily maintained with minor trimming and are often a top choice for bonsai horticulturalists. They will add a showy accent to your outdoor space, garden or patio. In cooler zones a containerized Ficus tree can be relocated indoors for the winter months.
When you receive your new Ficus, there is no need to worry about planting right away. Your new plant can be stored for a while by simply placing it in a bucket with about a half inch of water and moving it to a shady location, simply keep moist. This will give you plenty of time to select the ideal location for your new tropical tree.
When you receive your new Ficus, there is no need to worry about planting right away. Your new plant can be stored for a while by simply placing it in a bucket with about a half inch of water and moving it to a shady location, simply keep moist. This will give you plenty of time to select the ideal location for your new tropical tree.
CONTAINER SIZE
All tropical tree varieties grow well in containers, indoors or on the patio. Smaller varieties grow best in 12″ to 16″ diameter pots while larger varieties need enough room for growth, generally a 16″ to 30″ diameter, 14 ” deep container will suffice. Remember the looser the roots, the taller and healthier your tree will be. When the tree becomes root bound its growth will slow, at that point it is time for a larger pot.
SOIL
West Indian Laurel Trees enjoy a well drained, general potting mix easily found at your local box store. Remember try to stay away from arid or wet, mucky soils.
FERTILIZER
To help establish your new West Indian Laurel Tree, fertilize sparingly ten inches away from the base, tri-annually with a slow time released product. Unfertilized they will tend to grow at a slower pace. Note: The heavy salts in cheaper fertilizers will damage the roots and possibly kill the plant. Its best to use a brand you know and trust.
GROW ZONE & LIGHT
Best outdoors if grown in zone 10a-11, find your zone here. This tree requires 80-100% sunlight. Depending on your location full sun is often best. In the northern end of their grow zone West Indian Laurel Trees should be brought indoors or protected during the winter months. The patio zone is 4b-11 which means the potted tree will flourish over the summer months in colder zones but must be brought inside before winter.
BEFORE YOU PLANT OUTDOORS
At the nursery these trees are grown under 20-40% shade cloth. If you plant this tree in a brightly lit area you may experience leaf burn. It is best to acclimate this plant to its environment by keeping it outside and slowly moving it into a sunny area over a week or two to avoid stress before planting.
WHAT IS THE SHIPPING SIZE
All West Indian Laurel Trees for sale will vary in size. In the spring, trees are often smaller than trees shipped in the fall. Plants designated with a sku ending in -4, -6 or -8 will arrive in a standard 4 inch, 6 inch or 8 inch round growers pot respectively. Our new, reusable, recyclable deep plugs are 7 or 9 inches deep and 2 or 2.5 inches in width. Products growing in these pots are easy to transplant and allow for deeper roots and faster growth, they are designated with a sku ending in -7 or -9. (Note: The item sku number can be found just below the buy button.) The color and style of these pots may vary. If we are out of a particular size item, we may ship a larger size at no additional charge. For more information, click the “best packaging” link at the bottom of this page.
Note:
Before leaving, plants are inspected, watered, and pruned. Larger plants, generally those that ship in 8″ pots, will be topped to 36″ or 48″ overall, depending on the variety, if necessary, to facilitate shipping. Your new plants’ pot is then bagged to ensure that the soil stays in the pot and not loose in the box. Plants are tissue or kraft paper wrapped and generally secured in place with natural biodegradable peanuts.
You may want to order your West Indian Laurel Tree (ficus americana andicola) online now while they are in stock, supplies are limited.
Zone.10a Zone.10b Zone.11a Zone.11b
