Ficus microcarpa ‘Green Gem’

Indian laurel fig
Laurel fig has semi-weeping dome canopy, muscular trunk. Good hedge. Fine in pots. Lush dense tree with greedy roots.
height 20–30ft
width 20–30ft
tolerates Cool Summers, Drought, Fog, Heat, Pots, Neglect, Wind
water
needs
Low – Moderate
water
info
Water this plant infrequently, when the top two inches or so of soil feel dry. Usually this will mean every week or two in dry weather. If you establish this pattern over several years, then you can cut back to watering every four to six weeks in dry weather. Use drippers, emitters, or a slow stream of water so that it doesn’t run off; allow the water to trickle all the way down through the deepest layers of soil. This plant will look more lush if given water every two to four weeks during dry weather once established. In a pot slowly water the entire surface until water comes out of the bottom of your pot.
hardy
to
26F
exposure Full Shade – Full Sun
indoor
outdoor
Outdoor
drainage In Ground: Planting Mix, In Pots: Potting Soil
fertilizing All Purpose
origin Asia
california
native
No
sunset
zones
9, 13, 16–24

Sunset Zones Map

Outdoor Exposure Guide

OUTDOOR EXPOSURE GUIDE

Full Sun
Six or more hours of sun beams directly landing on the plant's leaves.

Part Shade
Three to five hours of sun beams directly landing on the plant's leaves.

Part Sun
One to two hours of sun beams directly landing on the plants leaves.

Full Shade
The plant is never fully lit by sun beams, but is in a bright spot or has dappled sunbeams playing over the leaves throughout the day.

Deep Shade
The plant never has dappled light on the leaves, and is in a place that feels dim, even on a nice sunny day.

SUNSET ZONES MAP

Growing Notes

All ficus respond well to pruning, allowing even very large ficus to be maintained at a modest size. They do exude white sap, often containing latex, so if you have a latex allergy avoid the sap.
By pruning early you can form an upright tree with a single trunk or prune into a hedge.
Tree responds well to being cut back hard, to any height.

Special Interest

Exclent bonsai candidate.