Ficus exasperata, also called the sandpaper tree, forest sandpaper fig, white fig, or sandpaper leaf tree, is a deciduous, and dioecious species of plant in the mulberry family Moraceae, native to tropical Africa (an area from Senegal east to Ethiopia and south to Angola and Mozambique) and southern Asia (India, Sri Lanka, Yemen).
King's fig is resistant to disease and typically not prone to illness. Regarding care, this plant is fairly low-maintenance. When grown outdoors it needs only minimal watering, and larger specimens usually do not require pruning. Smaller plants, however, should be pruned after they have bloomed. King's fig is suitable for anyone with outdoor space, such as a garden or deck, and does not demand much gardening experience.
How to keep Ficus Exasperata.
Light
King's fig comes from habitats like forest understories and rocky locations where it grows under natural shade. It prefers partial sun but can tolerate full sun or full shade, illustrating its hardy, adaptable nature.
Temperature
King's fig comes from tropical areas, where the weather is usually warm and humid. Because of this, it is adapted to high temperatures and humidity. It does not tolerate sudden temperature changes and prefers a consistent temperature, so keeping indoor temperatures stable is important. It generally cannot withstand cold and needs higher temperatures to grow. If the ambient temperature falls too low, the plant may stop growing or even die.
Fertilizer
The best time to fertilize a King's fig is in early spring as it breaks dormancy. This encourages overall growth and the development of flowers. Fertilizing improves the leaves, stems, and branches, and encourages flowers that are large, vivid, and long-lasting. It also helps transport nutrients from the roots to the blooms and enhances the plant's health and resistance to disease.
Botanical profile.
- Plant Type
- Tree
- Life Cycle
- Perennial
- Genus
- Ficus
- Family
- Moraceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 10-12
- Mature Height
- 20.12 m
- Mature Spread
- 4.88 m to 10.06 m
- Leaf Color
- Green
- Leaf Type
- Evergreen
- Bloom Time
- Late spring, Summer, Early fall, Mid fall
- Planting Time
- Spring, Summer
- Harvest Time
- Mid summer, Late summer, Fall, Early winter
- Native Area
- India, Indonesia, Japan, Philippines, Bangladesh, China
Other names.
