Ficus rubra (aka red affouche or affouche rouge) is a species of flowering plant in the family of Moraceae, native to some islands in the Indian Ocean. It is found in Madagascar, Comoros, Réunion, Mauritius and Seychelles. It also has been introduced to Kauai island (Hawaiʻi).Pollinator of this plant is the wasp Nigeriella avicola Wiebes.On Kauai island, Port Jackson fig wasps (Pleistodontes imperialis) are able to do the job as substitute pollinators.
Chinese banyan has a good degree of disease resistance and generally does not get sick easily. However, if the plant is kept in poor conditions it can become more vulnerable to disease. It also has few insect pests. Its care needs are moderate. It requires plenty of sunlight, since insufficient light can make it more disease-prone and cause thin, leggy growth. Because it is often kept indoors, it may need to be moved regularly to a well-lit spot. It does not need frequent watering. Overall, Chinese banyan is suitable for most people, though it is best for those who can provide good light conditions.
How to keep Ficus Rubra.
Light
The Chinese banyan prefers conditions where it receives sunlight for part of the day but can also tolerate constant full sun or deep shade. Coming from habitats where light levels change throughout the day, its growth can be harmed by either too little or too much light.
Temperature
Chinese banyan grows best in its native habitat where temperatures fall between 68 and 104 ℉ (20 and 38 ℃). The species favors warm, tropical areas and requires abundant sunlight for proper development. To maintain healthy growth, keep temperatures at 68 to 86 ℉ (20 to 30 ℃) during spring and summer. In fall and winter, lower temperatures to 59 to 68 ℉ (15 to 20 ℃) to encourage flowering and fruiting.
Fertilizer
Fertilizing is essential for caring for the Chinese banyan. Regular feeding during the active growing season maintains the energy needed for its showy foliage and supports overall growth. Failing to provide fertilizer can lead to unhealthy leaves, reduced ornamental appeal, and stunted or weak growth that is more prone to breaking.
Pot & Repot
When repotting a Chinese banyan, select a pot 1-2 inches (2.5–5.1 cm) larger with good drainage. Use a well-draining potting mix. Repot in spring or fall, making sure the root ball sits slightly lower than the rim of the pot. Water thoroughly after repotting and place the plant in a warm spot with indirect sunlight.
Botanical profile.
- Plant Type
- Tree
- Life Cycle
- Perennial
- Genus
- Ficus
- Family
- Moraceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 9-11
- Mature Height
- 14.94 m to 24.99 m
- Mature Spread
- 10.36 m to 11.89 m
- Leaf Color
- Green
- Leaf Type
- Evergreen
- Flower Color
- Green
- Flower Size
- 2.54 cm
- Bloom Time
- Mid summer
- Planting Time
- Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter
- Harvest Time
- Mid summer, Late summer
- Native Area
- Nepal, Sri Lanka, India, Malaysia, Philippines, Bangladesh, Laos, China, Solomon Islands, Indonesia, Cambodia, Vietnam, Myanmar, Papua New Guinea, Bhutan, Singapore, Thailand
