Japanese name: フィクス ウンベラタ Scientific name:Ficus umbellata
[Overview]
An evergreen tree grown as a foliage plant.
When the leaves or stems are damaged, a white milky sap is exuded.
Leaves are simple and alternate at the branch tips, elliptical, about 30 cm long and 20 cm wide, with a heart-shaped base.
New shoots are tinged with red.
[Cultivation]
Propagate by cuttings or air layering.
It is not cold hardy, so grow it as a potted plant.
It prefers sun, but direct midsummer sunlight causes leaf scorch and should be avoided.
It is heat tolerant and overwinters if the temperature stays at 10°C or above, so keep it in a bright place such as by a window.
Exposure to cold may cause the leaves to drop.
From spring to autumn, water thoroughly when the soil surface dries; in winter keep it on the dry side.
Also mist the leaves with water.
From spring to autumn, apply liquid fertilizer once every 2 weeks, or place slow-release solid fertilizer on the soil once every 2 months.
Pests and diseases include spider mites, scale insects and aphids.
