Indian Laurel (Ficus microcarpa)

Also known as: Chinese banyan, Malayan Banyan, Glossy-Leaf Fig

The Indian Laurel (Ficus microcarpa), a fig tree native to China, draws fig wasps for pollination. In various East Asian traditions, this tree is regarded as a gathering spot for spirits.

In This Article

Care Tips Water Sunlight Temperature Soil Fertilize Prune Propagation Repotting Toxicity

Plant Comprehensive Care Guide: Beginner's Introduction and Key Details

Perfect for beginners starting their plant care journey

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10 Secrets to Making Indian Laurel Grow Faster (A Must-Read for Beginners)

Advanced tips to accelerate your plant's growth

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Care "Black Tech": 10 Little-Known Highly Effective Maintenance Tips

Expert-level techniques for optimal plant care

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Attributes of Indian Laurel

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Tree

Plant Height

15 m to 25 m

Spread

11 m to 12 m

Leaf Color

Green

Flower Size

2.5 cm

Flower Color

Green

Images of Indian Laurel

Quickly Identify Indian Laurel

Leaves: Deep glossy green and leathery, elliptic to egg-shaped, 2-2.5 inches (5-6.5 cm) long.

Fruit: Unique syconia called figs, green to reddish, 0.2–0.3 inches (5–7 mm) in diameter.

Stem: Khaki to mustard, smooth, with interweaving aerial roots for canopy support.

Trunk & Bark: Light grey smooth bark, branching canopy and dense aerial roots.

Flower: Inverted monoecious flowers enclosed in syconium, without petals or distinct scent.

Scientific Classification of Indian Laurel

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Roses, elms, figs, and allies

Family

Mulberry

Genus

Fig trees

Species

Indian Laurel

Planting and Growing of Indian Laurel

Care Difficulty

Easy

Watering Schedule

Every 2 days

Sunlight Requirements

Partial sun

Sunshine Duration

6-10 hours

Ideal Temperature

65-77℉

Soil Type

Potting Mix, Peat Mix

Soil pH

6.5-7.5

Fertilizer Type

Balanced

Pruning Season

Spring, Summer

Pruning Area

Branches, Leaves

Pruning Frequency

2 times a year

Repotting Season

Spring

Pot Type

Plastic, Ceramic

How to Water Indian Laurel?

Ficus microcarpa likes its soil to be kept consistently moist but never soggy. As a guideline, water until you see about 10% of the water draining out of the bottom of the pot. This usually equates to around 500 ml per watering session.

What are the symptoms of an underwatered Indian Laurel? ›

What should I do if my Indian Laurel is not getting enough water? ›

What are the symptoms of an overwatered Indian Laurel? ›

How to save an overwatered Indian Laurel? ›

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What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Indian Laurel?

Sunlight Requirements: Partial sun

Duration of light: 4 to 6 hours

Partial sun exposure is ideal for Ficus microcarpa, as it mimics its native environment. Balanced light conditions encourage robust photosynthesis, leading to vibrant leaves and sustained growth.

What is the ideal lighting for Ficus microcarpa? ›

How to ensure ideal lighting is maintained for Ficus microcarpa? ›

What benefits does ideal lighting provide to Ficus microcarpa? ›

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What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Indian Laurel?

Ideal Temperature: 65 ~ 77℉

Ficus microcarpa thrives best in an indoor environment where the temperature is consistently between 65°F and 77°F. This ensures optimal photosynthesis and metabolic activities. Anything beyond this range, though tolerable, might stress the plant, affecting its growth.

What Soil is Best for Indian Laurel?

Soil type: Loam, Sandy loam

Soil PH: 6.5 ~ 7.5

Ficus microcarpa thrives in well-draining soil that prevents root rot. Such soil helps maintain the right moisture level, which is crucial for healthy growth. The plant benefits from nutrient-rich loam that provides essential minerals for vigorous growth. Enriched soils support the plant's overall health and lush foliage. Optimal soil should retain adequate moisture without becoming waterlogged. Good soil moisture balance aids in the plant's metabolic processes and growth. More About Soil Group→

How to Fertilize Indian Laurel?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

When fertilizing Ficus microcarpa, the general rule is to apply fertilizer according to the plant's size and growth rate. Typically, use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength during the growing season. This ensures that the plant receives adequate nutrients without the risk of overwhelming it. More About Fertilizing Techniques Group→

How to Prune Indian Laurel?

Pruning Time: Spring, Summer, Autumn

Begin by identifying the shape you want for your Ficus microcarpa, whether it's a shrub form or a tree. Use sharp, clean pruning shears to trim long, unruly branches and maintain the overall structure. Always make cuts just above leaf nodes to encourage new growth in the desired direction. Thinning cuts help in improving light penetration and air circulation throughout the plant. Remove any dead, diseased, or crossing branches first. Thin out crowded branches by cutting them back to the main stem or the point of attachment while ensuring the tree doesn't look sparse.

How to Propagate Indian Laurel plant?

Propagate Time: Spring, Late spring, Early spring

Choose a healthy, disease-free Ficus microcarpa specimen. This ensures the cuttings have the best start with optimal genetic potential for healthy growth.

Cut about 10-15 cm section of a healthy stem, ensuring it has at least two leaves. Remove the lower leaves to prevent rot and dip the cut end in rooting hormone.

Insert the hormone-treated end of the cutting into a well-draining potting mix. Ensure at least one leaf node is below the soil to promote root growth.

How to Repot Indian Laurel plant?

Repotting frequency: Every 2-3 years

You should consider repotting your Ficus microcarpa when you notice roots circling the bottom of the pot, sluggish growth, or decreased vigor. Understand that these are indicators that the plant has outgrown its current home, needing fresh nutrients and space.

Select a pot that is one size larger than the current one, with proper drainage holes. A larger pot allows room for root expansion, promoting healthier growth. The drainage holes prevent water accumulation, reducing the risk of root rot.

Opt for a well-draining potting mix incorporating perlite or sand. This soil type ensures adequate aeration for roots, prevents excess water retention, and mimics the plant's natural environment, ensuring your Ficus microcarpa thrives.

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Toxicity of Indian Laurel

Is Indian Laurel toxic to cat?

Indian Laurel is recognized as a poisonous plant for felines. Cats often come into contact with the plant when they inadvertently munch on its foliage, with the leaves posing the greatest risk. Ingestion of this plant can lead to a range of symptoms indicating physical distress or illness in cats, which can vary in severity depending on the quantity consumed. Cat owners should remain vigilant in observing their pets, particularly those inclined to nibble on indoor greenery. In cases of suspected toxicity due to indian Laurel, it is crucial to obtain prompt veterinary assistance to guarantee appropriate treatment and avert serious health issues.

Is Indian Laurel toxic to dog?

Indian Laurel is recognized as a plant that poses a toxic threat to dogs. When dogs consume any part of this plant, especially the leaves, they risk suffering from poisoning. Dogs typically come into contact with the toxin through accidental ingestion, often while they play or explore and accidentally chew on or eat fallen leaves. Symptoms indicating poisoning in dogs may manifest as vomiting, diarrhea, excessive salivation, and stomach discomfort. It is crucial for dog owners to remain alert and to keep their pets away from Indian Laurel. If any part of Indian Laurel is ingested by a dog, seeking prompt veterinary assistance is vital to ensure the best possible recovery for the animal.

WARNING

The judgment on toxicity and danger is for reference only. We DO NOT GUARANTEE any accuracy of such judgment. Therefore, you SHALL NOT rely on such judgment. It is IMPORTANT TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL ADVICE in advance when necessary.

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Learn More About Indian Laurel Diseases

Anthracnose Damping-off Drought Stress Fusarium Wilt Gray Mold Leaf Curl Leaf Spot Nutrient Deficiency Powdery Mildew Root Rot