small-leaf Moreton Bay fig (Ficus platypoda)
Care, watering, light and tips for small-leaf Moreton Bay fig on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Moraceae
- Difficulty: Moderate care
- Watering: every 7 days
- Light: Indirect light
- Temperature: 15–35 °C
- Toxicity: Toxic to pets
About small-leaf Moreton Bay fig
Ficus platypoda, commonly known as the small-leaf Moreton Bay fig, is a large, spreading tree or shrub native to northern Australia. Its distinctive small, oval, glossy green leaves set it apart from other figs, and it produces small, edible figs. It makes an excellent focal plant for tropical and subtropical gardens or as a shade tree in parks.
Native range
Australia (Queensland)
Care tips
It thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil, though it tolerates various conditions. Water regularly during establishment; once mature, it is quite drought-tolerant. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot. A common mistake is planting it too close to structures, as its root system can be invasive.
More Moraceae
Plants from the same family, with their care.
- Jackfruit Artocarpus heterophyllus
- Fustic Maclura tinctoria
- Rubber fig Ficus elastica
- Breadfruit Artocarpus altilis
- Osage orange Maclura pomifera
- Maya nut Brosimum alicastrum
- Ficus elastica 'Tricolor' Ficus variegata
- Banyan fig Ficus retusa
- Red mulberry Morus rubra
- Black mulberry Morus nigra
- White mulberry Morus alba
- Fiddle-leaf fig Ficus lyrata