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ficus indoor plant Shop 'Strangler Fig Tree - Ficus watkinsiana' Care & Growing Guide

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Description

ficus indoor plant Shop 'Strangler Fig Tree - Ficus watkinsiana' Care & Growing GuideThe Strangler fig tree, also known as Ficus watkinsiana, is a vibrant houseplant of the Ficus genus, including around 800 species. This species has a distinct germination process and is also known as the Watkins fig or nipple fig. If the fig seeds get enough moisture, they will germinate anywhere. It is a type of fig tree that is known for its unique growth habit. It starts its life as an epiphyte, which means it grows on other plants and trees, and

The Strangler fig tree, also known as Ficus watkinsiana, is a vibrant houseplant of the Ficus genus, including around 800 species. This species has a distinct germination process and is also known as the Watkins fig or nipple fig. If the fig seeds get enough moisture, they will germinate anywhere.

It is a type of fig tree that is known for its unique growth habit. It starts its life as an epiphyte, which means it grows on other plants and trees, and over time, it sends out roots that grow down to the ground.

It is called a strangler fig because its roots wrap around the host tree, and over time, they can strangle and eventually kill the host.

This process can take several years, and the resulting magnificent hollow-trunked fig tree can grow to be over 98 feet tall, with large oval leaves and purple-black round edible fruits. 

Strangler fig tree flowers are small and inconspicuous but produce a sweet fragrance that attracts pollinators such as wasps. During spring and summer, it produced greenish flowers.

The flowers eventually develop into figs that provide food for a variety of animals in the ecosystem. While this plant may be too big for your backyard garden, it makes an excellent shade tree for parks or larger properties.  

Native to Australia and Papua New Guinea, this strangler fig can thrive in temperate regions, too - just give it plenty of moisture and well-draining soil! And if you're feeling adventurous enough, you can grow one at home as a potted plant or bonsai. 

You can cultivate these beauties both indoors and outside; just make sure you have enough space for them because they tend to get pretty big. 

When and How to Water Your Strangler Fig Tree 

This drought tolerant strangler fig tree stores water in its stems. That means you don't need to water it too often - just make sure the topsoil is completely dry before giving it another drink. This helps avoid overwatering and keeps your plant healthy and happy!  

In the spring and summer, during the active growing period, watering once a week is perfect for this little guy. But in the dormant season, during winter, you can reduce your frequency to every two weeks or less.

Remember, any water, except hard water, will work just fine!  So, whether you use tap, filtered, or even rainwater, your strangling fig will thrive in no time. So, avoid hard water since it doesn't like lime very much.  

Light Requirements - Where to Place Your Strangler Fig Tree

When grown indoors, the Strangler Fig Tree thrives in bright, indirect light. Place it near a window that receives plenty of sunlight, such as an east or south-facing window, to provide the 6–8 hours of light it requires daily. It does not require a lot of light, but it does need a bright location to thrive. If it is not receiving enough light, its growth may become stunted, and its leaves may turn yellow or drop off.  

Avoid direct sunlight through glass, as it can scorch the leaves.

If natural light is insufficient, consider using grow lights to supplement its needs, ensuring healthy growth and vibrant foliage.

When grown outdoors, the Strangler Fig Tree prefers full to partial sunlight, needing at least 6 hours of direct sun each day to flourish.

In hotter climates, partial shade during the afternoon can help protect the tree from intense heat, especially when it’s young. Ensure it is planted in a location where it can receive consistent light throughout the day while being shielded from harsh, drying winds.

Optimal Soil & Fertilizer Needs 

The strangler fig likes very airy, porous, nutrient-rich soil with a pH of 5.5- 6.5. This fig tree requires fast-draining soil that dries completely between waterings. Your soil must have a sandy texture and a low water-holding capacity, just like desert soil.  Ideally, you want to use our specialized potting mix that contains 5 natural substrates and organic mycorrhizae to promote the development of a strong root system that helps your stunning plant to thrive.  

Natural fertilizers with almost an equal ratio of NPK 5-10-5 also last longer and keep your soil alive by adding other beneficial compounds and microbes that encourage plant health and nutrient absorption. So, skip those harsh chemicals and give your ficus tree some love with some awesome natural fertilizer! 

Hardiness Zones & More 

When grown indoors, the Strangler Fig Tree thrives in bright, indirect light at temperatures ranging from 60°F to 85°F, avoiding cold drafts and sudden temperature fluctuations. This plant appreciates moderate to high humidity levels (50–70%), so consider misting the leaves regularly or placing a humidifier nearby if your home is particularly dry, especially during winter months.

For outdoor cultivation, Ficus watkinsiana is suited to USDA zones 10 to 12, in the warm climates of Southern Florida and Hawaii, making it suitable for outdoor cultivation.

It requires a warm, tropical, or subtropical environment with plenty of sunlight but prefers partial shade in regions with intense heat. 

Outdoor growth also benefits from ample space, as this fig tree can grow to impressive heights and widths, forming aerial roots in the right conditions.

As for temperature and humidity, it prefers warm temperatures between 60-75°F and high humidity levels between 50-70%. 

With the help of strangler fig, you'll start to spend less time maintaining your garden and more time taking in its beauty! 

Wildlife - Strangler Fig Tree Attracts the Following Friendly Pollinators

The Strangler Fig Tree plays a vital role in supporting wildlife, particularly attracting pollinators. Its small but numerous flowers are uniquely pollinated by specialized fig wasps, which are essential for the tree’s reproduction. Additionally, the flowers and fruits attract other pollinators and beneficial insects, including bees, butterflies, and moths, which contribute to the health of the surrounding ecosystem.

Butterflies
Bees
Hummingbirds
Lady Bugs
Multi Pollinators
Other Birds

According to ASPCA, the Strangler Fig Tree is mildly toxic to humans, cats and dogs. Ingestion of leaves, sap, or unripe fruits may cause mild to moderate symptoms, including oral irritation, drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea.

How to Propagate Strangler Fig Tree

The best way to propagate a strangler fig tree is through seed germination. Collect ripe figs from the tree and remove the seeds, then plant them in a well-draining potting mix. Keep the soil consistently moist and place the pot in a warm, sunny location to encourage germination. Once the seeds have sprouted, transplant the seedlings into larger pots or directly into the ground.

Another method of propagation is through air layering. Select a healthy branch on the tree and make a small incision on the bark. Apply rooting hormone to the cut area and wrap it with moist sphagnum moss or peat moss. Secure with plastic wrap and wait for roots to develop before cutting the branch from the parent tree and planting it in the soil. This method can be more time-consuming but can result in a more established plant quicker than growing from seed.

Key Takeaways

  1. The Strangler Fig Tree relies on a unique relationship with fig wasps for pollination, making it an essential species for supporting biodiversity in tropical and subtropical ecosystems.
  2. Its aerial roots and growth pattern allow it to envelop and eventually overtake host trees, creating a dramatic and iconic presence in its native rainforest habitat.
  3. This tree produces small, fig-like fruits that serve as a vital food source for birds, bats, and small mammals, contributing to the health of the local wildlife community.
  4. It is a great indoor plant in the United States but thrives outdoors in the warm climates of Southern Florida and Hawaii, making it suitable for outdoor cultivation.
  5. Its ability to thrive in diverse environments, from indoor containers to outdoor tropical landscapes, highlights its adaptability and appeal to plant enthusiasts.

The Bottom Line

Overall, the Strangler Fig Tree (Ficus watkinsiana) is a fascinating and ecologically significant plant known for its unique growth habit and adaptability. Its dramatic aerial roots and ability to thrive as both an indoor ornamental and an outdoor rainforest giant make it a standout species. The tree’s small, fig-like fruits provide a valuable food source for wildlife, while its specialized relationship with fig wasps highlights its importance in supporting biodiversity. For care, it thrives in bright, indirect light indoors or partial shade outdoors, with a preference for well-draining soil and moderate to high humidity. Its drought tolerance once established adds to its low-maintenance appeal, but pet owners should exercise caution due to its mild toxicity. Whether grown as an indoor specimen or incorporated into a tropical garden, the Strangler Fig Tree is both a striking and functional addition to any plant collection.

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Faifre6
Lowell, US
★★★★★ 5
Very detailed! Beautiful world building! Strong Heroine!
Format: Kindle
Starts off a little slow and confusing with different POV’s, but starts to all come together towards the middle to make an elaborate plot line and makes it all worth it. Beautiful world building and attention to detail as well as great writing. The cliffhanger was gut wrenching! Can’t wait for the next book!
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Reviewed in the United States on March 4, 2020
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Isabelle
Waukegan, US
★★★★★ 4
Interesting
Format: Kindle
This was a very captivating book once you got into it thoroughly. But the third person perspective was a bit hard to get used to. But as you got into it and followed the different characters, it was interesting and filled with intrigue, conflict and forbidden love. I can’t wait to read the next one and to complete the series.
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Reviewed in the United States on November 12, 2022
E
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evelynn kate
Carnegie, US
★★★★★ 5
AMAZING debut novel!!!
Format: Kindle
Plot ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Spice 🌶️🌶️.5 Romance 💘💘💘 Vibes ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Dual 1st person POV - Ara (26) & Rogue (39 - but looks mid-20s: they can live hundreds of years so this isn't that large of a gap as it could've been which I heavily appreciate lol) Tropes: enemies to lovers, fae/human wars (deep hatred for each other), shifters (dragons- MMC can only partial shift with wings), one horse, one bed, touch her and d!e, found family, abduction turned to freedom The Last Storm is the debut novel from JD Linton and let me tell you, you guys NEED to read this. The plot was engaging and the editing was was amazing (especially for a debut novel). Our FMC, Ara, is stuck in her gilded cage longing for a life outside of her small town. She uses her books to escape and live vicariously through the pages (honestly, relatable). After her father announces her betrothal to her childhood friend (to whom she has no romantic feelings for), Ara tumbles unknowingly into a desperate plot trying to stop the humans from slaughtering the Fae. As one can expect from an enemies to lovers / kidnapper/captive romance, Ara fights her attraction and lust towards our MMC, Rogue (the King of the Fae), for as long as she can. Upon seeing Ara for the first time, Rogue is instantly aware that she is his fated mate (not a spoiler). Since she is the General's only daughter, he plans to abduct her and use her as leverage to stop the brutality. During Ara's time in Rogue's captivity, their banter and chemistry continue to rise until they finally boil over and come together (quite literally, and many times I may add 😉). Here's what I LOVED: - Rogue continuously seeks advice from his elders and deeply respects their opinions and life experience and tries to implement their recommendations - Rogue makes many mistakes in the beginning but we see him actively work on not repeating them as the book progresses. The level of self-awareness and his ability to change his behavior was impressive - The magic system is intricate and we have only scraped the surface. As the series continues and Ara progresses in her powers, I'm sure we'll get to see more of this. I absolutely LOVE the messaging system that is used in this book. - Ara's struggles are so human and so raw. She is experiencing so much guilt and pain and hurt and getting to see her work through each of these emotions is inspiring. Especially as her and Rogue get closer and she learns she can lean on him as well, that she is not alone. - While this is the start of a series, there is NO cliffhanger! There's a bit of a teaser of something major that is going to happen at the start of the next book, but it's not a cliffhanger in the sense that we aren't sure if someone is going to live or d!e or if they'll be separated. For that, I am very thankful! This book was so much fun that I will definitely be returning to book 2, even if it takes several months (or longer since this is an debut author) to publish! - Lastly, the cover is GORGEOUS! And I love the title! I'll copy a few of my favorite quotes below so you can have a little taste of the author's writing and the world she's cultivated. 😊 Top Highlights from The Last Storm On days like this, when my heart was heavy and my mind clouded, I resorted to books— to escape, to forget, to find freedom where I had none. If I were to marry him, my face would always be turned to the window, searching for more, and if not that, I would be a shell of the person I am now. I stepped back to admire her, thr0bbing at the sight. She was the most beautiful woman I had ever seen. To ever exist. Nothing, no one, had ever deserved to be worshiped more. All men should be made to kneel before her. But she would have to settle for me. The taste of her met my t0ngue as my scent merged with hers, forever branding her. Mine. I l!cked the wound. Hers. Completely and utterly hers. I didn’t claim her in ownership. I claimed her as my one. Devoted myself to one. With that mark, my body and soul were bound to her. I would never be with anyone else, emotionally or physically. It would be her or no one, until my last breath. “Scream my name. Let everyone know who I belong to.” I had never really cared about the weather before, but now, clear skies meant everything to me, and I was grateful to see another calm morning. “There will never be another woman for me.” He paused. “Ever.” I stilled at his words. “What… Why?” “This”— his thumb slid down across the mark—“ is a symbol of… surrender. I know you believe that it was my claim upon you, but it wasn’t. It never was. I bound my body and soul to you, little storm.” “I also know that it is more than this tiny, insignificant mark on your skin that binds me to you. It’s you. All of you. Your strength and resilience. Your determination to endure no matter what fate throws at you. Your love for love and stories and hope. You are entirely the opposite of everything that I am and I would gladly wear your shackles if it meant I could have you.” My mate. Mine. And then everything shifted and I understood. I understood everything. The surrender. The deep, soul-craving longing. Bound. I was bound to him. Body and soul. Entirely his. “I would’ve waited forever,” he whispered back, understanding. Seriously, everyone.. add this to your TBR!!
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Reviewed in the United States on November 14, 2022
A
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Ashlee
Natrona Heights, US
★★★★★ 4
A Decent Fae Romance
Format: Kindle
** 3.5 Stars rounded up to 4 ** First off I want to say that I found the author, J. D. Linton, on TikTok right before the release of the sequel. I bought the first 2 books to support her release, so congrats to her for the release of the sequel! Overall, I liked the story & plot, I liked the characters, and I liked the spice. The downfalls: not enough development between the characters for the romance, and it leaned a little heavy into the tropes. A lot of stuff is told to you, which could have been used as devices to drive the plot and emotions of the characters. 🛑🛑 Mild Spoilers ahead, I tried to hide the obvious ones 🛑🛑 This is very obviously a fated mates, which is a trope I usually really enjoy. But I wish the relationship between Ara & Rogue had much more development before it's realized that they're mates, instead of Rogue knowing almost immediately and using it for nefarious purposes (at least in the beginning before they get to know each other). By revealing this within the first quarter of the book, I feel like it leaves less room for them to fall for each other organically (albeit with help from the mating bond) and they love each other because of the mating bond. I was disappointed as soon as Rogue know (literally only 5% in) and I literally made a note: "As much as II love a good mating trope, I wish we had to work for it a little more. Where's the fun in just telling us?" I believe that by holding out and feeding the reader snippets of a potential bond, it would've been more rewarding as a reader. I also wish there was more world building - we are told of a war between human & fae but don't get to really experience any of it. Ara is sheltered in her human home, then sheltered in Rogue's castle. There's bits and pieces about what the war has done on either side - but we're more told of the aftermath and don't really experience any of it. Ara's father is supposed to be the king's #1 general - yet he is at home with his family & with Ara for the first couple chapters. Her, her family, nor her village seem to be affected by the 10 year war going on on their borders. I wish there was a little more setup to make this conflict - an actual war - feel more than a skirmish between fighting territories. Linton could also be a little repetitive - with the biggest culprit being when Ara is upset she "brings [her] knees to [her] chest]" and either sits like that or cries. Every time she is upset this phrase is mentioned. I would get it if this was her crutch, or how she copes with grief and stress, but that should be explained why she does it so often or it becomes repetitive. I started to get annoyed with how often she would sit like this solely because it happens every couple chapters. However, I did really like the spice. I love an enemies to lovers trope, especially when it results in spicy scenes. The spicy scenes weren't anything new, but they were fun. Wish there were more but that could also just be me - there is no such thing as too much spice 😂 Would I read again? Probably not, I'm super picky with rereads. Although I did genuinely enjoy my first read through! Will I continue the series? Probably, at least for the sequel. As for #3, kind of depends on where I am with my TBR once that is released All in all an enjoyable, fast paced read
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Reviewed in the United States on March 8, 2024
A
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Ashton Taylor
Louisville, US
★★★★★ 3
I love indie authors
Format: Kindle
Let me preface this by saying—writing a book is HARD! Coming up with characters so real that they take on a life of their own, building an entire world, the political/magic system. Designing all of this is no easy feat. That being said. This book had so. Much. Potential. I was so excited to read this book, and I plan to finish it for the sake of finishing it. But. At this point, I would have set I’d aside as a DNF. The book could have benefited from some form of a developmental editor, or an in depth beta reader. I will say this. Within 5 chapters, there are so many… phrases that I’ve highlight that I’ve latched onto. Phrases about books and storms that were written BEAUTIFULLY! So, bravo Linton for hitting the nail on the head as to why readers disappear like they do! However, 5 chapters in and I can already guess where a majority of the story is going. But that’s also because I read like a mad-woman and have read this particular type of story, many different ways. Enemies to lovers where the FMC isn’t who she thinks she is. I am all about supporting indie authors. BUT. I also feel like criticism should be constructive, and not degrading. So if I could give this book a 4 1/2, strictly because I know the work the author put into this, I would. So if you’re looking for an easy read with characters that aren’t hard to follow, look no further! They are easy to love and easy to care for. One of the biggest issues they lacked, to me, was depth and plausible reactions to their situations. JD, you have done BEAUTIFULLY writing this book. I applaud and will continue to buy your books in the future. My BIGGEST recommendation is to definitely hire some form of an editor for any upcoming books. Or in turn, I will be happy to beta read for you. Should my opinion change of the book by the time I finish, I will happily get on here and say I was wrong, delete this review and post a different one. Until then…
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Reviewed in the United States on November 20, 2022

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