With its fast growth rate, the root system has to keep up, and it spreads out in search of moisture and nutrients. The tree has a robust root system that spreads horizontally and vertically. Some trees can reach 100 feet tall, but that’s rare. In moderate climates, the tree may average 40 feet tall and the same in width. In tropical climates, the average tree can reach 50 feet tall and 80 feet wide. In the right conditions, the Indian laurel fig trees will grow about 24 inches every year. Within a few years, the tree will have covered an ugly wall or fence and provided privacy to the property. This is one of the reasons they do well as screening hedge trees. One of the appealing qualities of Indian laurel fig trees is that they have a fast growth rate. You can apply a mild and balanced fertilizer about 2 to 3 times a year starting in the spring and ending in the summer ( this one is ideal).įor potted trees where the soil nutrition gets depleted quickly, apply the fertilizer once every 6 weeks. The tree has a robust root system that goes deep and wide in search of nutrients in the soil. The Indian laurel fig doesn’t need much fertilization as long as it’s growing in rich soil. In the winter, cut back watering to once every 10 to 14 days. You can water it once or twice a week as long as you don’t exceed this water quota.Ĭheck the top 3 inches of the soil before watering. During the growing season, the tree will need about 1 inch of water a week. The water requirements of the Indian laurel fig vary based on the seasons. Test the soil pH ( this tester also measures light and moisture levels), and bring it within the right range of 5.5 to 7.5. Turn up the top 12 inches of the soil, and add organic material before planting the tree. Amend the soil in the garden with coarse sand to improve water drainage and aeration. Sandy or loamy soil is the best option for the Indian laurel fig. It can tolerate partial shade, but full shade can impact its growth and cause damage to its lush canopy.Ĭhoose a spot facing west or south to make sure the tree gets the most out of the sunlight all day long. The tree needs between 6 to 8 hours of full sun every day all year round. It favors high temperature and humidity levels. The Indian laurel fig grows best in Zones 9 to 12. Indian Laurel Fig Growing ConditionsĪs a tropical tree, the Indian laurel fig prefers growing conditions similar to the ones found in its natural habitat in Southern China, Taiwan, and Northern Australia. In Southern California, the Indian laurel is planted in the streets and along formal hedges. It’s ideal for providing privacy to the property.īecause of its fast growth rate, you can use it to cover walls and fences and hide unsightly parts in the garden. Because it’s evergreen, it also adds a green color to the garden in the winter long after all other trees and plants have become dormant.įor this reason, many people grow it as a screening hedge tree. The Indian laurel fig is a great shade tree. In tropical regions, the trees continue to provide ample shade all year round. They don’t shed their leaves in the winter, nor do they change color between the seasons. Indian laurel figs are evergreen tropical trees. In the spring, the fruits, which look like miniature figs, turn light brown when ripe and are packed with seeds. After pollination, the flowers turn into small fruits. In the winter, small flowers open among the leaves. Each leaf is about 2.5 inches long with a tapering end. When mature, the tree will have a sprawling canopy that provides shade. In more moderate climates, such as the Mediterranean regions, it will reach a maximum of 40 feet tall and wide at best. In tropical climates, it will grow to 50 feet or more and spread 80 feet across. The average height and spread of the Indian laurel fig depend on the growing conditions. If you’re considering growing the Indian laurel fig, this comprehensive guide will walk you through the different steps of growing and caring for this wonderful tree. It’s usually grown as a shade tree thanks to its wide canopy 80 feet across and 50 feet high. It goes by many other names such as Chinese banyan or curtain fig. What is an Indian laurel fig? The Indian laurel fig is an evergreen tropical tree with high ornamental value. So what’s the deal with this tree, and why does so much mystery surround it? It was first classified as Ficus nitida, but that classification changed, and now it is listed as Ficus microcarpa. Even its classification has changed over the years. Few tropical trees have created confusion as much as the Indian laurel fig tree.
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