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Ficus carica

Ficus carica

5 Stars(189 Business Reviews)

Regular price£34.99

ø 17cm pot | 70cm foliage

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Complete Organic Plant Food – 50ml
Potting Mix
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Useful Information

Plant Bio

Ficus carica, commonly known as the common fig tree, is a deciduous shrub or small tree highly valued for its sweet, edible fruits and attractive lobed foliage. This Ficus species features large, deeply divided leaves and produces unique, pear-shaped fruits, which are actually inverted flower structures. These figs mature from green to various shades of purple, brown, or yellow depending on the cultivar, offering a delicious harvest in late summer or autumn. It is a popular choice for gardens, especially in warmer, sheltered spots in the UK, or grown in containers. It is a member of the Moraceae family.

The genus name Ficus is the Latin word for fig. Carica refers to Caria, a region in Asia Minor from where it is thought to originate.

Light: Ficus carica thrives in full sun. It requires at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal fruit production and healthy growth. A warm, south-facing wall or a very sunny, sheltered spot in a UK garden is ideal.

Water: Water regularly, especially during dry periods and when the fruits are developing. Fig trees prefer consistently moist soil, but ensure good drainage to prevent root issues. Container-grown figs will need more frequent watering, particularly during hot spells.

Soil: It prefers well-drained, fertile soil. It can tolerate a range of soil types, including slightly sandy or loamy soils, and thrives in neutral to slightly alkaline conditions. If growing in containers, a good quality multi-purpose compost is suitable.

Fertilising: Feed with a balanced fertiliser in spring as new growth begins, and then every four to six weeks during the growing season. For fruiting, a fertiliser higher in potassium can be beneficial once fruits start to form.

Temperature: Ficus carica is reasonably hardy in many parts of the UK, especially when established or grown in sheltered locations. Some varieties can tolerate temperatures down to around -10°C (14°F). In colder UK regions, it benefits from winter protection, such as wrapping the branches or moving container plants indoors to a cool, frost-free place.

Humidity: Average UK humidity levels are generally sufficient.

Growth Habit: It typically grows as a multi-stemmed shrub or a small tree. When grown in containers, its size can be restricted through pruning.

Pruning: Prune fig trees in late winter or early spring while dormant to shape the tree, encourage fruit production on new wood, and remove any dead or crossing branches. Pinching out new shoot tips in summer can also encourage fruit development.

Fruiting: Figs typically produce two crops in warmer climates, but in the UK, a single, main crop in late summer or autumn is more common. Fruits ripen on wood from the previous year.

Toxicity: Like other Ficus species, the milky sap (latex) produced by Ficus carica can cause skin irritation upon contact. If ingested by humans or pets, it is considered mildly toxic and can lead to gastrointestinal upset. Keep it out of reach of children and animals, and wear gloves if you have sensitive skin when handling or pruning.

Delivery & Returns

General

Please be aware that your plant may vary from the picture as this is a living item. Variations of shape and colour are perfectly natural and to be expected. We will send you a plant as close to the picture and description as possible. The picture shown is an example of what's in stock unless stated otherwise.

Shipping & Delivery

We now ship fresh plants directly from our trusted growers in the Netherlands, typically arriving within 3-5 business days. Read more about our realtionship with the Netherlands here. Shipping costs vary depending on your location and chosen option, with details available at checkout. We carefully package your plants to ensure safe arrival, and our customer support team is here to help with any issues. You'll receive a tracking number to monitor your delivery, and we currently ship to all UK addresses. Please review our return policy for plants, and note that some species may have shipping restrictions.

Returns

We guarantee our plants 14 day from receipt. We guarantee to send happy and healthy plants, however, it is your responsibility to care for them and we cannot be held responsible for neglect or mis care. Please send us a picture within 24 hours of receiving your plant and we'll help you out with your issue.

If returning your order, please keep all original packaging and use this to send the plant back to us. This will ensure the plant is kept as safe as possible on its return.

To allow the plant to acclimatise in its new home, there should be no repotting of the plant for a minimum of 14 days after receipt. If any plant has been repotted or a cutting has been taken then we are not able to accept returns.

We are happy to replace your plant if it is very badly damaged in transport. The loss of a leaf in transport on a healthy plant should not generally be cause for any concern. We cannot give a refund for snapped leaves.

FAQ'S

Where do you ship from?

We now ship directly from our trusted growers in The Netherlands.

Why do we ship from the Netherlands?

Here's a summary of the main benefits you will experience due to us direct shipping from our growers:

Massive increase in variety: You will have access to hundreds more houseplant options, allowing you to find the perfect plants.
Higher quality plants: Sourcing directly from Dutch growers ensures plants are expertly cared for and in peak condition when they arrive at your door.
Fresher plants: Direct shipping means plants spend less time in transit, arriving fresher and healthier.
Unique and rare finds: You'll now be able to discover unusual and hard-to-find plant varieties that were previously unavailable.
More sustainable: Direct shipping reduces transportation emissions and packaging waste.

How long does shipping take?

Typically, you can expect your plants to arrive within 3-5 business days of placing your order. We pack UK orders on Tuesday's and Thursday's. Orders packed on Tuesday's normally arrive on Thursday and orders packed on Thursday's normally arrive over the weekend (sometimes Monday at the latest!). Ask our virtual assistant the shipping times to your location for a more detailed answer.

How much does shipping cost?

Shipping on all order under £74.99 costs £6.99. Free shipping on all orders above £74.99. You can view the full details of our shipping costs at checkout.

Do you offer free shipping?

We offer free shipping on all orders above £74.99. Subscribe to our newsletter at the bottom of our website to be updated with all our latest promotions.

Why can't I choose store pick-up?

To bring you an even wider variety of the freshest, highest quality plants, we've partnered directly with growers in the Netherlands. This exciting change means we can no longer offer store pickup, but you'll now have access to hundreds more beautiful plants delivered straight to your door!

Why is there a minimum order on the webshop?

To make our new direct shipping model from the Netherlands as efficient and eco-friendly as possible, we've implemented a £24.99 minimum order. This allows us to optimise shipping and reduce unnecessary packaging, contributing to a greener plant-buying experience.

Will you help me & answer any questions?

Yes! If you have any questions or need help looking after your plants please take a look at our houseplant library. We will be updating this every month with new plant care tips.

When you buy from Root you will receive a care guide full of all the information you need to keep your new plants happy and healthy.

If you need anymore plant help — feel free to visit our house plant shop in Liverpool for a chat, or you can send us a message on Instagram, ping us an email to
care@root-houseplants.com or fill in our contact form.

How are my plants packaged for shipping?

We take great care in packaging your plants to ensure they arrive in excellent condition. We use sturdy boxes, protective wrapping, and specialised plant packaging materials to minimise damage during transit.

What if my plant arrives damaged?

In the rare event that your plant arrives damaged, please contact our customer support team within 2 days of receiving your order. We will gladly assist you with a replacement or refund. Contact care@root-houseplants.com or fill in our contact form.

Can I track my order?

Yes, once your order is shipped, you will receive a tracking number via email that you can use to monitor the progress of your delivery. You'll also receive delivery notifications from your local courier once your parcel is received.

Do you ship outside the UK?

We ship plants to all UK addresses including Northern Ireland. We also ship to European countires including France, Italy, Ireland and Germany.

My order is a present, can I include a gift message?

At the moment we are unable to include a gift message with your order but are working to find a solution ASAP! Sorry for the inconvenience.

What is your return policy for plants?

Due to the perishable nature of plants, we have a limited return policy. Please refer to our return policy page for detailed information on returns and exchanges.

Are there any restrictions on shipping plants?

Some plant species may be subject to shipping restrictions due to local regulations or import/export laws. We comply with all applicable regulations and will notify you if any restrictions apply to your order.