Ficus altissima leaf close-up on white background.

Moraceae

Ficus altissima

Tall fig with large, leathery green leaves and a clean, upright silhouette. As a houseplant it needs bright light, room to grow, and stable watering without waterlogging.

Full guide to Ficus altissima

€250,00

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Ficus altissima at a glance:

Ficus altissima is a tropical evergreen fig with large, glossy, leathery leaves and a clean upright structure that stays much more manageable in a pot than in its native tree form. In nature it can begin as an epiphyte or lithophyte, but indoors it behaves as a strong-growing foliage plant that benefits from space, stable placement, and regular pruning.

Bright indirect light with some gentle sun supports sturdy growth, while watering after the upper layer of soil dries helps avoid the leaf drop and yellowing associated with soggy roots. It prefers a nutrient-rich but draining substrate, warm conditions around 18 – 30 °C, moderate humidity, and should be handled carefully because the milky sap can irritate skin and is toxic to pets.

Ficus altissima

Quick Care Guide

Light

Bright indirect • approx. 10,000–20,000 lux

Water

Water when ~50–70% dry

Substrate

Aerated • Moisture-buffered • Balanced organic + mineral • Medium

Temperature

Ideal: 18–24 °C • Avoid below: 15 °C

Humidity

Moist 50–60 %

Growth habit

tree

Support

not needed

Growth speed

Average

Max size indoors

Max. height: 300 cm • Max. spread: 90 cm

Toxicity & safety

Mildly toxic

Origin & habitat

S. China to Tropical Asia; wet tropical habitat

How to read these metrics

These metrics are standardised reference points. We compile them by reviewing and cross-checking multiple botanical and horticultural references, then refining them through real-world growing experience. Source links: Plant Care Resources.

Please use the values as guidance. Conditions vary by home, so the same plant can respond differently. For plant-specific context, read the full product description and browse our Plant Care Guides.

Light: level + approximate lux at leaf level;
Watering: “% dry” is the trigger before watering again; lower % stays more evenly moist.
Potting mix: one-line profile (structure/drainage • moisture buffer • base • particle size).
Temperature: “Ideal” comfort range; “Avoid below” marks higher stress risk.
Humidity: target bands (Normal/Moist/Humid); consistency usually matters most.

Growth habit: growth form (rosette, trailing, climbing) for placement and training.
Support: needed/optional/none — whether stake, pole, or trellis improves structure and size.
Growth speed: fast/average/slow under decent indoor conditions—expectations, not a promise.
Max size indoors: realistic long-term potential; format differs for climbers vs. trailers.
Toxicity & safety: chemical irritants/toxicity and physical hazards (spines, bristles).
Origin & habitat: native region + typical biome/habitat as context.

Ficus altissima – Majestic Evergreen Fig

Ficus altissima Blume is a large, evergreen fig tree native to southeastern Asia. It often begins life as an epiphyte, growing on other trees – especially palms – before sending down aerial roots that eventually reach the ground. Over time, these roots can encircle and replace the host tree, a characteristic shared with other figs. In some cases, it also grows as a lithophyte, establishing itself on rock walls, buildings, and even bridges. Due to its extensive root system and immense size, it is unsuitable as a street or landscape tree, but when cultivated in a pot, it makes an attractive houseplant.

Foliage and Growth Habit of Ficus altissima

Leaf Shape: Elliptic to ovate, smooth, and glossy.
Color and Texture: Dark green with a leathery texture; some cultivars exhibit variegation.
Growth Habit: In nature, grows into a massive tree, but remains compact when grown indoors.

What You Need to Know About Ficus altissima

Size: Can grow up to 30 meters in the wild; remains smaller in containers.
Natural Habitat: Native to tropical forests of southeastern Asia, often growing as an epiphyte or lithophyte.
Toxicity: Contains a milky sap that may cause irritation and is considered toxic to pets.
Lifecycle: Long-lived, evergreen perennial tree.

Care Guide for Ficus altissima

Light: Prefers bright, indirect light but tolerates some direct sun.
Watering: Water when the top layer of soil dries out; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
Humidity: Prefers moderate to high humidity but adapts well to indoor conditions.
Temperature: Thrives in warm environments between 18 – 30°C; protect from cold drafts.
Soil: Requires well-draining, nutrient-rich soil.
Repotting: Repot every 2 – 3 years or when root-bound.
Fertilizing: Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer every 4 – 6 weeks during the growing season.
Propagation: Easily propagated through stem cuttings in water or soil.

Common Issues and Solutions for Ficus altissima

Leaf Drop: Can result from sudden temperature changes, low humidity, or overwatering.
Yellowing Leaves: Often caused by excessive moisture or poor drainage.
Pests: Susceptible to spider mites, scale, and mealybugs; regularly clean leaves and use neem oil if needed.

Additional Notes on Ficus altissima

Although massive in its natural habitat, Ficus altissima adapts well to container growth indoors. Regular pruning helps maintain its shape, and stable environmental conditions prevent stress-related leaf drop.

Etymology of Ficus altissima

The genus name Ficus comes from Latin, meaning "fig tree," and was officially classified by Linnaeus in 1753. The species name "altissima" refers to its tall growth habit.