Native to the tropical forest regions of Africa, the African fig is actually a member of the mulberry family. Often found on the banks of rivers or swamp lands, this plant prefers slightly moist soil and bright indirect light - but it’s much more tolerant to low light conditions than other ficus plants. 

The African fig has large, leathery deep green leaves, so keep them glossy by gently wiping away dust. Be careful when handling the leaves, the sticky latex in the sap is poisonous and you should avoid this plant if you have a latex allergy. In the right conditions, the African fig is a fast-grower and you easily train it to grow taller or bushier with a little pruning. In the wild, they can grow up to 8 metres tall, but at home your African fig will need some extra support if you want it to grow upwards.

Undemanding and pretty hardy, the African fig has simple needs. They’re not fussed about lots of humidity, but will benefit from an occasional misting. Keep your African fig away from cold draughts, and though they prefer to be on the warmer side - if you’re a comfortable temperature, they will be too. If you notice your African fig is dropping a few leaves, this could be caused by a lack of light or the wrong watering schedule. Find a brighter spot and only water when the soil becomes slightly dry on top, they’ll soon bounce back.

Did you know?

In the wild, the African fig produces fruit that can float. In Kenya, this fruit is known as ‘the river’s gift.