The Dinner Plate Fig
With large pleated leaves the size of dinner plate and indeed much larger, Ficus dammaropsis is one of the best foliage plants available.
From the Highlands of New Guinea it grows at altitudes of around 700 to 2000 metres. Foliage is a good deep green with new foliage emerging with a bronze tinge to it. Although this is a tropical species it will grow well cooler climates, and outdoors in cooler climates.
Description
Evergreen and reaching up to 10m in height, the large textured foliage makes some of the smaller ficus species that are popular as indoor plants pale in comparison.
The leaves were used in cooking, particularly wrapping meat such a pigs for cooking in traditional unground fire pits.
The leaves emerge covered by a stipule, this is a plant that is difficult to grow from seed outside of the natural environment, as pollination is by a very specific wasp only found in New Guinea they do not produce seeds
How to grow Ficus dammaropsis – Basic Care
Although Ficus dammaropsis is said to grow well in full sun, it may suffer a little leaf burn on very hot days.
From our observation, afternoon shade to dappled shade is best. Like most ficus species, a humus rich soil that retains some moisture is best.
Ficus dammaropsis will cope with dry spells once established, however it will perform better with moisture through summer.
Landscaping Uses
You can grow Ficus dammaropsis in a container, although it will need to be pruned after a while as it will outgrow all but the largest pots. Start it of in a container surrounded by other plants that require a little shade. It will give a tropical look to any patio or courtyard and provide shade for smaller plants.
It will also grow well in protected position in the garden where the large foliage pleated foliage adds texture and the plant itself is a focal point.
Propagation
It is rare in cultivation as it is a little difficult to propagate from cuttings. Seeds are difficult to find as a specific wasp is the pollinator and this is only found in the plants natural habitat.
Perhaps the most successful method of propagation is by arial layering. This is slow but does seem to work.
Even with the propagation problems Ficus dammaropsis is available and we think it would make an excellent indoor plant with proper care.
Top Tips
- Well drained soil that retains some moisture.
- Full sun in cooler areas, to afternoon shade in areas with hot summers.
- Keep moist through summer.
- Mulch around the plant to maintain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Fertilise regularly with a liquid seaweed fertiliser, and a general purpose slow release fertiliser in spring.
Summary Description
- Botanical Name: Ficus dammaropsis
- Common Names; Dinner Plate Fig.
- Origins: New Guinea in Highland areas.
- Position; Light shade
- Soil: humus rich moist with good drainage
- Height: To 10m (30ft)
- Spread: To 5m (15ft)
- Foliage Large pleated leaves, evergreen.
- Flowers: Insignificant
- Frost tolerant: No
- Drought tolerant: No
More Resources
Ficus dammaropsis is available for sale from the following nurseries
No Suppliers Listed at present – Contact Us for further information
