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Ficus villosa, commonly known as the shaggy-leaf fig or villous fig, is a captivating and unique climbing plant native to Southeast Asia. It's highly sought after for its distinctive, velvety leaves that emerge with a reddish-bronze hue and mature to a deep green. The name "villosa" refers to the soft, fine hairs that cover its leaves and stems, giving it a shaggy appearance. It is an excellent choice for terrariums and vivariums due to its love for high humidity and its climbing habit.
Here is a guide to caring for your Ficus villosa:
Light
Bright, indirect light is best. As a plant that grows on the forest floor, it is adapted to receiving filtered, dappled sunlight.
Partial shade is also tolerated. While it can handle some shade, too little light may cause slow growth.
Avoid direct sun. The delicate, hairy leaves will scorch easily in direct sunlight.
Watering and Humidity
High humidity is crucial. Ficus villosa thrives in humidity levels of 70% or higher. For this reason, it is often grown in enclosed environments like terrariums or plant cabinets.
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Allow the top layer of soil to dry slightly before watering again.
Good drainage is essential to prevent root rot.
Avoid getting water on the leaves for extended periods, as this can lead to fungal or bacterial infections. Misting is generally not recommended for this plant unless you can ensure good air circulation.
Soil
Use a well-aerated, organic, and well-draining potting mix.
A good blend might include a mix of peat-free compost, coco coir, perlite, and fine orchid bark.
The soil should be slightly acidic, with a pH of 6-6.5.
Temperature
Ficus villosa prefers warm, stable temperatures between 65-80°F (18-27°C).
Protect the plant from cold drafts and sudden temperature fluctuations.
Fertilizer
During the growing season (spring and summer), feed the plant with a diluted liquid fertilizer at half-strength every 4-6 weeks.
Reduce or stop fertilizing during the fall and winter months.
Propagation
This plant can be propagated by stem cuttings.
To increase your chances of success, root the cuttings in a moist substrate like sphagnum moss and maintain high humidity.
Other Tips
Climbing habit: Ficus villosa is a climbing vine that will attach itself to rough surfaces like driftwood, cork bark, or a moss pole using its aerial roots. Providing a support structure will encourage a more natural and vigorous growth habit.
Slow growth: It is a slow-growing species, so be patient with its development.
Toxicity: Like other Ficus species, the sap of Ficus villosa can be a mild skin irritant and is considered toxic if ingested, so it's best to keep it out of reach of pets and children.
