The curtain fig (Ficus microcarpa) is a popular choice for landscapes and indoor settings. Also known as Chinese banyan or Indian laurel, it earned its name from its distinctive growth habit: numerous aerial roots descend from its branches, creating a dense, curtain-like appearance.
Distinctive Characteristics of the Curtain Fig
Its most striking feature is its aerial root system. These roots originate from branches, extending downwards to the ground where they thicken and establish, forming a dense, interwoven network. In its native tropical environments, the curtain fig often behaves as a “strangler fig,” germinating on a host tree and sending roots to the ground. These roots can eventually envelop and outcompete the host, allowing the fig to become a freestanding tree.
Beyond its unique root structure, the curtain fig is an evergreen tree with glossy, dark green leaves. The leaves are oval, measuring around 5 centimeters in length. This species displays an upright and dense growth habit, forming a broad and full canopy. While it can reach over 30 meters in the wild, cultivated specimens in gardens range from 5 to 40 feet tall.
Cultivation and Care
Cultivating a curtain fig begins with appropriate light conditions. The plant thrives in full sun to partial shade outdoors, adapting well to bright, indirect light indoors. If placed inside, shield it from excessive direct sunlight, which can cause leaf burn. While it tolerates some shade, prolonged low light might impede growth.
Consistent moisture is important for the curtain fig, but well-drained soil is equally important to prevent root rot. Water the plant when the top layer of soil feels slightly dry. Though established outdoor trees exhibit some drought tolerance, regular watering during dry spells supports optimal health. This species prefers fertile, well-draining soil, ideally with a slightly acidic pH between 6.0 and 6.5. It adapts to various soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay, and thrives in humid environments.
For robust growth, fertilize the curtain fig with a balanced or high-nitrogen fertilizer. During the active growing season (spring to fall), apply a diluted solution monthly. Reduce fertilization to once every six to eight weeks in winter when growth slows. Pruning manages the plant’s shape and size, especially for landscape specimens. Prune in late winter to early spring or late summer to early autumn to remove overgrown or diseased branches and improve air circulation.
Potential Challenges and Management
Despite its adaptability, the curtain fig’s vigorous growth presents certain considerations. Its potential for large size necessitates careful landscape planning. The expansive root system can extend several meters horizontally, often growing close to the soil surface. This shallow, invasive root growth can pose a risk to nearby structures, potentially lifting pavements, cracking sidewalks, and damaging foundations or underground pipes.
To mitigate potential root damage, plant the curtain fig at a sufficient distance from buildings and infrastructure. Root barriers can help direct root growth downwards rather than outwards, especially if installed during initial planting. Root barriers can reduce the number of large surface roots within a radius of 120 centimeters; however, roots may still grow beneath these barriers and return to the surface further away.
The curtain fig is generally resilient to pests and diseases. However, it can occasionally be susceptible to common pests such as scale insects, mealybugs, and thrips. Overwatering is a more common issue, leading to root rot, which manifests as yellowing leaves. Proper watering practices and good soil drainage are the primary defenses against root rot and other moisture-related problems.