Indoor Plants
Outdoor Plants
Council Tree (Ficus Altissima)
An evergreen fig with big, glossy, leathery leaves that forms a dense crown and wide shade in large spaces.
- Light: Sun or part shade
- Water: Moderate water
- Temperature: Loves heat, hates frost
Description
The council tree (Ficus altissima) is an evergreen fig with large, oval, glossy bright-green leaves. It grows vigorously into a huge shade tree with a wide crown, and suits large spaces only.
Why a council tree?
- Big glossy leaves with a lush tropical look.
- Evergreen, with dense shade all year.
- Vigorous growth in hot climates.
Where to plant it
Very large gardens, open courtyards and farms only. It is a huge tree with spreading roots, so plant it far from buildings, walls, pools and pipes – it does not suit small home gardens.
Care in the Saudi climate
- Light: direct sun to part shade.
- Water: moderate – water when the topsoil is dry.
- Soil: well-drained; add agricultural soil and fertilizer at planting.
- Roots: strong and wide-spreading – keep well clear of buildings and utilities.
- Cold: does not tolerate frost.
- Pets: ficus trees are toxic to cats and dogs according to the ASPCA.
Sizes
- 1.0–1.5 m: Young tree.
- 2.0–2.5 m (trunk about 1–1.25 in): Bigger tree, 1–1.25 in trunk.
Three things to get right.
Lighting
Grows in direct sun or part shade.
Watering
Water when the topsoil is dry, more deeply in summer.
Temperature & humidity
A tropical tree that loves Jeddah and Riyadh heat but not frost.
More trees.Pairs well with
Not small ones. It becomes a huge tree with spreading roots and suits very large spaces.
They can. The roots are strong and wide, so plant it far from buildings, walls, pools and pipes.
No. The ASPCA lists ficus as toxic to dogs and cats, and its white sap can irritate skin.
The 1.0–1.5 m is a young tree that grows on in place; the 2.0–2.5 m is bigger, with a trunk about 1–1.25 inches thick.
There is no planting option on this product right now; contact us if you need planting.