Description
Ficus obliqua, commonly known as the small-leaved fig, Australian banyan, or banyan fig, is a large evergreen tree in the Moraceae family, native to Australia, Papua New Guinea, and parts of the Pacific. It can grow up to 15 to 30 meters tall, with a broad, spreading canopy and characteristic aerial roots that develop into additional trunks over time, creating the impressive “banyan” form.
The tree produces small yellow to purple figs that serve as an important food source for birds, bats, and other wildlife. Due to its size and vigorous growth, Ficus obliqua is best suited for large landscapes, parks, and natural plantings, where it provides excellent shade, habitat, and ecological value. In tropical and subtropical climates, it is a striking and resilient feature tree.
Germination Guide
🌍 Eastern Australia, New Guinea, eastern Indonesia to Sulawesi and southwestern Pacific islands
Moderate
Ficus obliqua, commonly known as the small-leaved fig, is a banyan tree native to eastern Australia, New Guinea, and southwestern Pacific islands that begins life as an epiphyte. Germination is slow and sporadic, often taking several weeks to a few months, requiring consistent warm conditions and high humidity to achieve success.
Germination
Germination time
Expect germination in
11 – 90 days
Temperature
Min 20°C
Ideal 25°C
Max 30°C
Substrate moisture
💧💧 High
Seed Pre-treatment
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Soaking — 12 hours
Soak seeds for 12-24 hours in room temperature water, or use hot water treatment (65°C/150°F for 10 minutes) to break dormancy. Alternative: diluted bleach and vinegar solution or gibberellic acid (GA³) for 24 hours
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📋
Additional notes
Hot water soak or bleach/vinegar solution recommended to improve germination rates
Substrate & Container
Recommended substrate
Well-draining, fine-textured seed-raising mix or peat moss, light and porous
Recommended container
Plastic container or tray with transparent cover or plastic wrap to maintain humidity
Growing Tips
Sow seeds on the soil surface and gently press for good contact; do not cover completely as seeds require light to germinate. Maintain consistently moist substrate by misting. Cover container with clear plastic or glass to maintain 80-90% humidity and temperature of 25°C (77°F). Open cover daily for air exchange and check for mold. Provide bright, indirect light; avoid direct sun. Gradually acclimate seedlings to open air over 1-2 weeks once germination begins. Transplant when seedlings have 2-4 true leaves into individual pots. Keep young seedlings in partial shade initially.
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