Ficus microcarpa 'Green Island', commonly known as Green Island Ficus or Chinese Banyan, is a versatile evergreen tree prized for its dense, glossy foliage and compact growth habit. This cultivar, belonging to the Moraceae family, is valued for its ornamental appeal and low-maintenance nature, making it a popular choice for Australian gardens, landscapes, and indoor settings.

Height and Width

• Height: Typically grows to a height of 1.5 to 2.5 meters when grown indoors, but can reach greater heights in optimal outdoor conditions.
• Width: Spreads out to a width of about 1 to 1.5 meters, with a relatively compact growth habit.

Soil Type

• Soil Preference: 'Green Island' prefers well-drained, fertile soil with a loamy or sandy texture. It can tolerate a range of soil pH levels, from slightly acidic to slightly alkaline, but performs best in soil that is rich in organic matter.

Plant Description

• Foliage: The tree features small, ovate leaves that are glossy dark green in color, with a smooth texture and prominent veins. The foliage forms a dense canopy with overlapping leaves, creating a lush and vibrant appearance.
• Growth Habit: 'Green Island' has a compact, bushy growth habit with dense branching and a rounded or oval shape. It typically forms a single trunk with dense foliage, providing a dense and attractive accent in garden beds, borders, and containers.

Flower Description

• Flowers: While Green Island Ficus may produce small, inconspicuous flowers in optimal outdoor conditions, it is primarily grown for its ornamental foliage rather than its flowers. The flowers are typically not a significant feature of the plant's ornamental appeal.

Cultivation and Care

• Watering: Provide regular watering to keep the soil evenly moist during the growing season, but allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. Reduce watering in winter when growth slows down.
• Sunlight: 'Green Island' prefers bright, indirect light when grown indoors, as direct sunlight can scorch the delicate foliage. Outdoors, it thrives in partial shade to full sun, depending on the climate and local conditions.
• Temperature: Green Island Ficus is well-suited to the Australian climate and can tolerate a range of temperatures, but it may suffer damage from frost or extreme heat. Protect the plant from temperature extremes and provide shelter during cold snaps or heatwaves.
• Pruning: Prune as needed to maintain shape, remove dead or diseased branches, and control size. 'Green Island' responds well to pruning and can be shaped into a more compact form or maintained as a standard or topiary specimen.
• Fertilising: Apply a balanced, water-soluble fertiliser formulated for indoor plants or ornamental trees every 4 to 6 weeks during the growing season to promote healthy growth and foliage coloration.

Additional Notes

• Pests and Diseases: Green Island Ficus is relatively resistant to pests and diseases but may be susceptible to issues such as scale insects, spider mites, and fungal leaf spot in humid conditions. Monitor regularly and treat promptly if pests or diseases are detected.
• Uses: Ideal for use as a focal point or specimen tree in gardens, landscapes, and indoor settings. 'Green Island' adds year-round beauty with its dense foliage and compact growth habit, making it a versatile and popular choice for adding visual interest and sophistication to a wide range of outdoor and indoor spaces.

Ficus microcarpa 'Green Island' is a versatile and attractive tree that adds beauty and elegance to Australian gardens, landscapes, and indoor environments. With its dense foliage, glossy leaves, and low-maintenance nature, it is an excellent choice for adding visual interest and sophistication to a wide range of outdoor and indoor settings.

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