Commonly known as: Giant Ficus Moclame Bush | Indian Laurel Fig
Botanical name:Â Ficus Moclame
The Giant Ficus Moclame Bush has been grown for density, with a mass of established stems and glossy green foliage creating a beautifully thick canopy from top to bottom.
At approximately 1m tall in a 35cm pot, this is a substantial plant. What really makes it stand out, though, is just how much plant you are getting in that pot. The numerous stems and closely packed foliage give it a mature, established look immediately.
Ficus Moclame has naturally smaller, rounded leaves than many larger-leaved Ficus, which allows the canopy to become incredibly dense. As fresh growth continues to develop, regular pruning can keep that rounded, bushy shape while encouraging even more branching.
Like all Ficus, good light makes an enormous difference.
Place it close to a large window where it receives plenty of natural light. Once acclimatised, it can also handle some direct sun. Strong light helps keep growth compact, maintains a dense canopy and encourages the plant to keep producing fresh leaves.
Keep watering consistent, feed it regularly during active growth and give the foliage an occasional hose-down. With a plant this full, good airflow and keeping the inner canopy clean are particularly worthwhile.
Giant Ficus Moclame Bush Care Guide
Water – How often should I water my Giant Ficus Moclame?
Water thoroughly once the upper section of the growing medium starts to dry, then allow the excess water to drain freely.
Because this is a large, very full plant in a 35cm pot, don’t judge watering by the surface alone. Push your finger deeper into the growing medium and check that it has actually started drying before watering again.
Ficus prefer consistency. Avoid allowing the entire root ball to remain bone dry for extended periods.
Light – Where should I place my Giant Ficus Moclame?
Give it loads of natural light.
A position close to a large window is ideal. Once the plant has gradually acclimatised, a few hours of direct sun can be very beneficial.
Strong light is particularly important for maintaining the dense growth on a bush this full. A dark position can quickly lead to weaker growth and thinning foliage.
Humidity – Does Ficus Moclame need high humidity?
Normal household humidity is generally perfectly suitable.
With such dense foliage, airflow is more important. Fresh air moving through the canopy helps keep the leaves healthy and makes conditions less favourable for pests.
If practical, take the plant outside occasionally and give it a thorough hose-down. This removes dust from the foliage and helps discourage spider mites.
Soil – What growing medium should I use?
Use a growing medium that drains well while still retaining enough moisture for steady hydration.
I recommend Milled Bark Growing Medium. Perlite can also be added to increase drainage and airflow through the root zone.
Avoid heavy, compacted growing media that remain waterlogged.
Feeding – Does my Giant Ficus Moclame need fertiliser?
Yes. A plant carrying this much foliage benefits enormously from regular nutrition.
Controlled Release Fertiliser provides balanced, consistent feeding over time and is a very convenient option for a large container.
If you want to push strong, active growth, Novatec Soluble Fertiliser is an excellent choice.
Repotting – When should I repot my Giant Ficus Moclame?
Don’t rush to repot it simply because it is a large plant.
AÂ 35cm pot already provides a substantial root volume, so wait until the root system has genuinely filled the container before moving it up.
When the time eventually comes, move up by one sensible pot size rather than placing it into an unnecessarily oversized container.
Pests – What should I keep an eye out for?
Spider mites, scale and mealybugs are the main pests to watch for.
Because this plant has such a dense canopy, make a point of checking inside the foliage as well as underneath the leaves. Pests can establish themselves in sheltered areas before becoming obvious from the outside.
Regular hosing is one of the easiest ways to keep the foliage clean and spot problems early.
Temperature – What temperatures does Ficus Moclame prefer?
Warm household temperatures suit it very well.
Protect it from cold drafts and sudden drops in temperature during winter. As temperatures and light levels decrease, growth will slow and the plant will usually use water more slowly too.
FAQ’s
Q: Why is the Giant Ficus Moclame so bushy?
It has a large number of established stems growing together, with regular branching creating a particularly dense canopy.
Q: Can I prune my Giant Ficus Moclame?
Yes. In fact, light pruning is one of the best ways to maintain its thick shape. Trim back longer shoots to encourage branching further into the canopy.
Q: Why is my Ficus Moclame dropping leaves?
Check the light first. Move the plant closer to a large bright window and keep the watering consistent rather than automatically increasing it. If leaf drop continues, a few days outdoors in bright protected conditions together with a thorough hose-down can help get it actively growing again.
Q: Can Ficus Moclame take direct sunlight?
Yes, once properly acclimatised. Introduce stronger sunlight gradually rather than moving it straight from protected indoor conditions into harsh sun.
Q: How big can Ficus Moclame eventually grow?
Given enough light, root room and regular feeding, it can develop into a substantial indoor tree. Pruning allows you to control its height and maintain the fuller bush shape.
Q: Is Ficus Moclame pet safe?
No. Like other Ficus, it produces a milky latex sap that can irritate the mouth and skin if chewed or handled excessively.
Be sure to visit and follow us Facebook and Instagram
