PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun exposure for optimal fruit production; tolerates partial shade but reduces fruiting yield
Watering
Water deeply when the top 5–7 cm of soil dries out; avoid waterlogging to prevent root rot
Temperature
Hardy to -12°C; requires cool winter dormancy to support spring fruiting
Characteristics
- Leaf: Large, palmate, deeply lobed leaves with rough, fuzzy upper surfaces
- Fruit: Inverted pear-shaped figs, green when unripe, ripening to deep purple-brown
- Stem: Woody, gray-brown branches with smooth, light bark on young growth
Care Guide
Watering
Water deeply 1–2 times weekly during fruiting to maintain consistent soil moisture
Fertilization
Apply balanced slow-release fertilizer once at bud break. Avoid over-fertilizing to prevent excessive foliage growth at the expense of fruiting
Eggshell powder topdress：Crush dried eggshells into fine powder; sprinkle 1–2 tbsp around the base every 3 months to boost calcium levels and reduce blossom end rot riskPruning
- Prune dormant branches in late winter to remove dead wood and shape the plant
- Thin overcrowded branches to improve air circulation and sunlight penetration for fruiting
- Remove suckers from the base to direct energy to main fruiting branches
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: Non-toxic to cats; no reported adverse effects
Humans: No known toxic effects from ingestion of ripe fruit or foliage
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: Symbolizes abundance and hospitality in Mediterranean cultural traditions
Usage: Edible fruit production, ornamental landscape shrub, container garden specimen
