Ficus petiolaris

🌿 Ficus petiolaris – The Mexican Rock Fig

Category: Caudiciform Tree / Bonsai-Style Plant
Origin: Mexico
Delivery: Ships bare root with care instructions

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Description:

Ficus petiolaris, also known as the Mexican Rock Fig, is a beautiful and unusual caudiciform fig that naturally grows over rocky cliffs in Mexico. It develops a thick, rounded caudex (fat trunk) that stores water — making it drought-resistant and visually striking, like a living sculpture.

Its most eye-catching feature is the contrasting red or pink veins that run across its soft, heart-shaped green leaves. Over time, it can be trained as a bonsai-style tree, or grown in shallow pots to showcase its swollen base.

This is a favourite among bonsai enthusiasts and caudex collectors, perfect for both indoor and balcony displays.

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🌟 Key Features:

✔️ Fat, swollen caudex — excellent for bonsai styling
✔️ Beautiful veined leaves with red/pink midribs
✔️ Easy to grow and shape
✔️ Drought-tolerant once established
✔️ Highly collectible and long-lived

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🪴 Care Guide (Adapted for Indian Climate):

• ☀️ Light:
  Bright indirect light to partial sun. Can handle morning sun or filtered terrace light. Protect from strong afternoon heat in hot Indian summers.

• 💧 Watering:

  • Growing Season (Spring to Autumn – March to October): Water thoroughly when topsoil dries out

  • Dormant Season (Winter – November to February): Reduce watering; plant may drop some leaves but remains semi-active in most Indian regions

• 🌡️ Temperature:
  Thrives in 15°C–35°C. Tolerates dry heat well. Protect from cold drafts below 10°C.

• 🌱 Soil Mix:
  Use a fast-draining mix: cactus soil + coarse sand + compost (just a little). Ensure drainage holes to avoid root rot.

• Active Growth: March to October – caudex expands, leaf flush, strong growth
  Note: In most parts of India, it doesn’t go completely dormant but slows down in cooler months.

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🪴 Potting Tips:

Use a wide, shallow pot to highlight the caudex. Allow surface roots to develop naturally for a bonsai-like look. Repot only when rootbound.

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📦 Shipping & Packaging:

• Ships bare root (no soil) to avoid damage

• Carefully packed with protection for caudex and foliage