Quick answer: Lofty Fig seeds are slow, taking 15–90 days. Surface-sow them on very wet, light mix, keep them under a dome at 75–85°F in bright indirect light, and only open about once a week.

Learning how to grow from seed? Head over to our planting guide!

Ficus Altissima 'Lofty Fig' Seeds - Plantflix

details

Difficulty Intermediate
Germination 15–90 days
Temperature 75–85°F
Depth Surface sow
Seed prep (none needed!)
Method Greenhouse
Time to maturity 6–12 months
Light Bright Indirect / Grow Lights
Pet-friendly No
ficus seeds

instructions

  1. Wet the mix. Moisten a light, well-draining medium such as coconut fiber until it's very wet.
  2. Surface-sow. Sprinkle 2–3 seeds per soil pod or 2–4" pot on top of the mix. Don't bury them; they need light.
  3. Dome on and warm. Cover with a humidity dome, keep at 75–85°F (a seedling heat mat is ideal) in bright indirect light.
  4. Leave it alone. Open once a week to mist so the surface stays consistently moist.
  5. Be patient. Sprouts are tiny at first and can take up to 90 days.
Ficus Benghalensis 'Ficus Audrey' Seeds - Plantflix

things to know

  • Same steps for all three: Ficus altissima, Ficus benghalensis 'Audrey' and Ficus ingens grow from seed the same way.
  • [Ficus altissima (lofty fig)](/products/ficus-altissima-lofty-fig-seeds): glossy, bright green leaves with yellow-green veins. Grows into a tall, tree-like plant.
  • [Ficus Audrey (Ficus benghalensis)](/products/ficus-benghalensis-ficus-audrey-seeds): velvety, oval leaves with pale veins. A popular fiddle-leaf alternative.
  • [Red Leaf Ficus (Ficus ingens)](/products/ficus-ingens-red-leaf-ficus-seeds): new leaves flush red-bronze before turning green.
  • Tiny seeds: they're dust-like, so mist instead of pouring water to avoid washing them away.
  • Patience is part of it: ficus seeds are slow and uneven.
  • Pick a planter that holds moisture: plastic, rice hull or ceramic, with a dome. Skip terra cotta, peat pots, coco coir pots and egg cartons. They wick water away from the seed.
  • New to seeds? Start with our seed prep guide and planting guide.
grow your own!

plant care tips

  • Light: bright indirect light or a grow light.
  • Water: let the top of the soil dry slightly between waterings once established.
  • Feeding: every couple of weeks in the growing season.
  • Repotting: move up one pot size when roots circle the pot.
  • Pests: watch for scale, mealybugs and spider mites.
try them out!

faqs

Why is it so slow?

Ficus seeds can take up to 90 days, so patience is part of the process.

Does it need a heat mat?

It isn't required, but it's ideal.

Should I cover the seeds?

No. Surface-sow them; they need light to germinate.

Is Lofty Fig pet-safe?

No. Ficus sap is irritating to pets.

these are key aspects of your setup

check your setup!

  • 💡light: is your setup away from direct sun? these seeds should stay in indirect or filtered light, or better yet, under grow lights.
  • 💧moisture: does the soil feel very moist to the touch?
  • 🌡️temperature: is the setup away from direct sun, open windows, or heat vents? make sure it stays consistently between 70F-90F (use a heat mat if the temperature falls under 70F)
  • ☁️humidity: do you see condensation on the humidity dome? if not, make sure the dome is fully sealed, the setup is warm enough, and there's enough moisture in the soil.
  • 💚care: leave the dome on and only open it once a week to add water.
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