Ficus microcarpa 'Long Island' is a compact, bushy cultivar of the curtain fig with dense, small, glossy dark-green leaves on a sturdy upright frame. Naturally tidy and quick to bush out, it is widely used for indoor topiary, braided-trunk standards, screens and low hedges. More forgiving than many ficus, it handles a range of light levels and bounces back from trimming, making it a dependable, low-maintenance choice. Its lush, fine-textured foliage purifies indoor air and lends a polished, formal look to homes, lobbies and balconies across India's warm regions.
Specifications
| Family |
Moraceae |
| Native region |
Asia (cultivated form) |
| Mature height |
Indoors 0.6-2 m; larger outdoors |
| Mature spread |
0.5-1 m potted |
| Growth rate |
Moderate to fast |
| Foliage |
Small dense glossy dark-green leaves |
| Flower colour |
Inconspicuous; rarely flowers |
| Flower season |
Rarely indoors |
| Climate zone |
Tropical and subtropical |
Care guide
| Sunlight |
Bright indirect light; tolerates some sun |
| Watering |
Water when top few cm of soil dries |
| Soil / mix |
Well-draining loamy potting mix |
| Temperature |
16-34°C; protect from cold |
| Humidity |
Moderate; mist in dry air |
| Fertilizer |
Balanced feed monthly in season |
| Pruning |
Trims well; ideal for topiary and hedging |
| Repotting |
Every 2 years in spring |
| Propagation |
Stem cuttings or air-layering |
| Pests & problems |
Scale, mealybugs, spider mites |
| Toxicity / safety |
Mildly toxic; sap irritates skin/pets |
| Difficulty |
Easy |
Uses
Used for indoor topiary, braided standards, screens and hedges, and as a low-maintenance bushy houseplant for homes and offices.
Growing tips
In India grow it in bright light and trim regularly to keep its dense form; reduce watering in the monsoon and protect from cold draughts in winter.