This attractive variety forms a dense, rounded canopy of lush, glossy foliage exhibiting light-green juvenile leaves contrasted against dark-green mature leaves. But most people who invoke the word âFICUS" I think mean big fig trees of Rainforest or Limestone country origin. Ficus retusa nitida - Indian Laurel Fig. Ficus microcarpa nitida are not quite pest-free either. The Ficus nitida (Indian Laurel) trees are extremely hardy trees. Place this giant carefully if your yard contains a swimming pool. As mentioned in that column, the property includes a large Ficus nitida hedge that rises to about 40 feet tall and in some places is 20 feet wide. Can be a very dense hedge. Hi, I need to find a substitute for Ficus Nitida since my perception is this tree has large roots. Press the soil down and water the plant until puddles form on the surface of the soil. 0. With regular applications of our Moon Dust fertilizer you too can keep your tree healthy and growing strong. The Ficus nitida (Indian Laurel) trees are extremely hardy trees. If you want your new or existing trees to look as good and green as the day you brought them home, you need to be sure and feed them regularly. Ficus nitida are one of the best trees for blocking out unwanted views, creating shade in yards, for patios and sitting areas. Easy to grow and care for, these trees can be planted in nearly any landscape style. Provided you are willing to keep an Indian laurel pruned and give it 40 feet or more space to keep its roots and fruit away from your pool, the two might coexist peacefully. The leaves are small, dark green and oval-shaped. If you are using flood irrigation technique with a hose. It needs lots of space for its extensive root system which tends to surface near the trunk, extending out under the canopy. Is there a similar tree that has less invasive roots? If you do take on the task of pruning your trees be sure you have the proper equipment and safety gear. Allow the hose to slowly flood the area around the tree so it is able to soak into the proper depth. Ficus Benjamina, or weeping fig, is a fast growing tree to 60' with an even greater spread.It needs lots of space for its extensive root system which tends to surface near the trunk, extending out under the canopy. The tree is known for vine-like surface roots that can smother neighboring plants and crack through concrete sidewalks and building slabs, as well as deeper roots that invade plumbing pipes and septic tanks. Ficus Nitida Root System - Knowledgebase Question. Houseplant care: If grown in large pots the Ficus microcarpa will grow rapidly, if kept in small pots ⦠If your plant's root system is too large, you can also cut back up to 20% of the root system. Roots will continue to swell as the plat gets older and with some training can be grown into amazing Bonsai. Ficus Nitida does have a rather extensive root system; Cinnamomum camphora (Camphor) tree is a good replacement, as is Coral Gum. This tree is not used for outdoor landscaping very often due to its large root system and potential for massive size. Synonyms Usually they are pruned off. You are correct that Ficus (Ficus nitida) is considered to have an agressive root system. Ficus are great because they can be trimmed and shaped in many different ways. These aerial root systems take years to grow, but over time they develop fascinating, primordial shapes. Stamp out all air pockets to avoid root rot. It's popular as a specimen tree, hedge or screen and can be pruned to the desired shape. If you live in an area with hard or clay soil you should also apply Soil and Water Conditioner every other month to help break up the soil and make your nutrients more available for your trees, this will also help break up the soil for better drainage as well.