Rock Fig

From early on the caudex swells to a handsome size for the pot. It will have you looking every bit like a seasoned bonsai grower. It shoots stems of gorgeous, heart shaped, olive green leaves. Rarely seen and easy to grow.

The swollen stem is used in the wild as a water store. It is endemic to the arid lands of Mexico, where it lives up to its name, its roots forming a network as it clings and wraps around rocks. You could mimic this with Bonsai growth in a pot, manipulating the thick roots to your will. While it will tolerate neglect, it will prosper with a bit of love and care. Good light, warm temperatures and regular watering will have it bigger and better.

There are plenty of options for growing this plants and if you are happy with it on the smaller size, it will happily continue as is without much effort.

In optimal conditions it can grow up to 30cm a year, the caudex increasing at a good pace. Most of the growing happens in the warm weather, when it should be watered and fertilised and placed in a sunny spot this will allow you to get the best out of it. An annual spring prune will keep it compact and encourage a larger caudex. When left to its own devices it will elongate and branch.