Sycamore (Ficus sycomoro) cultivation and care tips

It bears a certain resemblance to the fig tree we all know ( Ficus carica ) although it has many distinctive features. It is known as sycamore or African fig ( Ficus sycomoro  and is also the genus of fig trees and the Moraceae family. Also, it has a very complete history dating back to ancient Egypt. We say no more, click on “Read more” and get to know her!

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE SYCAMORE ( FICUS SYCOMORO ) OR AFRICAN FIG TREE

On many occasions the sycamore is also known as Acer pseudoplatanus . It is a mistake of popular wisdom when naming plants, since this tree is known as Sycamore Maple and not only as Sycamore.

That said and returning to the subject of the real sycamore we have to tell you that its origin is Egyptian, that is, it is an African tree . We can find it in several countries of that continent with a similar climate and even in some Middle Eastern countries such as Lebanon.

The sycamore is a tree that generates a lot of shade , since it reaches more than 10 meters in height easily, and has a great density of leaves. That is why many countries with a warm climate cultivate it ornamentally to generate shady areas, as you will see in the impressive photo at the end of the article.

CULTIVATION AND TIPS FOR ITS MAINTENANCE

CLIMATE IN SYCAMORE CULTIVATION

Ficus sycomoro  is used to developing in climates where high temperatures are reached in summer. It is therefore that it can grow in dry environments. It tolerates a wide range of temperatures, although they prefer high to low temperatures, since at a certain temperature, it is sensitive to cold , especially when it is a young specimen.

SOIL CHARACTERISTICS

Like its genus partner and similar name, the common fig tree , the sycamore is able to adapt to a wide variety of soils, both poor and rich. It is true that the results of its growth are much better in soils with good conditions of drainage , humidity and texture, especially if the latter is sandy .

IRRIGATION AND SUBSCRIBER

In summer, when the temperature is high, they like not widely spaced irrigations that allow for a humid soil . Having water in summer will mean that the sycamore continues to develop and does not stop its growth. In winter the opposite.

From completely cutting off the irrigation if we live in an area where some precipitation falls from time to time, to doing irrigations spaced in more than 15 days if we live in a climate with almost no rainfall. However, the sycamore, like many Ficus,  develop powerful roots to find water where other species could not.

As for the subscriber, as we have said, it can grow with not very fertile soil conditions, that is, it is not very demanding. However, you will notice a much more vigorous development of the tree if it grows in a soil with good fertilizer conditions .

In the spring and summer season, you can make successive fertilizers with manure or compost (contributions of 8 to 10 kg per tree) that will last until the hibernation season. With this amount it must be enough.

SYCAMORE MULTIPLICATION

The most common way of multiplying sycamore is through cuttings. We start from a young branch of 10-15 cm which we will leave with a few upper leaves (the lower ones we remove). We introduce this branch in a pot, a mixture of sand and fertilizer and we will water it periodically, keeping the humidity levels stable.

All this with an average temperature of 20 ºC. We can also use rooting gels to facilitate cutting.

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