Ficus altissima 'Yellow Gem'

Ficus altissima ‘Yellow Gem’

Overview

Uses: Houseplant, Indoor Tree, Patio Plant, Patio Tree, Outdoor Tropical Tree

Benefits: Gorgeous, evergreen, variegated foliage! Low-maintenance! Air purifier, helps to remove dangerous toxins (such as VOCs) from the air! 

USDA Hardiness Zones: 10 - 12

Sun: Full sun to partial shade. (bright indirect is best when growing indoors)

Life Cycle: Perennial 

Mature Height: 7' - 10' (outdoor grown trees may grow much taller)

Mature Width: 9' - 12' (outdoor grown trees may grow much wider)

Summary

Ficus altissima ‘Yellow Gem’—often referred to as the Variegated Council Tree, and the Variegated Rubber Tree—is a tropical tree that's quickly becoming quite popular as a houseplant (and for good reason)! 

Easy to care for and absolutely gorgeous, Ficus altissima 'Yellow Gem' offers dark green foliage and striking creamy, chartreuse-yellow variegation. Each lush leaf is truly a unique work of art! With its adaptable growth habit and easy-care nature, this plant is a show-stopper.

Quite similar, yet easier to grow than the more popular Fiddle Leaf Fig, Ficus altissima is an excellent large houseplant that's typically showcased as a floor plant due to its size and tree-like growth habit. 'Yellow Gem' is also phenomenal for use as a patio plant! 

In addition to providing year-round beauty, Ficus altissima ‘Yellow Gem’ is known to purify the air of a variety of toxins such as benzene, formaldehyde and toluene.

Care

Ficus altissima Care

Ficus altissima 'Yellow Gem' is typically grown as a houseplant. It also does great as a patio plant or outdoor tropical. It should not be exposed to temperatures below 50°F for any prolonged period of time. 

Ficus altissima is known to tolerate full sun, but often does best with bright, indirect light or an area that is partially shaded (with the shade blocking strong afternoon sun). 

Fertilize as required, especially if planted in poor soil. Potted plants should be given regular fertilizations between the months of April and September. Winter fertilizations may be given, but should not be as strong.  Our slow release plant food is a good fertilizer option. 

Keep its soil moist, but not wet. Irrigate during establishment, and during periods of drought. 

Does best in temperatures between 60°F and 90°F.

Size

Size of Ficus altissima for Sale Online

The Ficus altissima 'Yellow Gem' that we sell online will ship in a greenhouse grade grow pot. Each plant will be appropriately sized for its pot. Please contact us with any specific questions.

Size of Ficus altissima When Fully Grown

Ficus altissima 'Yellow Gem' typically grows to a mature height of 7'-10' and a width of 9-12' when grown indoors or as a patio plant. Those planted outdoors in appropriate tropical climates may grow to be significantly larger! 

Additional Information

Common Names of Ficus altissima 'Yellow Gem'

• Variegated Council Tree

• Variegated Rubber Tree

Toxicity and Risks of Ficus altissima

Ficus altissima 'Yellow Gem'is considered to be mildly toxic to both people and to pets.

Vomiting, diarrhea, excessive salivation, abdominal pain, etc. can occur after the ingestion of this plant's sap—which contains the toxic enzymes ficin and ficusin.

Allergic dermatitis (skin inflammation) and swelling of the skin can occur after repeated skin exposure to this sap.