Mistletoe Fig

Other common names: Mistletoe Rubber Plant, Rusty-leafed Bush Fig, Mas Cotek, Serapat Angin, Telinga Beruk, 金钱榕

Mistletoe figs are a small, hardy free-fruiting shrub that is commonly seen in rewilding areas, nature parks, in roadside gardens, and biodiversity-attracting gardens. The fruits are attractive to birds and small mammals. This plant is also native to Singapore and is naturally found growing along scrub and areas with sandy soil.

A perennial shrub, mistletoe figs are useful as biodiversity-attracting plants and perimeter plants to add a pop of colour to any garden. They are also highly drought resistant and will do well in exposed gardens such as those on rooftops.

Sun and soil needs:

This plant thrives in 4-8 hours of direct sunlight, and can also grow in at least 6 hours of indirect sunlight, but at a slower pace. Plants do best in pots with sandy soil at least 10cm deep, or in true ground. These plants are vulnerable to root rot, so ensure that your soil has plenty of inorganic soil amendments to let the roots breathe.

Growing:

Mistletoe figs are steady growers and generally does not need fertilizing. The shrub can grow up to 7m in height and will need to be pruned regularly. Regular pruning to promote airflow will keep the plant healthy and neat.

Propagation:

Mistletoe figs can be grown from stem cuttings rooted in soil.

Common problems & solutions:

This plant is relatively resistant to pests and disease if kept healthy.

Mealy bugs, scale insects, and spider mites often infest the plant if it has underlying problems like waterlogging. Mechanical pest control methods like pruning the infested parts are the best methods for managing these pests in the short term, but resolving the underlying problem will prevent them in the long term.