Ficus panama
Quick Stats:
Care Level: Easy
Light: Part-Sun
Humidity: 60-90%
Plant Size: Medium, Tolerates Pruning
Terrarium Size: Medium
Placement: In Soil
Introduction to Ficus panama
This neat ficus has very unique, 2cm, oval-shaped leaves! It does exceptionally well under terrarium lighting, and although it is a bit of a slow grower, it’s uniqueness will add extra charm to any space. It is tolerant of a variety of planting locations and is a creeping fig, so it will stretch vertically as it grows.
Lighting, Watering, and Humidity Requirements:
Panama likes light, but not intense light. It does extremely well under artificial lighting meant for dart frogs, day geckos, or other similar species. If you’d like to plant it with an animal that requires intense basking heat, put this ficus against the opposite wall so it doesn’t get crispy. It is perfectly content to have its roots wet at all times, but will allow mild drying out periods on occasion. Plant it in a very humid area, and don’t let that humidity ever get below 50%, or it will start to get crispy.
Terrarium Placement:
Ficus panama needs its roots to be planted in soil, but after that it will tolerate most areas of the terrarium happily. It is a creeping fig, so it will grow upwards and outwards from its starting location, and it needs obstacles to hang onto as it grows. It will do extremely well as a background element or an addition to the decor along the side of a terrarium. It can also be convinced to act as ground cover, but will go vertical at any opportunity. It will tolerate splashing water and enjoys being watered from above, so it can be placed very close to water features without concern.
Maintenance and Seasonal Care:
This creeping fig doesn’t require any additional seasonal care and does not produce flowers. It will however continue to grow until it runs out of space, so be expected to keep it pruned regularly. Pruned tops can be repotted and will root, but the process is slow in this species. It tolerates pruning very well.
Cool Facts:
-Did I mention oval-shaped leaves?!
-Grows natively in South America.
-Can get to 100cm tall if left unpruned.
-Toxic to cats and dogs, but perfectly safe for reptiles and amphibians.
