Ficus virens and red leaves

[Jerry Meislik]

Hi Bob,
As we discussed this may be F. benjamina, microcarpa or a hybrid of the two. Red leaves on the new growth occur in many Ficus varieties grown in full sun so its not too specific a finding that helps to ID any species.
Warmest regards,
Jerry

[Kunzea]

Hi All
What an interesting string on F virens.
I have a clump group of 4, grown from seed collected in the Kimberly of WA. The leaves start off as a rich coppery colour that lasts about 2 weeks. A most attractive feature.
I mostly grow mine indoors because of the cold winters and lack of space to move it outdoors most summers. It usually loses most leaves, but some years, especially if I have fertilised it well during the summer, they hang on for longer than otherwise. They also turn a beautiful clear yellow in autumn, making a very attractive display.
Kunzea

[Jerry Meislik]

Kunzea,
Your virens seem to be more like the Thai form of virens in that it stays red longer than most of my other specimens.
Thanks for your information.
Jerry

[Jerry Meislik]

Just working on an article on Ficus virens. Not yet complete but worth looking at.
http://www.bonsaihunk.us/info/Ficusvirens.html
Jerry

[LZRD84]

got any photos of these roots? would be great to see what you're talking about here.

[Jerry Meislik]

Not sure what roots you are referring to?
Jerry

[Graeme]

Kunzea,
Your virens seem to be more like the Thai form of virens in that it stays red longer than most of my other specimens.
Thanks for your information.
Jerry

Jerry, most of the Virens growing up in Darwin, Capital of the Northern Territory (Tropical) display the copper/red new leaves. These leaves stay on the tree for quite some time as well, although I am not sure how long (been around 10 years since I left). The Virens up there are also totally deciduous, but the strange thing is that not all trees drop all their leaves at once. I have seen a row of trees where some are totally bare of leaves while others are dropping only some leaves at a time, ending up with trees which have half new and half old leaves on it, the tree next to it in total new leaves and then the next tree would be bare. I bought a Virens down with me when I moved from Darwin and the leaves did not get the same rich red colour in the Wide Bay (Sub Tropical), so maybe you are on the money about environmental conditions effecting the colouration. Unfortunately I no longer have the tree, so can't comment on the long term effect on the tree.

Also, sorry to be dragging up old threads, but it is raining and really misserable here today so I am reading back prior to me finding this great site.

[Taffy]

I have a Virens that I got while in the Northern Territory - and this one does display new red leaves, even here on the Fraser Coast.