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Ficus Altissima Yellow Gem

Ficus Altissima Yellow Gem

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About This Plant

Ficus Altissima Yellow Gem is native to tropical Southeast Asia, where it grows as a large canopy tree in warm, humid, bright conditions. New leaves emerge with particularly vivid golden-yellow colouring that deepens as they mature.

The bold yellow-green and dark green variegation looks vivid. The Yellow Gem stands out among Ficus plants because its variegation is warm and saturated rather than subtle. New leaves arrive in vivid golden-yellow that catches light and brightens a room.

Keep it away from pets and children. The ASPCA confirms Ficus spp. is toxic to cats and dogs. The milky latex sap contains ficin and psoralens that cause oral irritation, drooling, and vomiting if ingested. Skin contact with the sap can cause dermatitis. Wear gloves when pruning. Keep out of reach of pets and small children.

It is more forgiving than most large Ficus trees. Ficus Altissima does not drop leaves as dramatically as the Fiddle Leaf Fig or Ficus Benjamina when moved or when conditions change. This makes it a practical large-leaf Ficus option for homes where finding the right permanent spot takes some experimentation.

Winter Slowdown

Growth slows from November onward. Keep it in your brightest east-facing window, above 18 degrees C, away from cold glass and heating vents. The yellow variegation may become slightly less vivid as light levels drop. Water every ten to fourteen days and do not move it in winter.

Toxicity

Toxic to cats and dogs, confirmed by the ASPCA (Ficus spp.). The milky latex sap contains ficin and psoralens. Ingestion causes oral irritation, drooling, and vomiting. Skin contact with sap can cause dermatitis. Keep out of reach of pets and small children. Wear gloves when pruning.

Pests

Scale insects are the most common pest on Ficus trees, appearing as small brown bumps on stems and the undersides of the large leaves. The yellow-green leaf areas make scale easier to spot against the lighter background. Wipe the large leaves monthly to remove dust and aid detection.

Other Plants You Might Like

Not sure this is the right fit? Here are three other plants our Canadian customers love. All ship across Canada and thrive in Canadian homes.

Ficus Benjamina. Small-leaved and elegant.

For a Ficus with very small, glossy leaves on arching weeping branches and a completely different delicate, elegant character, the Ficus Benjamina is the most classic indoor Ficus tree for bright Canadian rooms.

Ficus Aspera Variegata. Textured and tactile.

For a Ficus with a completely different heavily textured, sandpaper-rough leaf surface and bold white-green mottling, the Ficus Aspera Variegata has an unusual tactile quality unlike most smooth-leaved Ficus.

Ficus Audrey. Velvety and more forgiving.

For a Ficus that handles being moved much better than most with large velvety rounded leaves, the Ficus Audrey is widely recommended as the most beginner-friendly large Ficus.

Common Questions

How often should I water the Ficus Altissima Yellow Gem?

Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, every seven to ten days in spring and summer and every ten to fourteen days in a Canadian winter. Water evenly around the root ball. Our indoor plant watering guide shows how to check correctly.

Why is the yellow variegation fading?

Fading yellow on the Yellow Gem means the plant needs more bright indirect light. Move it closer to an east-facing window. The golden-yellow colouring requires medium to bright indirect light to stay vivid. In lower light new leaves come in with less yellow. Read our guide to light requirements for indoor plants for more.

Is Ficus Altissima toxic to cats and dogs?

Yes. The ASPCA confirms Ficus spp. is toxic to cats and dogs. The latex sap causes oral irritation, drooling, and vomiting. Skin contact can cause dermatitis. Keep out of reach of pets and small children. Wear gloves when pruning.

How is it different from the Fiddle Leaf Fig?

Ficus Altissima has large oval leaves with bold yellow-green variegation and is significantly more forgiving of being moved or adjusting to new conditions than the Fiddle Leaf Fig. It is a better choice if your living situation means occasional relocating is unavoidable.

Will it survive a Canadian winter indoors?

Yes. Keep it above 18 degrees C, in bright indirect light, and do not move it. Water every ten to fourteen days. Read our tips on keeping plants alive in winter for more.

Good to Know

Sun: Indirect

Medium to bright indirect light is ideal. An east-facing window works well in a Canadian home. The yellow variegation is most vivid in bright indirect light and fades in lower light.

Light: Medium to bright indirect

A spot near an east-facing window works year-round. From October to February in Canada, keep it in the brightest available indirect spot.

Water: When top inch is dry

Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Every seven to ten days in spring and summer, every ten to fourteen days in Canadian winter. Water evenly around the root ball.

Humidity: Moderate to high

Prefers moderate to high humidity. The dry forced-air heating in Ontario and Quebec homes can cause leaf edge browning. A pebble tray or humidifier nearby helps from November to March.

Pet Friendly: No

Toxic to cats and dogs, confirmed by the ASPCA (Ficus spp.). The milky latex sap contains ficin and psoralens. Ingestion causes oral irritation, drooling, and vomiting. Skin contact with sap can cause dermatitis. Keep out of reach of pets and small children. Wear gloves when pruning.

Pro Tip

If new leaves arrive more green than yellow, the plant needs more light. If they arrive vivid gold, the current light level is right. Use new leaf colour as your ongoing light indicator.


What To Expect

Shipping and Delivery Details

Choose local GTA delivery, free Richmond Hill pickup, or shipping across Canada. Pick your delivery or pickup date at checkout, we'll have it ready and fresh for you. See full shipping and delivery details.

30-Day Happy Plant Guarantee

If your plant arrives damaged or isn't healthy, contact us within 30 days with a photo. We'll sort it out with a replacement, refund, or store credit whichever works best for you. View our complete guarantee policy

Frequently Asked Questions

Certainly! If you're pondering about ordering plants online, you're not alone. We've compiled the most frequently asked questions. Check out our FAQ section here for quick answers! Happy planting!

Plant and Pot Size Guide

4" Pot (Small): plant is approx. 6-10 inches tall. 6" Pot (Medium): approx. 12-18 inches tall. All plants come in a standard nursery pot. Decorative pots are sold separately.

Winter Shipping Protection

Between November and March we add extra insulated packaging and heat packs to protect your plant from cold temperatures during transit. You can add winter shipping protection at checkout.

Returns Policy

If a plant arrives with significant damage, pests, or disease, we offer a full replacement or refund.Our guarantee covers the viability and health of your plant for 30 days.

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Plant care essentials

Everything you need to keep this plant thriving.

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