Ficus Panda Cone Shape - Ficus Retusa

🌿Why You’ll Love It

✔Instant elegance– Ready-made formal shape (no waiting years for topiary)
✔Sun-loving evergreen– Maintains perfect form year-round in UAE climate
✔Drought-resilient– Thrives with minimal watering once established
✔Pollution-tolerant– Perfect for urban gardens and roadside plantings

🌳 Growth & Appearance

• Height: 1.5-3m (maintains narrow conical shape)
• Leaves: Small, glossy oval leaves (2-3cm) with pointed tips
• Form: Dense, naturally columnar growth habit
• Bonus: Develops attractive aerial roots over time

🏆 Survival Superpowers

• Heat warrior – Withstands 45°C+ when acclimated
• Low-maintenance – Holds shape with minimal pruning
• Wind-resistant – Strong branching withstands desert breezes

☀️ Light & Location

• Best: Full sun (6+ hours for densest growth)
• Tolerates: Light afternoon shade
• Planting: Space 1m apart for formal hedges

💦 Watering

• New plants: Deep water 3x weekly for first 2 months
• Established: 1-2x weekly in summer; monthly in winter
• Pro Tip: Use drip irrigation for even moisture

🌡️ Climate Tips

• Ideal temp: 20-40°C (perfect for UAE)
• Salt tolerance: Excellent for coastal areas

✂️ Maintenance

• Pruning: Light shaping 2-3x/year (spring/summer)
• Fertilizer: Slow-release granules in March & September
• Pests: Rare – occasional scale insects