Why are your Ficus Dammaropsis so expensive?

Ficus Dammaropsis is one of the most coveted plants in our collection. Nearly ten years ago, we went in search of this plant. We searched tirelessly through what seemed like an endless stream of google searches and clicked on every single possible lead we could find. We reached out to hundreds of leads without any success. We eventually resorted to reaching out to leads we found on documents. We finally landed on one single lead that shipped us their last 9 plants. They were very small, growing in 4” pots.

For nearly 10 years, we have invested significant time, energy and resources growing them. We didn’t know much about these plants so it was very risky and we have endured much loss over time through our learning process. It wasn’t until recently that we have grown them long enough to finally make some available to other avid collectors in our garden community. Although our supply is limited, we do have a handful periodically to offer to collectors who want this plant in their collection.

Photo Credit: @BigLeafBoutique on Instagram 

In order to propagate, this species is pollinated by a Ceratsolen Abnormalis wasp, which is found in Papua New Guinea. These plants do not root through cuttings, as we tried and failed every time. The only successful way we found to propagate these plants is through air layering. Even under such circumstances, the roots are extremely brittle when young and are very susceptible to rot from wetness. Despite their great thirst for water, it walks a very fine line when these plants have fresh new roots. This delicate process makes propagation difficult at times and the success rate can be quite discouraging. Also, Growing these for propagation requires a lot of space due to their impressive scale. It takes many years of hard work before these can be air layered and made available to other collectors. 

Through our journey of growing this species, we are able to offer healthy plants, a wealth of knowledge and provide useful tips that will make you a confident grower of the Ficus Dammaropsis. Whether you are a nursery or a private collector, we offer a wealth of information from our growing pains to make your growing experience less daunting and limit incurring much loss. Due to all the time, energy and resources invested, risks, loss and scarcity of this plant, we have deemed it appropriate to charge what we have determined to be fair for this plant.

It is a spectacular experience to witness a Ficus Dammaropsis grow. This is a great plant to grow for passionate plant enthusiasts who love to watch their plants thrive and constantly evolve, greeting them with unimaginable beauty year after year!  SHOP NOW

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