Ficus lyrata growth rates

[Than]

I am yet another fan of this beautiful tree. I have one in a pot outdoors all year round. It survives the winters but obv without growing, which leaves us with about 5 months for growth per year, six if it's a warm spring. 

Any ideas on how to make it grow a bit faster? I am planning to put it in the ground next May. Till then anything I can do? It receives full sun until about 11am and then in shade. I water daily or every other day in summer. I fertilize once a month. It has grown like 3 leaves this year which is not bad but in terms of overall height that's only about 7-8 cm (2-3 inches).

I thought about replacing the montly fertilizer with monthly worm casting tea.

[Xenon]

33 minutes ago, Than said:

It receives full sun until about 11am and then in shade. 

This plus your short season of truly tropical temps is why. F. lyrata is a full all day sun plant in the tropics. I've seen it in complete 360 degree blazing south Texas sun too. 

[Than]

8 hours ago, Xenon said:

This plus your short season of truly tropical temps is why. F. lyrata is a full all day sun plant in the tropics. I've seen it in complete 360 degree blazing south Texas sun too. 

I was a bit confused about this. I read that it grows under lowland rainforest canopies in shade.. Hmmm 

[Xenon]

1 hour ago, Than said:

I was a bit confused about this. I read that it grows under lowland rainforest canopies in shade.. Hmmm 

It's a full on canopy tree in West Africa, reaching 30 m