Ficus - indoor plant care. Ficus: home care, types, cultivation, reproduction Home plant ficus
Today, science knows about 1000 species of ficus, but only some varieties are adapted for breeding at home. Individual varieties of ficus with photos and names will be presented in this article - they are most often used for home maintenance. This evergreen representative of the mulberry family is liked by many flower growers. It is easy to care for decorative leafy ficuses, you just need to observe certain conventions regarding a particular species. Due to low maintenance requirements, along with visual appeal, ficuses decorate the interior of a living room, the atmosphere of any office, shopping center or cafe.
Rubbery Melanie
All representatives of this family have a well-developed root system, the leaves have a dense structure, a bright green color (some varieties may have spots, edging), and a different shape.
The plant can be designed as a house tree, a cascading ampelous form, or a miniature bonsai. Their natural growing environment allows them to reach enormous sizes, to become full-fledged trees. Domesticated representatives of the ficus family have dimensions that are acceptable for a room, and grow slowly.
Ficus - where does it grow and where is its homeland? He prefers tropical countries, the Pacific, Indian Oceans, Mediterranean, South Africa. It is also common in the Crimea, the South Caucasus, Central Asia, China, India. The humid tropical forests of Malaysia, the Philippines, where ficuses grow, bear fruit - the birthplace of the plant.
Ficus - species, photos and names
We often grow representatives of the ficus family at home, moreover, they are among the most beloved. Bushes of different varieties are not always similar, but they are united by almost the same growing methods and care requirements.
Variation of Benjamin - Lovely One of the most popular varieties, Benjamin's ficus, has universal dimensions, resembles a small tree.
Photo by Starlight (Benjamin) This variety has several sub-varieties that differ in the shape of the leaves. Benjamin's egg-shaped leaf has a slightly pointed tip. They can be of a rich green hue, have white blotches, edging (variegated varieties). Frequent pruning is recommended to give the crown a beautiful shape. Trunks lend themselves to weaving: gardeners often use this technique to achieve an unusual decorative effect. For this, several seedlings are planted together or Benjamin's ficus species are used to create bonsai.
Photo by Midnight Lady (Benjamin) - photo by Alla Holodzen, Simferopol 
Melanie Rubbery ficus, aka elastic (elastic), is the most common variety for pot cultivation. Buddhists revere him, consider him sacred. In its homeland (north-east of India, south of Indonesia), it can reach 30 meters in height. This variety forms branches as it grows, and also forms aerial roots, especially in high humidity. Due to this structure of the root system, elastic ficus is also called the "snake tree".
At home, it does not give color, the leaves are rather large, oval in shape with a sharp tip. The Melanie variety got its name due to the white milky juice, which sometimes stands out on the surface of the leaf. The juice contains latex, which is why not so long ago this variety was used to produce rubber on an industrial scale.
Ficus elastic should not be waterlogged, especially with the onset of winter.
Rubbery (elastic) - Belize One of the most interesting dwarf varieties is the creeping ficus. It has curly creeping shoots, roots with suction cups that can cling to any surface.
Dwarf creeping - Pumila Green Sunny Grows well in sunlit places, loves moisture very much. The creeping ficus has small oval-shaped leathery leaves (2-2.5 cm long, 1-1.5 cm wide - macrophylla) or even smaller (0.5-0.7 cm - minima). The stems of this ground cover variety are prone to lignification. In bright light (but not in direct sunlight), the variegated leaf pattern becomes even brighter, and with a lack of it, it can simply turn green.
Its other name is ficus pumila, the most popular varieties for home breeding are: Sunny (with an uneven white border around the edges of the leaf),
Miniature Creeper - Pumilla Sanny White Sunny (with a continuous white or cream border), Dorte (with white specks on the leaf). The dwarf creeper feels equally comfortable in hanging pots (like an ampelous plant) and in ordinary pots.
Dwarf creeping - Pumila White Sunny - photo by Alla Holodzen, Simferopol
Dwarf ficus can be twisted around special decorative poles, setting the desired direction for the shoots.
Goblet ficus (Ficus Cyathistipula). He also has one name - Tsiatistipula. This is perhaps one of the most unpretentious plants from the ficus family. One of the distinguishing features is strong branching and closely spaced leaves. Hence the admirable view - it always looks magnificent.
The goblet leaf is large, leathery, elongated: length up to 20 cm, width no more than 7-8 cm. The top of the leaf is rounded, and the tip is pointed. The leaf is dark green on the front side, and light on the back. The reverse side of the sheet looks interesting and unusual: in the form of a mesh.
Photo of the reverse side of the sheet of Tsiatispula:
And one more sign: brown scales. You can clearly see this in the photo above. The scales always appear at the ends of the branches. They play the role of protecting young leaves from external factors. They fall over time, but they stay on the branches for a long time.
The name Ficus Lyre-shaped is obtained precisely because of its leaves, which reach 50 cm in length (25 cm in width), have wavy edges. This variety boasts the largest wavy leaves. A rather large tree grows out of it, which does not like neighborhood, preferring to stand separately from others. It does not apply to banyans (plants with aerial roots). It has an erect trunk, characteristic leaves with green veins on a dark green background. In its shape, the leaves expanding towards the top resemble a violin.
Ficus lyre Ficus with the female name Natasha belongs to Benjamin's sub-varieties.
Natasha (Benjamin) It is an evergreen perennial shrub that can grow up to 2 meters in indoor conditions. The bush has many thin shoots with densely growing small leaves, which are the smallest of the other Benjamin varieties. The leaves themselves have a leathery structure, an elliptical shape with a pointed tip. The color of the leaves can vary from white-green to a rich green hue.
Photo of ficus leaves Natasha and Cypress - for comparison Ficus Natasha does not like drafts, direct sunlight, frequent movements, prefers to grow in one permanent place. Likes irrigation (twice daily), regular shaking of the crown (for airing lush foliage).
Photo of Microcarp Retuza The Microcarpa variety looks very similar to one of the Benjamin varieties. It is distinguished by the accelerated growth of the root system, therefore it is often used to create bonsai. Microcarp leaves can be of different shapes: elongated, elongated, oval. On the shelves of our flower shops, you can often see this variety, grown in a special way, in which you can see the roots resembling ginseng rhizomes. The label that is attached to the pot reads - Ficus microcarpa Ginseng (ficus microcarpa ginseng).
To achieve this shape of the roots, you need to do a complex agrotechnical work with the use of hormonal supplements, appropriate fertilizers. Under natural conditions, this plant reaches 25 meters in height, it is also called the "strangler" because of the tendency to twine around the trunks of a number of growing trees, to prevent their further growth and development. Ficus Ginseng is used as a preform material for the subsequent formation of a plant to obtain the bonsai style.
Photo Microcarpa - bonsai style Separately, it is worth mentioning the formation of bonsai - miniature trees, which in their appearance repeat their large counterparts (roots and crown). Translated from the Chinese "bonsai" is "grown in a tray." For harvesting, varieties of ordinary trees or bushes are used, but with the use of cunning technologies of pruning, pulling the stems with wire, and a special method of watering, amazing mini-gardens are created. Ficus is optimal for growing bonsai - it has all the required characteristics that are important for this direction.
Ficus bonsai is created from varieties:
Bengal;
dull;
dark-leaved;
microcarp;
caricature;
The Robusta variety belongs to the rubbery ficuses.
Rubbery (elastic) - Robusta - photo Galina ღღ, Lugansk Under natural conditions, it can grow up to 50-60 meters in height (but more often there are specimens of 30-40 m), it is the tallest representative of this family.
This is one of the most unpretentious species. Not very experienced flower growers, lovers of ficuses, are recommended to start their activities with him. Ficus Robusta has fleshy large leaves (about 30 cm long), which can be either one-color (dark green) or with white or yellow patterns.
Photo of Robusta with leaves of different colors It looks great in floor-standing containers, likes frequent but moderate watering, and is not too picky about light.
Another representative of the Benjamin variety is Kinki.
Photo by Kinky (Benjamin) - photo by Yulia Semenyuk (Mirekina), Krasnoyarsk It is a dwarf ficus tree with small narrow leaves of light green color and cream edging around the edges. The light-loving Kinki, who prefers diffused lighting, does not like hot air (not placed near batteries or heaters), as well as drafts. It is highly undesirable to move it from one place to another (it can drop foliage). He will feel comfortable with moderate regular watering, irrigation.
In the natural environment, a characteristic feature of Bengal ficus is banyan tree - a special form of the structure of the root system, in which one plant from the side looks like a forest of many trees growing nearby.
Bengali - Banyan Tree Bengal ficus has large (up to 20 cm long), slightly velvety leaves, at home it grows up to 2 meters in a few years. He loves good lighting, sunlight, although you need to shade it in order to avoid burns on the leaves.
Photo by Andre (view of Bengalsky) Light is the main component of the harmonious development of this flower. If natural lighting is scarce, then the installation of an additional source of artificial light becomes relevant. Not too vigorous watering is recommended.
The Melanie variety belongs to the rubber-bearing ficus family, once it was also used to obtain rubber, but now it is a full-fledged ornamental plant.
Photo of Melanie (rubber) Melanie's ficuses are neat bushes with a voluminous crown, they look equally harmonious in offices and home interiors. This variety is unpretentious in care, loves frequent spraying, but prefers moderate watering, it starts to hurt from too bright lighting. It has glossy leaves of a leathery structure (12-15 cm long), a graceful trunk, a well-shaped crown. Allergy sufferers should take a closer look at this variety before the establishment, as its milky juice is toxic and can cause allergies.
Ficus Moklame is a tall shrub with a neat compact crown.
Photo by Microcarpa Moklaim (Moklame) - photo by Daria Cherepenchuk, Orenburg The shoots of this plant are directed upwards, oval leaves of a rich green color have a very dense structure - they slightly resemble plastic ones. This flower loves diffused lighting. With a lack of light, the leaves of Moklame turn pale, and with sufficient lighting they acquire a rich shade. This variety requires moderate watering and irrigation (especially in summer).
Ficuses in the house - signs
Ficuses are living plants, like all creatures, they carry an energy charge. Whether it is positive or negative is worth finding out. Sometimes on the relevant forums you can read the concerns of the owners, discussions about whether it is worth keeping ficuses at home.
If we consider the signs, then it is worth highlighting several main, most often mentioned:
- If you are experiencing a sudden urge to purchase this plant, then it is likely that you will soon be replenished with a family. However, in order for this sign to start "working", the ficus should be presented to you by a positive, pleasant person for you.
- If a girl or woman wants to get married, then she should personally grow a ficus from a small petiole. Only she should take care of the plant; direct communication with the flower is also recommended, that is, the layering of favorable energy on it.
- If you place a pot with a flower in the kitchen, then the financial situation of the family will improve, and incomes will grow. If you don't sleep well or are under stress, put it in your bedroom.
- This plant attracts good luck, adjusts the atmosphere to a favorable mood, and optimizes energy in general.
According to biological research, it has been proven that the presence of ficus clears the air in the room, saturates it with oxygen (releases phytoncides). This plant is capable of absorbing a variety of compounds harmful to humans (phenol, formaldehyde, benzene, trichlorethylene, others). Special enzymes that plant leaves contain can transform certain toxic elements into sugar and amino acids.
There is information about the use of ficus by traditional medicine of eastern countries: with its help skin, oncological, intestinal diseases are cured. However, you should not try out little-known methods of treatment, but it is better to consult a competent doctor.
A plant can only harm if a person is allergic to it. Certain types of ficuses, the same rubbery ones, secrete juice, which can have a detrimental effect on the well-being of people with asthma. This juice cannot be tasted, and contact with the skin is also undesirable.
Be doubly careful if you have small children, curious pets - contact with this plant may not have the best effect on their health.
As we can see, there are much more positive qualities of ficus than possible prohibitions on keeping it at home.
This is a beautiful evergreen plant, caring for which does not require a lot of time or any tricky maintenance conditions from you. Any member of this family can decorate your home with their decorativeness. We hope that the varieties of ficus described here with photos and names will help you make the right choice and settle a new green friend at home.
Below - varieties of ficuses - photos and names of varieties:
Anastasia (Benjamin) 
Lovely (Benjamin) 
Midnight Lady (Benjamin) - photo by Alla Holodzen, Simferopol 
Daniel (Benjamin variety) 
Baroque (Benjamin variety) - photo by Galina ღღ, Lugansk 
Starlight (Benjamin) 
Nina (Benjamin) 
Baft (Benjamin) 
Irene (Benjamin) - photo by Galina ღღ, Lugansk 
Regidan (Benjamin variety) 
Safari (Benjamin) - photo by Galina ღღ, Lugansk 
Photo by De Dumbbell (Benjamin) - photo by Daria Cherepenchuk, Orenburg 
Lakia (Benjamina) 
Photo of Ali (a kind of Binnendik) - photo by Alla Holodzen, Simferopol 
Amstel Gold (Binnendieck variety) - photo by Galina ღღ, Lugansk 
Photo of Opposita - one of the varieties of figs 
Dwarf - Pumila White Sunny - photo Galina ღღ, Lugansk 
Benjamin Variety - Midnight Lady 
Photo of Esther (Neon) - a kind of Benjamin 
Deltoid ficus - photo 
The deltoid ficus has a triangular leaf that tapers towards the cutting 
Deltoid (variegated) ficus with a triangular leaf The ficus genus consists of more than 800 species, some of which are used as houseplants, although most are trees and shrubs. Ficus populates Asia, America and Africa (have you noticed that everything is in the letter "a"?). It is used as an ornamental plant, eaten and even as a religious symbol. The tree under which Buddha attained enlightenment was Ficus. In its original habitat, ficus is a landscape tree or shrub with a magnificent crown. In the room, the ficus is good for its lush foliage. Ficus flowers are very small and of little value.
Ficus varieties
I will describe only a few, those that may be in your apartment.
| Temperature: not lower than +18 degrees Do not keep on cold floor and windowsill Air humidity: humid, it is necessary to wipe the leaves with a sponge Transfer: in the spring, every 2 years Reproduction: cuttings |
| Lighting: warm and bright place, no direct sunlight Watering: moderate with warm slop water Air humidity: need to be sprayed, especially in summer Transfer: in the spring, when the roots come out of the pot Reproduction: cuttings |
| Temperature: not lower than +12 degrees Lighting: warm and bright place, no direct sunlight Watering: moderate with warm sediment water, the soil should dry out before the next watering Air humidity: it is necessary to spray, wipe the leaves with a sponge Transfer: in the spring Reproduction: cuttings |
| Temperature: not lower than +10 degrees Lighting: warm and bright place, no direct sunlight Watering: moderate with warm slop water Air humidity: must be sprayed Transfer: in the spring Reproduction: cuttings (several cuttings in one pot) |
Growing ficus
Light. Ficus loves bright light, but only adapted plants can be in direct light. Ficus with tough leaves can be in the sun with shade or in the morning sun. A ficus with delicate leaves needs diffused light. In the summer, it can be moved outside the room, outside, but not in direct sunlight.
Watering. Water the ficus plant evenly during the summer and reduce the amount of watering in the winter. The soil should dry out between waterings. It should be watered with warm (!) Water, as it reacts to cold. In a dry room, it should be sprayed, not allowed to dry.
The main thing: in summer - do not dry out, in winter - do not pour.
Temperature. Ficus loves warmth both in summer and in winter (not lower than 12 degrees Celsius). He does not like drafts, because of which he loses leaves. Reacts sharply to cold and temperature changes, for example, only if it stands on a windowsill or floor, it can throw off the leaves.
There is one rule to remember: the higher the room temperature, the more light there should be.
The soil. Plant in fertile, well-drained soil with humus.
Ficus fertilization
Fertilize ficus with mineral and organic fertilizers in spring and summer, alternating them, once every 2 weeks. Do not fertilize in winter. During the period of active growth, feed fertilizers with a high nitrogen content so that the ficus grows with a beautiful, green and shiny crown.
Ficus pruning
You can do this kind of beauty yourself by planting several ficus plants no more than 15 cm tall at a distance in one pot, which have already begun to woody a little. Their trunk is still tender, soft and pliable, with it you can embody all your fantasies. Remove the lower shoots as they grow.
To form a certain shape of the crown of the ficus or to create sculptures from it in the spring, trimming of the ficus is carried out.
After pruning or pinching, the ficus begins to actively overgrow with shoots, forming a dense crown. He needs fertilization at this time.
Reproduction
Ficuses can be propagated by cuttings (suitable for indoor ficuses) and air layers (for larger ones).
For the cutting, a young shoot is cut off about 15 cm in length, the end is leveled at 45 degrees, the lower leaves are removed. For rooting, the shoot is left in water for 2 weeks. When it gives roots, the young plant is planted in the ground and covered with a film.
Insects
Shields- brown tubercles on the stems.
Treatment: removal of infected areas or insects, use of insecticides (phosbecid, intavir, decis, karbofos, actellic and tsvetofos).
Centipedes- long, brown with many legs, similar to caterpillars.
Treatment: discard this earth, clean the roots of the ficus from the earth and plant it in a new clean, sterilized earth.
Mealybugs- white groups of sucking insects, similar to cotton wool.
Treatment is the same as with scabbards.
Diseases
| Symptoms | Causes | Treatment |
| Falling leaves | Temperature drop | Continue regular watering and fertilization |
| Tiny dark spots on the underside of leaves Leaves turn yellow and fall | The fungus cercospora spp. | Remove all damaged leaves, spray with systemic fungicide. Do not wash or spray the plant for several weeks. |
| Rust-like stains on stems and leaves | Anthracnose | Remove all damaged leaves and stems, spray with systemic fungicide. Do not wash or spray the plant for several weeks. |
| The plant secretes juice | Mealybugs or scale insects | Described above. |
Hygiene
The dust from the leaves is washed off once a month under a warm shower or a soft sponge, after covering the ground with plastic wrap. The leaves are allowed to dry in the bathroom, and then transferred to their original place (if transferred earlier, hypothermia is possible).
All unhealthy, yellowed, rotten or fallen leaves are removed.
P.S. It is believed that ficus in the house - to wealth!
Ficus- a very beautiful plant that is adapted for growing at home. Science knows about a thousand of its species. Ficus belongs to the mulberry family of plants. Homeland - the tropics, or rather the tropical Southeast Asia, New Guinea, the Solomon Islands. For the most part, it is an evergreen plant. The only exceptions are deciduous ficuses (fig tree - fig or fig tree). These plants can be both trees and shrubs. Ficus leaves are most often whole, up to 70 cm long and painted in a pleasant green color, but there are also species with bicolor leaves. The flowers are small with a simplified perianth. Each part of this plant contains the so-called milky juice.
In nature, ficuses are trees with a height of 40 meters and a diameter of up to 5 meters. Sometimes they are creeping or climbing. There are ficuses that begin their life on other trees, dropping roots to the very bottom. Then they become very strong and expand in volume, resembling columns. Ficuses need such powerful roots to hold the huge crown of the tree. Sometimes they twine around their owner (the tree on which it grows) so tightly that he dies.
Varieties of indoor ficuses.
Representatives of this plant are very different. There are bushy ficuses, and there are tree-like ones with various shapes and colors of leaves. You can shape a houseplant yourself, for example, if you pinch off the upper part of the ficus, the side shoots will begin to grow, and it will become a bush. Conversely, if you pinch off the side shoots, the plant will stretch upward like a tree. At home, they can reach 2 meters in height.
Plant breeders and amateurs often have these types of ficuses:
Ficus rubber or rubber (lat.Ficus elastica).
With proper care, this variety at home most often looks like a rather large shrub with many shoots. Its leaves are very beautiful: dense, in the shape of an elongated oval with pointed tips and reaching 45 cm in length. When the leaf first appears, it has a bronze color, but over time it turns dark green.
Ficus Ali (lat.Ficus Alii).
Due to its long and narrow dark green leaves, this plant is also called Ficus salicifolia, as well as Ficus subulata, Ficus neriifolia var. regularis, etc. Its trunk is dark brown with white stripes. Ficus Ali is very hardy and undemanding, but does not like to be rearranged from place to place.
Bengal ficus (lat.Ficus bengalesis).
This plant can grow up to 3 meters in height, so it needs a spacious room to feel good. This type of ficus is very beautiful and has powerful branches, which in nature form powerful surface (aerial) roots. The leaves of this ficus are green, oval with sharp tips and reach 25 cm in length.
Ficus Benjamina (lat.Ficus benjamina).
This plant looks like a small tree or a large bush with densely growing rigid leaves with pointed tips, 3 to 8 cm long and having an oval shape. The color of the leaves of this ficus is solid green and variegated (a mixture of dark green with light tones, and sometimes even white blotches). It looks like they are covered with wax. This ficus is great for home cultivation and is therefore very popular with growers.
Ficus lyre (lat.Ficus lurata).
This plant is either a huge shrub or a small, weakly branched tree. Lyrate ficus has hard leaves 25 to 45 cm long, bright green with light veins. Their shape is guitar-like. Like many other types of ficus, the leaves of this one give the impression of being covered in wax. Because of its extraordinary beauty, it can often be found in the apartments and homes of plant lovers.
Dwarf ficus (lat.Ficus pumila).
This type of plant is ampelous or climbing. The heart-shaped matte leaves of this ficus are thin, small (only 2-5 cm long) and have a green color. The stem of this plant is thin and wiry, constantly giving new layers.
Growing and caring for ficuses.
Household ficuses are not whimsical and therefore are one of the most beloved plants grown by flower growers in apartments and houses. All they need is stable conditions: good lighting, suitable temperature, no drafts and correct watering on time.
Lighting and space for growing ficuses.
Most often, these plants are grown on a well-lit windowsill. The main thing is that the window near which it grows faces south, west or east. In summer, direct sunlight is not desirable for ficuses. If you notice that the sun is shining on the leaves of the plant, then be sure to build a shadow.
Ficuses - light-loving plants who suffer from long nights and short daylight in winter. If you have the opportunity, then highlight the plant for several additional hours a day.
It is also not advisable to move or turn the plant often, as this can lead to leaf fall.
Home-grown ficuses are some of the best air purifiers out there, saving us from inhaling xylene, benzene and toluene, which are very harmful to our health.
Temperature conditions for ficuses.
The normal spring and summer temperature for this plant is 23-25 0 С, and in the autumn-winter period - 12-15 0 С. But do not worry, ficuses winter well and at room temperature of 20-22 0 С. like it is the drying heat from the batteries.
Watering ficuses.
In the summer, these plants love abundant watering and spraying with water at room temperature. At other times of the year, it is necessary to water them evenly, avoiding drying out or waterlogging of the soil.
If the ficus feels a lack of moisture, then its leaves will turn yellow and begin to fall off. For small-leaved plants, this is generally fatal.
With excessive watering, not only the leaves fall off, but the roots rot. This can lead to the death of the ficus.
Washing ficuses.
These plants like to periodically clean the leaves from dust and dirt by washing them under a shallow shower or from a watering can with a strainer. In summer, this must be done 2-3 times a month, and in winter - 1-2 times a month. When washing in this way, it is advisable to cover the upper open part of the pot with plastic wrap so as not to wash out the top ball of the earth.
If washing under the shower or from a watering can is not possible, then periodically wipe the ficus leaves, first with a soft dry cloth, and then with a damp cloth.
To wipe dust from these plants, some growers use a solution consisting of water with ordinary mayonnaise. After this procedure, the leaves acquire a bright rich green color. To wipe, you need to take 0.5 cups of water and dissolve 1-2 teaspoons of mayonnaise in it. Then moisten a soft cloth with the solution and wipe the leaves with it until all dust and dirt are removed.
Top dressing of ficuses.
In the summer, feeding should be done every 10 days. For this, organic and mineral fertilizers are used alternately.
In winter, the frequency of top dressing decreases, and sometimes even comes to zero, but at the same time, for good health, ficus can be fed with tea leaves. To do this, make small holes in the soil, pour black tea leaves there and sprinkle them with earth. This will be enough for the ficuses to thrive in the winter.
Ficus soil.
These magnificent plants thrive in mildly acidic or neutral soil (pH = 6.5-7). They grow best in a specially prepared mixture consisting of equal parts deciduous, light soddy and heavy soddy soil with the addition of sand and humus. You can also add rotted manure and compost flour here.
If there is no possibility or desire to make such soil on your own, then you can purchase a ready-made one in a flower shop. In this case, be sure to check if it is suitable for ficuses.
Ficus transplant.
Old plants are rarely transplanted - once every few years. This is necessary to renew the settled and sour soil. Young ficuses, due to their constant growth and drawing out all useful substances from the ground, need an annual transplant.
At the same time, good drainage must be done at the bottom of the pot. It will protect the plant from waterlogging. For transplanting, it is advisable to use the above-mentioned soil mixture.
Reproduction of ficuses.
Most often, these plants are propagated by cuttings, seeds and layering. We will only consider the first two methods, since they are simpler and most often used.
Reproduction of ficuses by stem cuttings.
This breeding method is the most common. It is carried out as follows: in the spring, shoots with 2-3 leaves are cut off with an oblique cut under the lower node. The bottom leaf of the cutting is usually removed. After that, with warm water from the wound of a young ficus, the secreted juice is washed off and placed in water or in wet sand. Then the cutting must be abundantly sprayed and covered with a cap, which is used as a cut-off transparent plastic bottle. In this form, the ficus is placed in a shaded warm place for rooting, periodically opening it for ventilation. Do not place the cutting in the sun, as direct sunlight is harmful to it. As soon as you notice that the plant has begun to grow in size, feel free to plant it in a pot with the usual soil for ficuses. From this point on, the plant must be placed in a warm and well-lit place, for example, on a windowsill.
Cutting of ficuses can also be carried out using a large leaf cut with a "heel". It is rooted in wet sand or peat, after having rolled it into a tube and placing a stick next to it for stability. Then the leaf is sprayed and covered with a flask, removing it from time to time for airing, watering and spraying. As soon as the plant takes root, it must be planted in a pot with the usual soil for ficuses.
Reproduction of ficuses by seeds.
In the spring, the seeds of this plant are laid out in flat cups - bowls, and covered with a soil mixture consisting of deciduous soil and a small part of river sand. Then the crops are well watered and the cups are covered with transparent flasks, cut off plastic bottles or glass. This allows the seeds to remain in a constantly moist environment. You need to air the seedlings for half an hour 1-2 times a day, removing the "covers" for this. As soon as they have the first leaves, young ficuses need to be dived, that is, transplanted into a separate pot with soil of the same composition. Then, as they grow, they are transplanted into large pots.
Ficus formation.
These plants can be grown in many shapes and sizes. The same species can grow both as a bush and as a tree. Formation usually occurs in early spring (March).
In order for the ficus to look like a bush, it is necessary to remove its upper shoots. In this case, it will grow in width.
In order for the ficus to have the shape of a tree and grow in height, remove its lateral shoots.
Thus, breeders give them almost any shape and size.
Ficus pests and the fight against them.
The most common pests of ficuses are:
- Spider mites are insects with a length of 0.3 mm to 2 mm with a rounded body. When they appear, you will notice the appearance of small cobwebs on the leaves and branches;
- Mealybugs are insects sucking the juice of a plant, 3.5-5 mm in size;
- Thrips are small, dark (often black) insects with an elongated body;
- Scales and false scutes are sucking insects 0.5-0.9 mm long.
To combat these pests, it is necessary to periodically (repeatedly!) Soap the stems and leaves of the ficus, and then rinse with cool water. To prevent soap from getting into the soil, it must be covered with a film. This procedure continues until the complete destruction of insect pests.
Problems of growing ficuses and their solutions.
1. What to do if the leaves of the ficus turn yellow and fall off?
This is most often due to a lack of nutrients. To solve this problem, it is necessary to transplant the plant into new nutrient soil.
2. Have leaves dropped, have yellow spots, yellow edges or are falling off prematurely?
This is most often due to excessively moist soil. To solve this problem, moderate watering is needed, after which the earth should have time to dry out.
3. Ficus leaves dry up and shrivel.
This is due to dry soil, too dry air or sunburn. To eliminate these problems, normalize the watering frequency, humidify the air, or remove the plant from the sun.
4. The appearance of brown spots on the edges and tips of ficus leaves.
Most often this happens due to overfeeding the plant with fertilizers, insufficient feeding, with too dry air or elevated room temperatures.
5. Falling leaves of ficus.
There may be several reasons for this:
- frequent turning or changing the place of growth;
- drafts;
- improper lighting;
- excessive watering.
6. The appearance of dark spots on the ficus leaves.
The plant urgently needs to be transplanted. In this case, the damaged roots are removed, and the places of the cuts are sprinkled with finely ground charcoal. In a new pot, be sure to install drainage, plant a plant and water well. The next moistening of the soil should be only after the drying of its upper layer. Until then, you can only spray the leaves of the ficus.
Ficus home care - this phrase is typed in Internet search engines by indoor plant lovers who have decided to acquire an unpretentious green handsome man. All species of the mulberry family and the genus of ficus once appeared in hot tropical countries, but now many of them have perfectly got used to the role of indoor dwellers. We are talking about a specific group of tree-like specimens. As for all varieties, there are more than a thousand of them in total. Each of them is distinguished by individual characteristics, properties, characteristics.
There are ficuses, the description of which characterizes them as ampelous. These are tropical species that are highly sensitive and capricious, so they are rarely used as indoor plants.
Ficus in the house - good or bad
It is believed that the ficus flower is the carrier of a certain kind of energy. That is why there are still debates among flower growers about whether it is possible to keep it at home, is it good or bad, and what effect it, in general, has on the situation.
There are several well-known signs about what indoor ficuses can promise owners. Most of them have a positive meaning:
- with a sudden impulse to acquire a plant, one should not interfere with one's desire: most likely, an addition will soon appear in the family. But in order to speed up the desired event, it is imperative to accept a flower as a gift from a loved one or, pleasant to the soul, a person;
- if a girl or woman intends to find a soul mate sooner, she is advised to grow a ficus herself from a small cut or cut. Further, she must take care of him on her own: in this case, constant contact with the flower is necessary to obtain the necessary energy from it;
- if there is a desire to improve the financial situation, it would be best to put the pot in the kitchen;
- with insomnia and regular stress, it can be put in the bedroom;
- it is traditionally believed that this flower helps to attract money, good luck and stabilizes the energy in the house;
- flowering ficus - to the addition to the family or the acquisition of a pet. However, in indoor conditions, the plant blooms very rarely.
In addition to popular beliefs, it will not hurt to find out the opinion of biologists. If we talk about the real, “non-mystical” benefits of ficus plants, their release of special phytoncide substances stimulates air purification in any room. Also, plants absorb harmful substances and carry out their subsequent conversion into saccharides and amino acid compounds.
It becomes harmful only if there is a person in the family suffering from allergic reactions. There are so-called rubbery varieties that secrete juice, to which people with bronchial asthma can react. It is important to remember that the sap of the plant should never be tasted, and its contact with the skin often causes burning, redness and itching. Therefore, if there are pets or small children in the family, you should be especially vigilant and monitor their behavior.
Thus, the ficus has much more advantages than disadvantages, and if certain safety measures are followed, it will never harm living beings.
Description of indoor ficus
Like other indoor plants, the ficus is perfectly adapted to life at home. More precisely, the place of his "historical homeland" is the tropics of Southeast Asia and New Guinea. It is also found in the Solomon Islands. Most are evergreen, except for the deciduous fig tree.
Sometimes it looks like a tree, but there are also species that resemble small shrubs in appearance. The leaf is most often dense, green, with different shades, up to 70 centimeters in length. There are varieties with two-colored foliage that look especially beautiful and exotic (for example, the Starlight variety with silvery-white leaves).
Do they bloom - some growers claim that they managed to achieve their flowering in indoor conditions. However, if the plant is not constantly looked after and a special microclimate is not created, unfortunately it will not bloom. How ficuses bloom - in different ways, depending on the growing conditions, varieties and pollinating insects living in certain latitudes. Most often, plants have small flowers with a simple perianth. However, in the wild and in botanical gardens, there are specimens with luxurious snow-white lotus-like flowers.
In natural habitat, ficus grows in the form of huge trees, up to 40 meters in height. There are varieties that grow on other, stronger trees and take such strong roots that the tree may die. At home, you can get both a bushy and a tree-like culture. If you pinch off the top of the head, the side branches begin to grow intensively, which will give the ficus a resemblance to a shrub, and when cutting off the side lashes, it will quickly turn into a tree and begin to grow upward, up to two meters in height, even in indoor conditions.
There are several beautiful species that can be successfully grown at home:
- rubbery - a large shrub, lush branches, a beautiful and thick leaf (long, in the form of an ellipse or oval, the ends are pointed, like a lancet). The length of the leaf is up to 45 cm; in an adult plant, it acquires a classic dark green color;
- willow or Ali - its leaves resemble willow in shape, hence the name. The foliage is dark green, the trunk is dark brown with characteristic white stripes. Hardy, but loves the constancy of the place: it is better not to rearrange it;
- Bengali - in room conditions it can grow up to three meters, so it will feel best in a large room. Shoots - strong, root system - airy, leaf - green, oval, with lanceolate ends, length - up to 25 cm;
- lyre-shaped - it happens in the form of a large bush or small tree. The foliage is tough, about 25 to 45 cm in length, has characteristic light streaks and an original guitar shape. Very beautiful, often found as a house plant;
- dwarf - climbing or ampelous species with leaves in the shape of hearts. The foliage is thin, small, and the stem in appearance resembles a flexible wire;
- ficus Benjamin is one of the most popular and unpretentious varieties. Presented as a small tree or branched bush. The leaf is hard, pointed at both ends, the color is varied: classic green, or dark with light streaks, sometimes white spots are found.
Caring for ficus Benjamin at home
Caring for ficuses at home implies the observance of simple measures aimed at maintaining life, growth and the formation of a beautiful crown. How to grow ficus is not difficult at all. The process will be within the power of both a novice florist and a person who is very busy. If you follow the simple rules of care, you can expect rapid growth (up to twenty centimeters per year), after which, if desired, grow a real tree at home - two to three meters high.
The general rules for choosing a seat are as follows:
- without strong sunlight;
- lack of heating devices near;
- a room without drafts;
- air humidity level - medium.
Ficus soil
Growing ficus at home should begin with the correct selection of soil mixture. What ficus loves as a soil composition is, first of all, peat, sand and earth, which has rotted foliage in its composition, since it is very rich in nutrients. In flower shops you can always purchase all the necessary components.
Soil environment: necessarily slightly acidic or with a neutral level of acidity. Before placing the earth in the pot, you should cover its bottom with drainage in the form of fine gravel or expanded clay. Pour sand on top of the drainage layer.
Lighting for ficus
What kind of lighting ficus prefers, he loves the sun or shade - this question worries any novice florist. It has already been mentioned that this plant is not too light-loving, and direct sunlight is contraindicated for it, since in its natural environment it is accustomed to cool partial shade and moderate diffused lighting. He will need an additional dose of light only in winter: as a rule, a special lamp is used, which should be kept on for twelve hours.
If the plant does not have enough lighting in winter, its leaves will begin to fall off. In conditions of short daylight hours, it is recommended to turn the pot closer to the window from time to time - in order to evenly develop the crown. By the way, ficuses with dark leaves react to a lack of light much more sensitively than variegated varieties. This should be borne in mind in the fall and winter.
What kind of air does ficus like?
Domestic ficus, which has tropical plants as ancestors, inherited from them poor draft tolerance. Do not place the pot in a place that is too cold, as the roots are sensitive to the cold floor and can freeze. The temperature indicator in summer should fluctuate within 25-28C, in winter - 16-18C. An undesirable, but possible level is 10 - 12 degrees, while classic green ficuses tolerate cold much better than more attractive variegated species.
Fertilizers for ficus
Ficus care also includes feeding. In winter, they are not introduced, since the plant is dormant. It should be fed from the beginning of March until September, twice a month. The composition of complex fertilizers should include nitrogen, as well as natural components (nettle infusion, ash). The use of complex compositions intended for ficus plants is allowed.
Ficus transplant at home
Timely transplant is another key to successful ficus care at home. There are several signs that a plant needs a larger pot, such as the growth of roots through the drainage system, and the rapid drying of the soil after watering.
It should be borne in mind that young specimens are subject to mandatory transplantation once a year - until they reach the age of four. As soon as a tree or shrub crosses this age line, the transplant procedures are reduced and carried out no more than once within two years. As the top layers of the earth are depleted, it is recommended to regularly pour fresh into the pot.
The best time for transplanting is spring, but it is also important to remember that after the procedure the process will “hurt” for some time: its growth will slow down, and the leaves may fall off. Do not worry: over time, the plant will pass the adaptation period and actively begin to develop.
The transplant consists of several steps:
- moisten the soil in the pot (to easily get the ficus);
- carefully remove the topsoil;
- take a new pot;
- put drainage on the bottom of a new pot and sprinkle with earth;
- get the plant out of the old container;
- carefully remove the old soil from the root system;
- move to a new container;
- gradually add the soil mixture, taking into account the level of deepening of the ficus.
Sometimes it happens that the owner does not want the tree to grow to a huge size. In this case, no transplant is needed at all: branches should be removed and activities aimed at crown formation should be carried out. You can also trim the roots lightly during the transplanting process, and then plant the plant in a tighter pot.
How to properly prune ficus at home
Pruning measures should also be included from time to time in the care of ficuses. For sanitary purposes, dry foliage and weak branches are removed. The crown is also thinned out - both outside and inside, and the main branch is cut annually by twenty to thirty centimeters. After trimming, the minimum number of sheets left should not be less than five. If the top of the plant is cut off, it will not grow at all. The slices themselves are made in a beveled direction, while their bottom edges should be located directly above the kidneys.
Correct cropping looks like this:
- you will need a pruner treated with an alcohol solution + fine charcoal (wood or activated to process the cut sites);
- the optimal time for the procedure is the beginning of April; in order to maintain the shape of the crown, the top is carefully trimmed. The side branches will grow faster and the top will slow growth;
- if you want to "let" the tree grow up, on the contrary, cut the side branches (cut length from 4 to 6 cm);
- juice at the cut sites is quickly removed with a damp cloth and treated with charcoal;
- two weeks after pruning, the plant can be fertilized.
Ficus Benjamin - reproduction
When breeding, domestic ficuses reproduce well both by cuttings and with the help of layering. Moreover, the first method is the easiest. Cuttings are cut in the spring, while their length depends on the place of cut. If the material is taken from the top, its length should be about 15 cm, and if it is a side branch, you need to focus on the number of leaves (the minimum number is three). The leaves are rolled into tubes, not too tight, and tied with a soft elastic band. This will prevent moisture loss. In order to “go away” the poisonous juice that appears on the cuts, it is enough to place the cuttings in clean water with the addition of the stimulating drug Kornevin.
The soil for a young shoot should consist of soil mixed with perlite or sand, as well as peat. Planting is carried out with the shank deepening by a centimeter or one and a half, then the sprout is covered with food grade polyethylene (this creates a greenhouse effect). Instead of plastic wrap, it will be most convenient to use parts of plastic bottles. The container with the sprout is placed in a warm place, and the greenhouse is regularly ventilated. The duration of the rooting process is usually no more than one and a half months.
Reproduction by air layers is more troublesome, but no less interesting. A strong branch is selected that grows straight, foliage is removed from it at the planned incision site. Then, using a thin knife, several neat cuts are made at a distance of three centimeters from each other. The bark is removed in between. Now you need to attach a moistened piece of moss 4-5 cm thick to this place and tie it to the branch using cling film. Next, make sure that the place is constantly moistened, and after a while roots will grow on it. After the roots appear, the sprout can be transplanted.
Subject to all the rules of home maintenance, the ficus will live for years, and how many years are allotted to it by nature - you can not worry about this. The indoor plant has rightfully earned the title of long-liver, since its life span is from 10 to 15 years. This period is not surprising, because the house tree inherited it from its relatives living in the wild. In tropical countries, a powerful and tall tree lives from 400 to 600 years.
Ficus diseases
The indoor pet, unfortunately, can be vulnerable to fungal diseases and the attack of harmful insects. Among the fungal infections, the most common are black spot, root decay and an unpleasant disease - gray rot, which is difficult to treat. Insects that often infect the plant include mealy worms, spider mites, scale insects, thrips, and aphids.
It is recommended to use effective insecticides against insects, in particular - Aktar, which ranks first among all existing drugs. In addition to Aktara, Confidor or Aktellik can be used. As for fungal infections, most often they occur due to improper care (abundant "flooding", temperature changes, stuffiness and heat). In this case, all the affected areas are cut off with a pruner and destroyed, and then the plant is treated with preparations containing copper (especially in the presence of gray rot).
Among antifungal agents, the most popular are Gamair or Fitosporin. If the roots completely rot, this, unfortunately, cannot be treated.
If the flower is constantly moved from one place to another, it can provoke shedding of leaves and a decrease in resistance to disease. Fungicides are also recommended for prophylaxis, spraying ficus in spring and autumn.
With proper and timely care for any ficus, it will always look healthy and delight with its greenery - especially if there are several of them in the room. It is important not to forget about the basic rules of care, and then communication with the flower will not cause serious trouble.
To grow a healthy plant in an apartment, you need to know how to care for a ficus.
The homeland of ficus is the tropical forests of East Asia, in which there are more than 750 varieties of this flower. It is impossible to grow them all at home, nevertheless, indoor ficuses have dozens of varieties. They can be strikingly different from each other in appearance - the type of trunk, the shape and structure of the leaves.
Ficus is not only a houseplant, it benefits from the fact that it cleans the air in the room from benzenes and phenols, and also gives up its positive energy. The peculiarity of this flower is that it prefers a permanent place and does not react well to frequent movements. Therefore, before you buy a ficus, you need to choose a place for it, taking into account its preferences in lighting and temperature.
Ficus (lat.Ficus)
This plant prefers light and fresh air, if possible, in the warm season it is preferable to place it on a veranda or balcony.
Attention! When placing the ficus, it is necessary to take into account that it does not tolerate drafts. The plant reacts very violently to the inconvenience - it sheds its leaves.
Lighting
Ficus is a light-loving plant, but it must be placed in a place protected from direct sunlight. Those varieties of a flower that have dense leaves of a dark color can be placed in less illuminated places. Species with light foliage need more intense lighting, in winter they are advised to turn on additional daylight lamps.
If there is not enough light, the ficus can shed its leaves, the growth of the plant slows down. Poorly responds to a change in lighting mode. During the period of active growth and flowering, the ficus needs more light than during the rest period. Species with variegated foliage may lose their decorative color due to lack of light.
Temperature
Ficus is thermophilic, the ideal temperature regime for it is in the range of + 22 + 28 ° C in summer and + 15 + 21 ° C in winter. Varieties of ficus with variegated leaves do not tolerate cold temperatures and drafts.
Important! Too high a temperature will cause the leaves to wilt; if the flower is cold, it will actively shed its leaves.
If the plant stands in a place that does not correspond to its temperature regime (a blown window sill or floor), it should be transferred to a warm place for the winter or put on a stand.
On hot summer days, in order to provide the flower with an acceptable temperature, it is recommended to spray from a spray bottle.
Air humidity
If a variety of ficus has large, dense leaves, the humidity of the air does not matter much, this plant will feel good in normal indoor conditions. To create ideal conditions, flowers with small leaves are recommended to be sprayed in the summer. For these purposes, water must be defended for 2-3 days or rainwater must be used.
Ficus Benjamina prefers high air humidity, it must be sprayed often, and in the summer it should be placed in a tray with damp pebbles. From a lack of air humidity, the plant will begin to shed its leaves.
Ficus prefers regular, moderate watering with light drying of an earthen coma in a pot. For proper watering, you must adhere to some rules:
You can water a houseplant in the upper way (at the root) and in a tray. Water is poured into the pan for 30-40 minutes, then the residues are drained.
If watering is done through the top, pour water under the root until it starts to flow from the drain hole. Place the pot in a tray and drain off any excess water after 20 minutes.
In winter, watering is reduced, waterlogging of the soil in a pot can threaten the death of a flower. If the ficus is in close proximity to the heating radiator, it is necessary to water more often. On hot days, bathing in the shower can be used as watering the plant. Periodically, the soil needs to be loosened for air circulation and better moisture.
Top dressing
Knowing how to care for ficus at home , some species can be grown up to two to three meters. But for the active growth of the plant, periodic feeding is required.
They begin to feed the ficus after a dormant period in early spring, and do this throughout the summer, capturing September. Nitrogen-containing fertilizers can be purchased in specialized stores, they are necessary for the plant to grow its crown. They are used in spring and early summer, they do not do this in autumn, otherwise, the shoots will be thin and pale.
At home, fertilizer for the soil can be prepared by yourself. To do this, wood ash is mixed with nettle tincture. Mullein can be used several times. It is not recommended to use various food dressings, they will cause acidification of the soil.
For proper feeding of ficus, mineral and organic fertilizers are used. Compared to other plants, ficus does not require frequent feeding, but it should be plentiful. To understand that a houseplant needs feeding, you need to focus on the following factors:
- the flower has stopped growing or slowed it down significantly;
- shoots have become thin and elongated;
- the leaves began to lose turgor and became pale;
- ficus sheds leaves or they began to turn yellow;
- spots began to appear on the leaves;
- the plant begins to hurt;
- pests attack a weakened flower.
Advice! Top dressing should be done after the plant has been treated or treated with a composition from pests, otherwise the flower will not absorb the nutrients. And after transplantation, the soil is not fertilized for at least three weeks.
Types of domestic ficuses
The most common among indoor varieties of ficuses are:
- rubbery (,);
- Benjamina (Natasha);
- lyre;
- dwarf;
- Bengal.
All these ficuses are very different from each other, they have cardinal differences between domestic species and those that grow in nature.
- Ficus Benjamin has thin flexible stems with small leaves of dense structure. Their color ranges from rich green to a light, almost white hue. Moreover, they are not monochromatic, but variegated. This species needs intense lighting, frequent watering and feeding. With insufficient care, Benjamin's ficus can lose its variegated color, become pale and monochromatic. The most popular varieties are Natasha, Daniel and Midnight Lady.
- The rubbery ficus is considered the largest among the indoor varieties. Rubbery ficus at home can grow more than 2 m. The plant is rather unpretentious, looks like a tree with an erect trunk. The leaves are large, oval with a pointed end, have a dense structure and a glossy surface. The flower tolerates partial shade well, is not picky about temperature and humidity, and can do without feeding for a long time. The most common types are Robusta, Melanie, Belize, Black Prince, Tineke.
- Dwarf ficus is a creeping shrub that can creep along the ground or curl along a nearby support. The stems are very thin, they can grow up to 3-5 m. The leaves are heart-shaped and monochromatic or variegated in color. Dwarf ficus grows slowly, mainly in the warm season.
- Lyrate ficus has leaves that are similar in shape to a musical instrument. They are usually dark green in color, dense in structure, leathery.
Lyre ficus The trunk of this species of ficus is rough, has a gray-brown color. It is quite picky about humidity, does not tolerate too bright sunlight and a sharp change in temperature.
- Bengal ficus is an evergreen tree that takes root from aerial roots. Leaves are oval, bright green with lighter veins. At home, it grows quickly and reaches 3 m. Loves light, is thermophilic and needs regular watering, especially during the period of active growth.
Ficus transplant
Ficus care includes timely transplantation for the normal development of the plant. This should be done if the following factors are present:
- the roots of the flower go out into the drainage holes, the plant is clearly cramped in this pot;
- ficus just bought in the store;
- the soil in the pot is depleted and the plant has stopped growing;
- drainage replacement is required;
- if it is necessary to propagate the flower.
Important! Timely transplantation contributes to the growth of the flower, if this is not done in time, the ficus will begin to shed its leaves and stop growth.
Plants that are no more than 4 years old must be replanted every year. Older ficuses are transplanted less often, once every 3-5 years. The right time for transplanting is early spring.
Ficus transplant Considering that the ficus does not tolerate drastic changes, immediately after transplanting it can shed its leaves, but usually during the summer season the plant comes to its senses and feels good by winter.
- The pot should be chosen according to the growth of the plant. If the growth of the ficus is 125 cm, the pot should be no more than 23 cm in diameter, the plant prefers a tight space. The root system of the ficus is formed for a long time, until it is intertwined throughout the earthen coma. And only then the flower begins to grow in height.
- The bottom of the pot should have drainage holes to avoid stagnant water. It is better to choose a soil of a neutral composition or slightly acidic. It must be loose so that air can circulate. You can mix the soil yourself: take sand, peat, earth and humus in equal parts or buy ready-made soil for ficuses. It is imperative to pour drainage at the bottom of the pot.
- The plant is carefully removed from the old pot, the roots are examined, if there are damaged ones, they are removed with a sharp knife. Ficus is placed in a new pot with drainage and covered with soil, without deepening the root collar.
- The flower is watered with settled warm water and installed in its permanent place, where there is no direct sunlight and drafts. The next time it should be watered after the topsoil dries up by at least 2-3 cm.
Reproduction
Ficus reproduces in four ways:
Ficus diseases
Ficus diseases Important! In order to avoid diseases and damage by pests, it is necessary to periodically wash the leaves and treat the plant with special compounds.
The main diseases and pests of ficus
To avoid the spread of diseases, you need to periodically inspect the plant, remove damaged leaves and provide the necessary care. You need to know how to properly care for a ficus to avoid disease and plant death.
Pruning
Ficus pruning is carried out to give the bush an aesthetic appearance and remove unnecessary processes. In order for the plant to grow and have a fluffy crown, it is necessary to pinch new shoots 1 cm from the top.
Pinching is done as needed several times a year. Pruning is done in spring, young leaves will appear on bare stems in 2-3 weeks. Thus, you can form the shape of the crown of the ficus.
