Ficus rubbery (Ficus elastica) is a familiar stranger. Caring for different types of ficus at home How to determine that the pot is small for ficus

A person's dwelling, in which indoor plants are present, always gives the impression of a cozy home. Ficus looks especially impressive in the house. This article will discuss the features, rules and all the nuances of a ficus transplant.

Features and rules of ficus transplantation

Ficus is considered an unpretentious plant that does not require complex care. But it is sensitive to drafts, excessive watering, cold water and direct sunlight. But the main thing that ficus does not like is transplants and changes in location.

These features should be taken into account, and the issue of transplantation should be approached especially responsibly, observing certain rules:

• Young trees under 3 years of age require repotting every year., plants from 4 to 6 years old should be transplanted every other year, grown ficuses - only once every 5 - 6 years;
• Ficus must be watered before transplanting to freely get it out of the old pot;
• The new container should be 3 - 4 cm larger than the diameter of the old pot;
• Soil renewal in adults is best done by transshipment, partially replacing the soil. This method helps not to damage the root part, since the earth lump remains on its surface during transshipment, and partially fresh soil is added to the new pot.

When does a ficus need a transplant?

Regardless of the fact that the ficus must be transplanted after a certain period, sometimes it is required to do this urgently.

Signs of the need for such soil renewal may be the following:

• the soil in the pot dries out very quickly after watering;
• the roots sprouted into the drainage hole, and also appeared on the surface of the soil, which indicates that they are cramped in such a pot.

If there are such signs, you need to choose a pot 3-4 centimeters larger than the previous one and transplant:

1. It is also necessary after purchasing a ficus in a store. Flowers for sale are grown in a specific substrate that serves as temporary soil and needs to be replaced. They are sold, as a rule, in small pots, which need to be replaced with suitable ones. If this is not done, then soon after the purchase, the plant will begin to lose leaves and wither.
2. Ficus, which is in unsuitable heavy soil, also requires an urgent transplant, and this makes the tree grow poorly. This is due to the fact that the soil turns sour or does not pass moisture well. Then the roots rot, and the plant receives insufficient nutrients.

Choosing a pot and soil

To transplant a ficus, you first need to take care of the proper preparation of the soil mixture in order to provide the plant with the necessary nutrition.

The soil for ficus must meet the following requirements:

• be slightly acidic or neutral;
• have sufficient breathability;
• retain moisture well.

For small, newly rooted shoots, use a mixture of the following ingredients:

• leaf humus;
• peat;
• river sand, taken in equal parts.

Mature plants may have a denser mixture composition consisting of the following:

• peat;
• sand;
• humus;
• sod land.

A good supplement is also biohumus, which stimulates plant growth. Lime and dolomite flour are added as a source of magnesium and calcium.

In addition to preparing the soil mixture, you need to choose the right pot. For ficuses you can use:

• clay pot, which absorbs moisture well, so the ficus in it will not be waterlogged;
• Plastic pot. In order for the soil in it not to become waterlogged, a deeper drainage layer of expanded clay is poured;
• Wooden tubs, usually used when transplanting bushes that have reached large sizes.

Transplant step by step instructions

Transplantation must be carried out, observing the following rules:

• Water the ficus well shortly before the procedure. to ensure unhindered release from the former capacity;
• Pour a small drainage layer on the bottom of the new pot., on top of which put a little cooked soil;
• Carefully free the plant taken out of the pot from the old earth without disturbing the roots, carefully cut off the damaged areas;
• Place the ficus in a new container strictly in the center and fill the free space prepared earthen mixture so that it does not cover the root neck;
• Lightly compact the soil, distributing evenly in a pot;
• Immediately after transplanting, the ficus should be poured abundantly with warm settled water., draining after a while the excess from the pallet;
• The pot with the plant should be put in its original place if it does not have drafts, direct sunlight and is located far from heating appliances;
• Subsequent watering is required after as the top layer dries completely.

In case of transshipment, a lump of old soil remains on the roots, and the tree is placed in a new pot with it, and the free space is filled with a new soil mixture, while making sure that the root neck is also not closed, and the new pot has sufficient volume to fill with new soil.

Aftercare

After the stress associated with the transplant, the plant must get used to the new environment for some time, so it slows down its growth:

• An important condition for the successful painless survival of the plant after transplantation is compliance with the temperature regime in the room, which should be within 22 - 25 ° C, and the humidity of the air in it, as well as the soil.
• At this time, watering should be reduced and carried out only after the topsoil has dried.
• A daily spraying of the leaves with warm water has a beneficial effect. You can do this in the morning and evening.
• Small plants can be covered with a plastic bag to retain moisture. remembering to air several times during the day.
• You can spray the plant with Epin, which is a good growth stimulant. It will help him recover and not get sick after the transplant.
• Feeding ficus is recommended to start a month after transplantation. Fertilize the flower in spring and summer at least 2 times a month, alternating organic fertilizers with mineral additives. The following fertilizers are well suited for this:
  • Palmyra;
  • Ideal;
  • Rainbow.

You can also use an infusion of mullein and other organics.

When is the best time to transplant

It is better to transplant ficus during the period of increased growth, which begins from the beginning of spring and continues into the summer months. It is not recommended to transplant in winter, when the flower is weakened and its growth has stopped.

Basic Mistakes

1. Ficus does not like sudden changes in temperature and extreme conditions in which it is located under direct sunlight or drafts, as well as in a too dry room. Therefore, when buying this plant, often inexperienced flower growers do not take into account these features of ficus content. A plant placed in a dry room that does not receive sufficient moisture begins to shed its leaves, and in a place that is too cold or in a draft, it will wither and grow slowly.
2. Ficus lovers make a mistake, often changing its location. This indoor tree does not like such changes. Having chosen a favorable place for a flower pot, you must leave it alone and not turn it even in this place in the other direction to even out the density of leaf growth.
3. Mistresses make a mistake when, in an effort to help the transplanted tree take root in fresh soil, they immediately begin to water it with various top dressings. It is useless to do this because the root system, which has not germinated in the new soil, will not accept any microelements and nutrients. In addition, the new soil mixture contains enough nutrients for the tree to take root. For this you need to wait some time. Top dressing will be needed no earlier than 1 - 1.5 months after rooting in a new pot.

1. When transplanting a flower purchased at a flower shop before placing it in a new pot, it is better to completely free it from the purchased substrate, which has fulfilled its role and can only harm the plant further. It is better to do this by washing the root part of the plant taken out of the pot in warm water poured into a separate container, followed by rinsing under running warm water.
2. When a ficus grows into a tree that is too large, it is difficult to transship or completely transplant it. Therefore, it is more expedient to replace the top layer of soil with a depth of 3 to 5 centimeters, be sure to add a significant amount of organic matter to the new soil.
3. Homemade trees should be watered with settled soft water regularly in the summer, reducing it in the winter, when they have rest time. In this case, be sure to ensure that you do not flood the plant.
4. Ficus leaves respond well to regular wetting, so it is good to wipe large leaves with a damp cloth twice a day in summer, and at least once a week in winter. Small-leaved specimens are always happy with a warm shower.
5. Transplantation in autumn and winter is an unfavorable period for these plants. This procedure in itself creates a stressful situation for them, requiring a lot of energy to adapt to new conditions. And in autumn, all processes inside the plant slow down, it prepares for the dormant period, when growth not only slows down, but also practically stops. The nutrients received in the summer, largely used up for adaptation during the autumn transplant, will not be enough to successfully overwinter. Therefore, transplantation at this time is not recommended.

Ficus Benjamin does not have a pronounced dormant period, so throughout the year he needs to provide approximately the same conditions of detention.

Pruning and rejuvenation

Ficus should be pruned in early spring, at the beginning of the growing season. This procedure allows not only to form a crown, but also to rejuvenate adult specimens - after pruning, axillary buds wake up, giving new shoots. Regular removal of dry, slow developing and diseased areas avoids infection of the entire plant.

Reference! In order for the crown to grow evenly, the flowerpot should be regularly rotated relative to the light source.

You can cut the branches depending on the desired shape, but a maximum of a third. The secateurs must be sharp and disinfected, the cut points must be sprinkled with ash or activated charcoal.

Microclimate

Temperature and Humidity

The temperature comfortable for the development of ficus Benjamin is + 25–30 ° C in the spring and summer, + 14–16 ° C in the cold season. If the thermometer drops to +10 ° C or lower, the root system dies.

Ficus requires high humidity: at least 50%, ideally - about 70%. In autumn and winter, it should be sprayed 2-3 times a week, in spring and summer - daily. Every month, for healthy growth and prevention of the appearance of pests, you need to arrange a warm shower for the ficus, after covering it with an earthen lump with polyethylene.

Lighting and a comfortable place for a flower

Needs bright diffused lighting. Direct sunlight on the plant must be excluded - they lead to burns on the leaves and their yellowing.

In autumn and winter, with a short daylight hours, additional use of phytolamps is required.

The most comfortable place for a ficus is a window facing east or west; shading will be required in the south, especially at noon.

The room in which the plant is located should be regularly ventilated, and the flowerpot itself should not be placed in a draft and near heating appliances.

Shade tolerance

Varieties with monochrome leaves tolerate the lack of lighting well, but their growth in such conditions slows down. Variegated varieties in the shade lose their decorative effect.

Where can I buy? Price fork

You can buy ficus Benjamin in specialized stores or order online. The cost depends on its variety, height, diameter of the flowerpot and varies from 500 to 10 thousand rubles.

What to do immediately after buying a flower?

A newly purchased plant needs 15-20 days to adapt to new conditions, then it should be transplanted, replacing the transport container and substrate.

Expert opinion

Mokhov Andrey Petrovich

Graduated from KubGAU specialty: agronomy

Ficus does not tolerate frequent movements, so you should immediately choose a permanent place for it.

What kind of pot do you need?

The size of the flowerpot should correspond to the root system. It is better to choose a standard container with a diameter equal to the height.

When it comes to growing and planting bonsai, the pot should be wide and flat, resembling a bowl.

Among materials, preference should be given to ceramics, clay, glass or wood.

Be sure to have drainage holes in the flowerpot. Expanded clay, perlite, small pebbles or clay shards are suitable as drainage.

What kind of soil is needed?

The soil should be nutritious, moisture permeable, have good aeration, have neutral or weak acidity (pH 5.5–6.5).

You can use the soil purchased at the store, intended for growing decorative leafy plants or ficuses, or prepare the soil mixture yourself by mixing:

• turf;
• coarse sand;
• peat;
• leaf ground.

The risk of root rot can be minimized by adding charcoal to the soil.

To get rid of pests, the earth mixture must be calcined, steamed and spilled with a solution of manganese.

Transfer

Ficus should be transplanted in early spring, before the active growing season. Instances up to 4 years old should be transplanted annually, after - once every 2-3 years.

A transplant is necessary if:

• 15-20 days have passed since the purchase;
• the root system has grown and does not fit in a flowerpot;
• Insects are wound up in the soil or the plant is sick.

Reference! To avoid the formation of a salt crust, it is enough to replace the topsoil.

In advance, you need to prepare the substrate, drainage and pot, 3–5 cm larger than the previous one.

Transplant process step by step:

• water the ficus abundantly;
• lay drainage at the bottom of the flowerpot, sprinkle it with soil;
• remove the plant along with an earthy clod, shake off the roots;
• transfer the bush into a new container;
• fill the voids with prepared soil, slightly compact it.

After transplantation, do not water the ficus for 2 days and do not feed for 2 weeks.

reproduction

This perennial is propagated by cuttings, layering and seeds. Depending on the chosen method, you will need:

• secateurs;
• soil mixture;
• landing containers;
• growth stimulants - "Kornevin", "Heteroauxin";
• polyethylene;
• moss-sphagnum;
• charcoal or activated charcoal;
• water;
• fungicides - Bordeaux mixture, Alirin B, Fundazol.

cuttings

The most common and easiest way. The most suitable time for this is spring or early summer, a period of active growth.

For cuttings you need:

• cut cuttings 10–15 cm long;
• remove low-lying leaves;
• wash off the leaked juice, dry the cuts, treat them with a growth stimulator ("Kornevin" or "Heteroauxin") to speed up root formation;
• put the seedling in a container with settled water at room temperature, cover it with polyethylene, creating a greenhouse effect;
• when the roots appear, transplant the cutting into the ground and cover the pot again with polyethylene or a jar until the first leaves appear.

Place the container with the seedling in a well-lit place at a temperature of + 25–30 ° C, eliminating drafts and direct sunlight.

layering

For reproduction in this way it is necessary:

• make an annular incision on the stem without hitting the core of the wood;
• treat this area with a growth stimulator, wrap with wet sphagnum;
• cover the moss with polyethylene so that moisture does not evaporate;
• fix the structure with threads or wire;
• after the appearance of the roots, cut the stem a little lower and plant it in the soil;
• treat the cut site with crushed wood or activated charcoal.

Reproduction by layering is most often used in the cultivation of bonsai to obtain aerial roots.

seeds

Seeds must be treated with a growth stimulator and fungicides ("Bordeaux mixture", "Alirin B", "Fundazol"), sown superficially on light, moist soil. Cover the container with polyethylene and keep at a temperature of + 25–30 ° C and a sufficient amount of light.

This method is used by professional breeders to obtain new varieties and hybrids.

Fertilizer and top dressing

In spring and summer, top dressing should be applied twice a month, in winter their number should be halved, and in the absence of additional illumination, do not use at all. Suitable universal fertilizers for decorative foliage plants or ficuses (Bona Forte, Agricola, Pokon, Reasil).

Watering

Regularity depends on the conditions of the plant. It is necessary to focus on the degree of drying of the soil - if the earthen lump is dry at a depth of 2–3 cm, watering is required.

Water should be at room temperature, settled or filtered.

If you are going on vacation

During a long absence, it is worth using wick watering - lower one end of the cord from a fabric that absorbs moisture well into a container of water, and spread the other spirally on the surface of the soil around the plant and lightly sprinkle with soil.

Growing problems

Diseases. Table

Pests. Table

Problems with leaves and mistakes in care. Table

Help us make the article better and more informative. Write in the comments what questions remained unsolved?

Ficuses are the most common plant to grow and care for at home. In this regard, a large number of people who decide to have ficuses have many questions related to the cultivation and cultivation of these flowers.

If you take into account all aspects of ficus care at home, this flower will become a beautiful and elegant decoration for your interior. Remember that this plant loves care and attention. Without them, it will lose its leaves and lose its attractive appearance.

In this article, we have collected answers to a wide range of questions related to caring for ficus at home. Also here are tips on how to choose the right ficus, choose a flowerpot for it, how to transplant, propagate and treat for diseases.

What rules for caring for ficuses at home should be followed so that these plants have a healthy appearance? How ficuses are watered, propagated? Where is the best place to place them?

Lighting

Ficuses should be placed in well-lit places. An abundance of light is the most important condition for the well-being of ficuses. Species with dark green leaves tolerate more shading than variegated ones and do not like direct sun. Variegated species can also be placed in the open sun, shading on especially hot summer days.

In winter, during a short day, ficuses need additional lighting. The lack of light in winter is the main reason that ficus leaves fall. It is advisable to purchase a special lamp and illuminate the ficuses so that the plants receive light for at least 12 hours a day.

To form a beautiful crown during the period of active growth, it is necessary from time to time to turn the plants in different directions to the light source.

Air humidity

This plant loves high humidity.

• Although this condition is not so obligatory for him, it is advisable to regularly spray the ficus or give him a shower.
• Varieties of ficuses with large leaves collect a lot of dust, which prevents plants from eating properly, and it looks ugly.

The leaves of these species need to be wiped from time to time with a damp sponge.

Temperature

Ficus is a thermophilic plant. Comfortable temperature for it: in summer - 25-30 degrees C, in winter - 16-20 degrees C. The minimum temperature is 10-15 degrees C (lower temperatures are acceptable for green-leaved species than for variegated ones).

Drafts and hypothermia of the soil are undesirable for ficus. No need to put it on a cold window sill or floor.

Watering

Proper watering is another important condition for the maintenance of ficuses. In summer they need abundant watering, in winter - moderate. The soil between waterings should dry out, but not dry out, ficus is a moisture-loving plant. However, in cool conditions for ficuses, waterlogging of the soil can be dangerous. At the same time, their roots and, sometimes, the base of the stem begin to rot.

Ampelous species require more abundant watering than ordinary ones.

top dressing

Ficuses are fertilized during the period of active growth, i.e. from March to September. Top dressing is applied 1 time in two weeks. Fertilizers should be used with a predominance of the nitrogen component, which stimulates the growth of green mass.

reproduction

They are easily propagated by cuttings. For rooting, a small twig is cut off, although even a small cutting with one leaf is enough. The cutting is placed in water or soil mixture.

• You can use soil heating, cover the cuttings with a glass jar or a plastic bag, so rooting will happen faster.
• But even without this, the cuttings take root easily.
• Many types of ficuses in the process of growth need to form a crown by pruning and pinching.

Transfer

Ficuses grow very fast, so they need an annual transplant. Large tub specimens are not transplanted, they are replaced with the upper part of the soil. Ficuses require a nutritious earth mixture. There is a special primer for sale, you can also use a universal primer.

Ficuses are transplanted in March, the pot for transplanting should not be taken too large, because. they do not like excess land, the growth of ficus in this case slows down. A drainage layer should be placed in the pot.

Diseases and pests

Ficuses are rarely affected by diseases and pests, but it happens that they are attacked by scale insects, thrips or spider mites.

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Accommodation

In my opinion, the first rule in Ficus care at home- do not disturb once again and do not overdo it. What I mean. When I received a Ficus cutting from a flower lover like myself, I immediately determined a permanent pot and a permanent place for it.

And so, after the stalk took root, I rooted it in a fairly spacious (but still not huge) flowerpot. And immediately put this container in the place where it will grow constantly. After all, the main feature of Ficuses is that they do not like a sharp change in location and frequent transplants. The result of your insecurity may be crumbling leaves.

Proper watering

The second very important rule in caring for Ficus is the correct watering regimen. Also, water should be used only a little warm and settled. If this flower is not watered enough, the soil will dry out, and the leaves will also wrinkle and begin to fall off.

You need to water according to this principle - if the land mixture has dried up by 1-2 phalanxes of your finger - it's time. For large specimens, the drying of the earth is permissible and to a depth of 6 - 7 cm.

Wet air

Ficuses come from the tropics, so moist air is vital for them. Especially the ampelous varieties of this plant. Caring for ficus at home involves mandatory spraying. Make sure that the water is warm and soft (settled). When spraying leaves traces of water on the leaves? What to do? - From time to time wipe the leaves with a damp soft cloth. This will save the plant from dust and give the leaves a beautiful look.

Temperature regime

For successful breeding of Ficus at home, the correct temperature regime is important. As they say, no matter how cold or hot. In winter, the flower must be provided with a temperature not lower than 16 ° C. The critical minimum is 12°C. In summer, conditions of 25-30 ° C should be provided.

Light mode

Most Ficuses easily tolerate light partial shade. They are even more harmful to direct sunlight. But variegated forms - for example, Ficus Benjamin prefer to grow in the light. Another thing is that this light should be diffused. Otherwise, the leaves may get burned.

In winter, any type of Ficus requires additional illumination using fluorescent, mercury or sodium lamps. Otherwise, they shed their leaves.

top dressing

For active growth, especially during the growing season, Ficus needs top dressing. In spring and summer, I apply nitrogen-containing fertilizers. This helps to build up more green mass to make the flower lush and beautiful. By the way, if your homemade Ficus has shed its leaves, then good feeding will help in its rehabilitation.

You can use "home fertilizer": an infusion of wood ash, mullein or nettle. And you can use ready-made mineral complex fertilizers: Humisol (I use it), Ideal, Palma, Ficus and others.

Frequency of fertilization: 1 time in 10-14 days. It is not necessary to fertilize in winter. An exception is if you provided Ficus with the same conditions as in summer (additional lighting, moisture, warm air). But even then you need to feed once every 1-2 months, and even then half the dose indicated on the bottle.

Diseases

Domestic Ficuses are prone to various diseases. Most often they are affected by spider mites. Therefore, as a preventive measure, it is necessary to spray. And sometimes I give Ficus a warm shower.

The conclusion is: caring for Ficus at home requires certain knowledge and most importantly, following the rules. And then there will be no problems at all. In the end, Ficuses grow even in public institutions, and in your home they will certainly grow and delight with their appearance.

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Ficus care at home

• Most ficuses are unpretentious plants, except for ampelous forms.
• They do well in slightly shaded conditions.
• The most suitable temperature for them in winter is 20 degrees, in summer it can be a little higher.
• Do not allow the temperature to drop below 12 degrees.

How often to water

During the period of intensive growth, ficuses will need a lot of water. From spring to autumn, the plants must be watered regularly, but the water in the pan should not be constantly present, otherwise the roots will rot. In early September, watering is gradually reduced, and in winter it is enough to water once every ten days.

top dressing

Top dressing of ficuses is done from spring to early autumn - once every two weeks. To do this, it is better to use natural fertilizers such as mullein, wood ash and nettle infusion.

How to transplant ficus

Ficuses are transplanted once every 2 years. This is best done in the spring. As a substrate for transplantation, a mixture of earth, sand and peat is used in a ratio of 2: 1: 1. When transplanting, ficuses are first well watered, and then determined by the method of transshipment in larger containers.

Do not use too large containers. It is better to transplant into tight pots. This will limit the growth of the plant, which is more acceptable for home conditions.

Self-propagation, or how to propagate ficus correctly

Ficuses propagate using seeds, cuttings and layering.

Seeds are sown in spring in pre-prepared bowls. Landing is done shallowly and then the bowls are covered with glass. Contain crops in a humid environment. Glass is removed twice a day for 30 minutes to ventilate the crops.

• As soon as the first leaves appear, the plants dive. The composition of the soil should include leafy soil and some river sand. The grown ficuses are seated in separate pots with a diameter of 7 centimeters.
• Top cuttings are propagated in late spring or summer. A freshly cut stalk 5-7 cm sits in a pre-prepared soil. In this case, phytohormones are used.
• Ficuses are propagated by air layering from May to September. Just below the sheet from the bottom up, an incision of 5 mm is made.
• A wet match is dipped into a special hormonal cutting powder and inserted into the incision. This is done so that the incision does not close.

The prepared place is wrapped with wet moss and tied with braid. From above everything is covered with a film. After a few months, roots will break through the moss. In the lower part of the roots, the petiole is cut off and thus material is obtained for planting a new plant.

Ficus diseases

If you take care of the plant incorrectly, it can be affected by pests: mealybugs, scale insects and spider mites.

The scale insect feeds on the sap of the plant. When affected, the leaves lose their color and fall off. It is necessary, upon detection, to wipe the leaves with a cotton swab, which is pre-moistened in soapy water or use actellik. It will be enough 20 drops per 1 liter of water. When using Actellic, be sure to follow the precautions, it is toxic.

When affected by a spider mite, a white web can be seen under the leaves and between them. In this case, it is necessary to wash the plant with warm water. If the infection is strong enough, use the same actellik. It is also recommended to increase the humidity in the room.

• If the air is too dry, the plant can infect the mealybug. It appears more often on older plants.
• If the accumulations are small, they can be removed with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol. In case of severe damage, use a solution of karbofos - 40 drops of emulsion per 1 liter of water.
• In the fight against spider mites and mealybugs, a soap-oil emulsion, which is easy to prepare yourself, can be a very effective remedy.
• It is necessary to dilute 5 tablespoons of washing powder and 5 tablespoons of diesel fuel in one liter of water. Pour this solution into a bucket of cool water and wash the leaves and stems of the ficus.

To destroy the scale insects, a solution with chopped garlic and soap is quite useful. A day after treatment, the plant must be thoroughly washed to remove the remnants of the mixture. It is necessary to process 3-4 times with a five-day interval.

Why do ficus leaves fall?

Sometimes ficus leaves can fall off. The reason for this may be excessive watering or a change in location. In the first case, due to excessive moisture, the roots rot, and the leaves become drooping, lifeless and fall off.

As for the second case, it has long been known that ficus does not perceive a change of place well. At the same time, he experiences a shock, which leads to the dropping of leaves. Be sure to monitor the lighting in the room where your plant is located. With a lack of light, plant growth slows down. Leaves can also fall due to low temperatures and drafts.

What you need to pay attention to

Do not buy plants in autumn or winter. Adaptation during this period is much more difficult. Do not buy too large specimens. Older plants are more difficult to adapt to new conditions.

1. Look through the drainage hole for ficus roots.
2. If they are black or dark brown, then this plant is not worth taking.
3. When buying ficus, lightly shake the plant or run your hand gently against the leaves.
4. If at least two or three leaves fall off, then it is better to purchase another plant.

Good luck with your choice.

After watching the video below, you can learn how to care for ficus in winter.

vdomashnih-uslovijah.ru

Ficus varieties

In room conditions, a large number of different types of ficuses are grown, sometimes very dissimilar in appearance. Most often in homes and offices you can find the following types of ficus: rubbery, Benjamin, lyre-shaped and dwarf. Outwardly very different, they are grown almost the same way. In general, they are easy to care for.

The most common types

Usually ficuses are evergreens, but deciduous ones are also found among them. The variety of different species and subspecies is surprising, there are more than 800 of them, and each is beautiful and unusual in its own way. Let's look at the most popular homemade ficus species: their appearance, features and subspecies.

What is Ficus Benjamin

This is one of the most common types of this plant. He came to us from Asia and Northern Australia. In addition, this type of ficus is a symbol of Bangkok, the capital of Thailand.

Varieties of ficus Benjamin:

• Large-leaved: Anastasia, Boucle, Bushy King, Golden King, Golden Monique, Daniel, Midnight, Lady, Samantha, Irene, Exotica;
• With medium size leaves: Curly, Kinky, Naomi, Naomi Gold, Starlight, Fantasy, Esther;
• Small-leaved (dwarf): Barok, Viandi, Natasha, Nicole, Nina, Nina, Safari.

Leaves can differ not only in size, but also in color and shape.

Small-leaved compact tree with a dense crown. The branches of Ficus Benjamin in old plants, 8-10 years old, droop, and give the tree a special attraction. At home, it grows up to 1.5-2 m in height.

Ficus benjamin care

Temperature

Moderate, optimal in the range of 20-25°C, in winter it is possible to keep at lower temperatures of about 16-18°C, with limited watering, a limit of 10°C with a dry content.

Lighting

Ficus benjamina loves light, especially variegated varieties, but with protection from direct sunlight in the afternoon. In spring and summer, an east window is suitable, where the sun is in the morning or evening. But in central Russia for the period from September to January, the southern or southwestern window is ideal for him. With a lack of light in winter, the ficus can leaf fall.

Watering

Ficus benjamin has moisture-retaining thickenings on the roots, therefore it does not tolerate waterlogging, it must be well dried before the next watering.

If the roots of a ficus dry for a very long time after watering, rotting may begin: the plant simultaneously throws off a large number of leaves, some lose their color, turn yellow, others fly around still green.

Amazing and original Bonsai

Bonsai is a plant growing technique that originated in Japan a very long time ago. Literally translated as "plant on a tray." By definition, it is a miniature ornamental tree. There is a whole technique for its creation.

Ficus Bonsai does not belong to varieties; it is formed in a special way from Benjamin's ficus. This is a very difficult and very laborious process! During growth, it is periodically necessary to cut the roots and pinch the tops. Receiving a balance between the crown and the rhizome, the tree is given the necessary shape. Ficus Natasha, Nicole, Nina, Viandi, Barok are best suited for such purposes.

Excellent rubbery ficus

Its second name is ficus elastica. This plant is very popular and is found in many homes. Such universal love is caused by its extraordinary beauty. In addition, he is unpretentious in care.

Rubber-bearing ficuses are dark green in color, but sometimes they are decorated with a yellow border.

The most popular types:

• dark green leaves Abidjan, Melanie, Robusta, Shriveriana;
• leaves with a yellow border: Belize, Teaneck, Tricolor.

It has several varieties that differ in the shape and color of the leaves. Particularly spectacular varieties with yellow spots and stripes on the leaves. Some cultivars branch well and are quite compact, while others are reluctant to form side shoots and tend to grow upwards.

At home, rubber ficus is undemanding to air humidity and tolerant of lack of light.

We advise you to pay special attention to proper watering and care for growing shoots, which can reach several meters and bend intricately. It is necessary to form a crown in a timely manner, tying up the stems or periodically cutting them off and rooting.

Ficus rubber care

Ficus elastica is not demanding in care, it is important to choose the right place, especially for large specimens - so that it is light and does not fry from batteries; do not water excessively and periodically wipe the leaves from dust.

Temperature

Preferably moderate, not below 18°C. They like to "keep their feet warm" - do not put a ficus pot on a cold windowsill, marble or tile floor, etc. In an above-moderate temperature room, the leaves begin to hang down.

Lighting

All varieties of ficus elastica prefer a bright place, protected from direct sunlight during the midday hours. Variegated forms need a lighter and warmer place than dark-leaved forms.

Watering

Ficus rubber-bearing watering loves moderate, does not tolerate waterlogging of the soil. Water at room temperature, better settled. Top dressing with fertilizers from March to August in two weeks.

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Ficus Ali (binnendika) Ficus binnendijkii ‘Alii’

Ali is the most popular variety of ficus binnendik Ficus binnendijkii, which is also found under the name "willowleaf ficus". The leaves of this ficus do indeed resemble willow in shape, but this is a folk name, not a botanical one.

With good care, ficus Ali at home reaches 1.5 m in height and about 70-80 cm in diameter. You should not put this ficus on the floor: firstly, it is dark, the lower part of the trunk will begin to become bare, and secondly, it is always colder on the floor, the earth in the pot dries longer and the roots can rot if watered too plentifully.

Ficus Ali Care

Temperature

Moderate, optimal in the range of 20-25°C, in winter it is possible to keep at lower temperatures of about 16-18°C, with limited watering, the limit is 13°C with a dry content. With sudden changes in temperature, it can drop leaves.

Lighting

Bright diffused light, light partial shade. With an acute lack of light, the shoots stretch out, the leaves thin out. From direct sunlight in the hot afternoon can get burns. Ficus Ali with green leaves is more shade tolerant than many other types of ficus. But variegated varieties like ‘Amstel Gold’ need more intense light, with some morning or evening sunlight.

Watering

In summer, the ficus is watered moderately, the topsoil should dry well to a depth of about 1/2 the height of the pot. In winter, when light and temperature decrease, watering is limited, allowing the earth to dry out almost completely.

Ficus lyre-shaped Ficus lirata

Lyre-shaped ficus Ficus lirata is distinguished by its large leaves, similar in shape to an inverted violin. Its leaves reach a length of 50-60 cm. He loves loneliness, you should not put him close to other plants.

This ficus is not often seen in flower shops, but it is wonderful - the leaves are leathery, directed upwards, have an interesting shape. The ficus itself grows slowly, with good care it does not become bare from below. A real decoration of a spacious office or hall. Ficus lyre-shaped at home does not branch well, often grows in one trunk, at the age of 4-5 years it can produce side shoots.

Ficus lyre care

Temperature

In summer, ordinary indoor, does not like extreme heat, in winter it is optimally 18-20 ° C, limit 12 ° C. Does not like soil cooling after watering!

Lighting

A bright place, protected from direct sunlight in spring and summer from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Watering

Moderate, the soil should have time to dry out before the next watering. Water at room temperature, well settled. Top dressing with fertilizers from April to August in two weeks.

Ficus dwarf Ficus pumila

Fast-growing, small-leaved ficus, completely unlike all other types of ficus. You can grow it as an ampelous plant, you can tie it to a support so that it stretches up.

The main care for the ficus is to tie up the support, timely transplant and water, fertilize with fertilizers. The flower responds well to a hot shower, as a prevention against ticks.

Temperature

Moderate, optimal in the range of 20-25°C, in winter it is possible to keep at lower temperatures of about 12-14°C, with limited watering, the limit is 8°C with a dry content. Although under natural conditions, the tiny ficus can withstand lower temperatures, and even slight frosts, when grown at home, it’s not worth the risk - protect the plants from drafts.

Lighting

Ficus pumila grows well in bright diffused light with some sunlight. An east and west window is suitable, shading is required only at noon. Grows well in artificial light. The variegated ficus is more photophilous. If the ficus lacks light, it can grow new shoots without leaves.

Watering

Pretty plentiful in summer, this is a rare ficus that does not tolerate complete drying of the earth, it should always be slightly damp, but have time to dry from above for the next watering by about a quarter of the height of the pot. In winter, the ficus is watered less often, with the drying of the earth at half the height of the pot.

How to take care of ficus

With proper care, this houseplant grows quickly and reaches 2-3 meters in height. The growth rate is about 20 centimeters per year.

The plant needs about 3 months to adapt and take root in new conditions. After that, caring for Benjamin's ficus, as well as for rubber, as a rule, does not require much effort.

The key to successful adaptation

Before you decide to bring a ficus home, you should carefully choose a place of permanent residence for it in advance. Try to comply with several important conditions:

1. direct rays of the sun should not harm the tree;
2. no need to put it next to the batteries;
3. humidity in the room should be medium, but in no case low;
4. draft is contraindicated.

From the first day, start spraying your flower. Always check the soil moisture in the pot.
Read more about how to care for ficus, read on.

Peculiarities

Consider the main components of the proper care of this indoor plant:

• The soil. The soil should be breathable, slightly acidic, fertile, moist. Natural fertilizers can be added to the soil. It is necessary to ensure good drainage: it is better to make the lower layer of expanded clay, and the upper layer of sand;
• Lighting. These plants are very photophilous, so a bright place in your apartment is ideal for them. Avoid exposure to direct sunlight, especially at lunchtime. It is best to put a pot of ficus on a window that does not face south or east. It is feasible for a ficus to survive a temporary lack of light, but its leaves will noticeably fade. In winter, it is necessary to highlight the plant, because in low light, Benjamin's ficus drops its leaves. Also, you can not often rearrange the plant in order to avoid one-sided dropping of leaves;
• Room temperature. The optimum temperature in summer should be within 18-25 degrees, in winter - no colder than 16-18 degrees. When keeping ficus in a cool room, it is necessary to reduce its watering. When dry, the plant can withstand temperatures up to 10 degrees above zero;
• Watering. It is advisable to water the ficus regularly in moderation. During the summer months, do this 2-3 times a week. In early September, watering should be gradually reduced so that by winter the watering schedule is 1 time per week. The ficus flower does not like both excessive soil moisture and its drying out. However, before the next watering, the soil still needs to be slightly dried. In addition, periodically the soil must be loosened so that it dries out better. From excessive moisture, the ficus can rot the roots, then it will throw off a lot of leaves. Water your tree only with settled and soft water at a temperature not colder than room temperature. Do not forget to occasionally spray the leaves with a spray bottle;
• top dressing. Top dressing should be carried out in spring and summer 2 times a month. For her, it is preferable to use natural fertilizers (for example, wood ash, nettle infusion). Before feeding, the plant should be watered so as not to burn its roots. You can also spray the leaves with a fertilizer solution. In winter, ficus can also be fed, but with the obligatory condition of additional lighting and no more than 1 time per month.

Learning to transplant ficuses correctly

Young ficuses are transplanted annually in the spring to a new land. Plants that have reached the age of 4 can be transplanted every 2 years, and every year it is enough just to add fresh soil to the pot.

The soil for transplanting ficus at home should be nutritious and loose.

If the soil in the pot dries out quickly, then the roots have little space and nutrients, therefore, it is time to transplant the plant. After transplanting, it may shed its leaves or its growth will slow down somewhat. This is in the order of things, because with increasing space, the roots grow more slowly. Over time, new leaves will appear, and growth will accelerate.

How to transplant ficus:

Reproduction methods and their features

Many indoor plant lovers are wondering how to propagate ficus correctly. There are 2 ways in total:

Cuttings are stem and leaf-bud. They must be planted in a container with water, and after 2 weeks the cuttings will have roots. After that, they can be planted in a pot.

Air layers. The second way is the propagation of ficus by air layering:

1. Choose the shoot you like, remove a few leaves from it;
2. Make a circular incision;
3. Insert a piece of wood into the incision, then apply wet moss and wrap with cling film;
4. When the roots sprout, separate this part and transplant into another container.

What if the plant sheds leaves

Leaves can fall off for various reasons. Ficus Benjamin, for example, does this much more often than its counterparts. Why does this happen and what to do if the ficus sheds leaves:

Do not be afraid if the leaves of the ficus Benjamin fall. It is necessary, first of all, to identify the cause of this and immediately eliminate it. But the rubber-bearing ficus, unlike Benjamin, is more adapted to home life and falls leaves much less often.

Diseases of this houseplant

Thus, the following causes of the development of ficus diseases can be distinguished:

1. Insufficient lighting, especially in winter. Growth slows down, leaves fall off and turn yellow. Remarkably, ficuses with dark green leaves are less demanding on light than those with light ones;
2. Unsuitable temperature or sudden changes in temperature. This affects the decorative appearance of the plant. It begins to lose leaves and wither;
3. drafts. Ficus does not tolerate drafts. So his leaves may begin to fall and the stems dry;
4. over watering. If the top layer does not dry out for a long time, the tops of the shoots die off, an unpleasant smell of rot appears from the soil, the leaves fade and fall off;
5. Insufficient watering. With insufficient water, the leaves dry out, curl up and the ficus leaves fall. The branches become dry and brittle, and the earth is disconnected from the pot;
6. Excess fertilizer. Do not abuse fertilizers and violate their dosage. Root scorch can occur if the plant is fertilized in dry soil.

Make sure that there are no deformations, damages, spots and pests on the leaves. Any change is not good. Always remember that it is better to identify the causes of the disease in advance in order to be able to take action in time.

It is important to periodically inspect the flower and clean it from dried leaves.. In difficult situations, it is better to completely replace the earth, cut off old rotten roots, transplant into a smaller pot.

Most often, the causes of the disease are caused by a lack of attention to the ficus from the owners. If you take care of your pet and take proper care of the ficus at home, he will delight you with his well-groomed appearance for a long time.

uplady.com

Ficus: types, photos and names

Beautiful evergreen plant ficus belongs to the mulberry family. Plants growing naturally in New Guinea, Southeast Asia and the Solomon Islands can be both trees and shrubs. Depending on the type, ficuses can have green or bicolor leaves up to 70 cm in size. Small flowers of the plant are located on simplified perianths.

In nature, ficuses can grow up to 40 meters in length, and their trunk diameter can reach 5 meters. There are climbing and creeping plant species. In total, there are more than 1000 varieties of ficuses. However, much less is grown at home. Ficuses known in amateur floriculture, we will consider today in our article.

Popular types of ficuses

Rubber ficus is one of the most popular and unpretentious species of this genus of mulberry plants. He characterized by a weakly branched trunk, which at home can reach two meters. The leathery and glossy elliptical leaves are slightly pointed at the tip. The grayish-green crown of the tree is rough and dotted with horizontal grooves.

In damp rooms, the tree gives aerial roots. This type of ficus has different varieties, which mainly differ in the color of the leaves:

1. Variety "Black Prince" is a plant with black leaves.
2. Variety "Doechery" is distinguished by the presence of pink spots and a red vein in the middle of the sheet.
3. Variety "Variegata" has beautiful green leaves, along the edges of which there is a cream edging.
4. The Robusta variety is a plant with large, glossy deep green leaves.

Let's follow right!

Indoor plants are unpretentious, therefore they are very popular and loved by flower growers. Ficus care at home is good lighting, regular and proper watering and a suitable temperature. However, there are still some nuances of growing, especially some types of plants.

Lighting

The best option for placing ficuses is a well-lit place. without direct sunlight. A small plant can be placed on a western or eastern window sill, and a tall bush or tree can be placed on the floor or stand near the window. Pushing the plant deep into the room is not recommended. In the shade, the bush will slow down growth and shed its leaves.

In the warm period of time, ficuses can be taken out to the loggia or balcony, arranging them so that direct sunlight does not fall on the plant. In winter, light-loving plants suffer due to a short daylight hours, so it is recommended to additionally highlight them for several hours a day.

Temperature and humidity

In summer, the optimal temperature for growing ficus maybe in the range of 25-30C. In winter, the plant is recommended to be kept at an air temperature of 16-20C.

Ficuses feel good at room temperature. The only thing they don't like is the dry air coming from the heating radiators. Therefore, it is recommended to spray the plant two to three times a day with water at room temperature. Otherwise, dry air can cause damage to the tree by pests or diseases.

Watering and water procedures

When caring for a ficus, regular watering is required, which depends on the humidity of the air and the temperature regime in the room. The plant is watered only after the top layer of the earth mixture dries well. Too frequent watering can lead to root rot. It is also necessary to ensure that water does not accumulate in the pan.

In the dry season, twice a month, ficuses are recommended to be bathed in the shower, having previously covered the soil with a waterproof film. In the absence of a shower, the leaves of the plant can be periodically wiped first with a dry and then with a wet cloth.

To make the leaves of the tree a rich green color, experienced flower growers wipe them with a special solution:

Ficus feeding

When caring for ficus at home, top dressing is done only in the summer. It is recommended to use mineral and organic fertilizers alternately for this. Plants are fed every ten days.

In winter, when there is little light and heat , fertilizers are not applied. But for good health, plants can be fed with tea leaves, burying a small amount of them in the ground.

Transplant and soil for ficuses

Young, actively growing plants need to be transplanted every year. Old trees and bushes are transplanted once every few years. This should be done in order to renew the sour and settled soil.

For transplanting, a neutral or slightly acidic special soil for ficuses sold in flower shops is suitable. Young plants need a specific soil mixture that can be cook from equal parts:

• peat;
• sand;
• leaf land.

Mature trees are transplanted into denser soil, so humus and soddy land are added to the mixture.

About a day before planting, the plants are watered. For young bushes, new pots should be about 2 cm larger than the previous ones. At the bottom of the tank, drainage is first poured, and only then a small layer of soil. A plant pulled out of an old pot along with an earthy clod installed in a new container and covered with soil.

Growing Ficus Benjamin

A small tree with small leaves requires more attention and some care. Otherwise, leaves begin to fall from it, and the plant becomes completely bald.

Ficus Benjamin in nature lives in conditions of high humidity, so it does not tolerate too bright lighting and dry air. Therefore, it is recommended to grow it away from direct sunlight, and spray it several times a day. A very good option to increase humidity would be to use a special humidifier.

If, nevertheless, ficus Benjamin leaves started to fall, the reason could be:

1. Acclimatization of the plant to new growing conditions.
2. Irrigation with cold water.
3. Lack of light.
4. Uncomfortable temperature for the plant (above 23C or below 17C).
5. Drafts and sudden changes in temperature.
6. Dry air.
7. Excessive or insufficient soil moisture.

All these reasons should be eliminated when caring for Benjamin's ficus. The plant is placed in a bright place away from sunlight and drafts, regularly watered, sprayed and fed. Also, do not forget to periodically loosen the soil in a pot and replant a young plant annually.
Reproduction of ficuses at home

The simplest and most common way to propagate ficuses is cuttings.

To obtain cuttings in the spring, shoots are cut off from the bush under the lower node, on which there should be at least 2-3 leaves. The bottom leaf is removed, the cut is washed, and the cutting is placed in wet sand or water. A segment of the plant is abundantly sprayed and covered with a transparent plastic bottle or other cap. In this form, the cuttings are placed in a warm, shaded place, and ventilated daily. As soon as the plant gives roots and begins to grow, it can be safely planted in a pot filled with earthen mixture.

As a cutting, you can also take a large leaf of ficus, cutting it off along with the heel. A leaf rolled into a tube is rooted in wet peat or sand. A support is installed next to it for stability. The leaf is sprayed and covered with a flask.

During rooting, it is necessary to ventilate the cutting and moisten the peat. After the appearance of the roots of the leaf planted in a small pot. As the plants grow, they are transplanted into large pots.

True ficus lovers consider caring for a pet at home to be quite easy. By fulfilling just a few conditions, you can admire the beautiful greenery of a small bush or a magnificent and spectacular mature tree all year round.

All types of ficuses love bright places, but too bright rays of the sun can damage their leaves. The corner should be slightly shaded so that the plant does not languish under the scorching sun. Variegated species are more resistant to the sun, solid greens prefer partial shade. Choose a permanent place, without turning and rearranging, all types of ficuses do not like this.

Temperature: The plant prefers natural conditions. The optimum temperature in summer is 22-26 degrees, in winter 16-20 degrees, but not lower than 13-15 degrees. For ficuses, drafts are extremely dangerous.

• Watering: Any species requires regular watering - this is a prerequisite for their maintenance. Broad-leaved species are watered less frequently.
• Small-leaved plants have small surface roots that absorb moisture only from the surface layer of the soil, and, as you know, it dries quickly.
• In summer, watering is slightly increased, in winter, especially with a decrease in temperature, it is reduced.
• The exception is ampelous species that require constant abundant watering.

Watering a ficus is a delicate and responsible job. A dry earthen ball leads to yellowing and falling of the leaves, too waterlogged substrate - contributes to the decay of the root collar and the appearance of pests. The end result is that the ficus will shed its leaves and be more likely to die.
Water is used settled for several hours, or soft, rainy.

A prerequisite is the presence of expanded clay drainage in the pot and several holes for excess moisture to escape.

The soil

Soil: If you buy soil, choose a slightly acidic or neutral soil with a pH of 5.5-6.5.
For self-preparation, you need: peat, sand and leafy earth taken in the same proportions. For large specimens add turf (2 hours). In order to avoid rotting of the roots, a layer of expanded clay, or household shards, is laid on the bottom as drainage, and pieces of charcoal are brought into the soil.

• Ficuses with thick trunks prefer a dry climate and rocky soils. It is necessary to add small pebbles, or broken bricks to the ready soil.
• Transplantation: For young plants, transplantation is required annually in the spring, adult ficuses are extremely sensitive and transplanted as needed if the pot is too small and the roots crawl to the surface.
• Often they do transshipment, or every year they update the top layer of soil with more nutritious. During the transplantation of young plants, you can add a little rotted manure.
• Lack of good drainage leads to root rot.
• Reproduction: Ficus is propagated in several ways: cuttings, seeds and air taps. The first is the simplest and most popular.

Seeds: In early spring, seeds are sown in bowls in soil from leafy earth and sand in equal proportions. Top covered with a glass jar, or placed in a mini greenhouse. Constantly keep high humidity with regular airing.

After some time, the first sprouts will appear, upon reaching 2-3 leaves, I dive into separate containers. As soon as the young sprouts get stronger, they are re-transplanted into pots using the substrate for adult plants.

Elbows

From spring to autumn, slightly below the leaf, make a small vertical incision of 5 mm.

Using a match previously moistened with a growth stimulator, they are inserted into the incision so that it does not close. Top wrapped with moss and covered with foil. Moss is constantly kept moist. After a few months, roots will appear. The petiole with the resulting root is cut off a little lower and planted in a small container with soil.

cuttings. One or two summer shoots are suitable. They are cut in early spring before bud break, 10-15 cm long and planted in light soil from leafy soil and river sand. Previously, the stalk is placed in water until the release of white juice stops. Some types of ficuses (Benjamin, rubbery) take root well in water. From above, the container is covered with a glass jar, regularly airing. Constantly keep a humid climate. The ambient temperature is 25 degrees. The stalk will quickly start roots, after about 1-1.5 months, then it is planted in a pot.

When using thick shoots, for better rooting, an incision is made at the bottom (split). When watering, water should not fall on the leaf plates.

You can root the cutting in peat tablets, where the time for the appearance of roots is significantly reduced.

Wintering

Wintering: Often, ficuses shed their leaves through insufficient lighting and lower temperatures. Some species need to deliberately reduce the temperature of the content during the dormant period. Starting from October-November, ficus significantly slows down its growth and resumes it only in spring. Bottle species are watered very rarely and in small amounts of water.

Pests: ficus can infect scale insects, mealybugs, thrips, spider mites. Often associated with a violation of the irrigation regime, or temperature.

Difficulties in growing

• Leaf yellowing, growth retardation, new leaves small - insufficient nutrients in the soil, fertilize, or transplant into a new substrate.
• Leaves turn yellow and fall off - lack of moisture, too dry earthen lump.
• Leaves fall off - insufficient or excess watering, water is too cold, climate change, or situation (moving ficus from one place to another negatively affects growth), not enough light, a sharp drop in temperature, the presence of a draft.
• Falling of the lower layer of leaves. Often ficuses really shed the bottom layer, but if there are new, young, or if the leaves are really old. In other cases, it is: a lack of nutrients, an untimely transplant, or the pot is too small for the root system.
• The leaf plate is twisted and wrinkled - dry humidity in the room, or lack of moisture in the soil. Especially for ampelous species.

Ficus elastica, better known as rubbery ficus, is one of the most common potted crops. This plant filters the air, purifies it of harmful substances and saturates it with oxygen. In addition, ficus elastica is considered a symbol of the family hearth.

Does rubber ficus require special care, how to properly organize the place, and what kind of microclimate is needed for this plant? More on everything below.

What should be the soil for rubber ficus

Rubber ficus is not a "capricious" plant. But he also needs to create all the necessary conditions for full development.

Ficus loves mixed soil, which ideally should consist of 4 components: peat, leaf humus, soddy soil and sand. In flower shops, you can buy ready-made mixtures for planting ficuses, or you can cook it yourself from universal soil and river sand.

Did you know? Rubber ficus at home can grow up to 1 m in height. But this is nothing compared to the size of the "wild" species of ficus, the crown of which can rise 30 m from the ground.

Optimal lighting, temperature and humidity

In order to decide where to put rubber ficus, you need to know three facts about this plant.

1. Direct sunlight is contraindicated for him - the ficus loves bright diffused light.
2. The optimum temperature for the plant is 20-25°C. In the summer heat, the ficus can withstand up to 30 ° C, and in winter it can withstand up to 15 ° C. But the plant will not be able to stay in such conditions for a long time.
3. Elastic likes moderate air and soil humidity. With an excess of moisture, the plant sheds foliage and slowly fades.

Watering rubber ficus

Maintaining moderate soil moisture is one of the most important rules for caring for ficus. An excess of moisture in a pot of rubbery ficus prevents the crown from forming properly and leads to a slow withering of the rhizome - the heart of the plant. The appearance of red spots on the leaves is a sure sign of oversaturation with moisture.

In the summer, water the ficus 1-2 times a week, in the winter 1 time is enough. In order to check if the plant needs watering, dip your finger into the pot to a depth of 2-3 cm, if the soil is dry, moisten it. The leaves also need to be sprayed and wiped, but rather to get rid of dust than to moisten. This should be taken into account for those who do not know how to make the ficus branch, because this simple procedure helps to increase the number of branches and leaves.

Important! Plants also like to take warm showers, and ficus is no exception. Put the flower pot in the bathroom, cover the soil with a film and use a shower head to pour warm water over the crown.

When is top dressing needed, and how to do it correctly

Ficus needs soil rich in vitamins and nutrients, so “saturation” of the soil is an important part of caring for this houseplant. Feeding the flower should begin in April, when the ficus only wakes up after winter, and stop in September.

You can buy ready-made fertilizers for rubber ficus, but for its full growth, you need to alternate mineral and organic (nitrogen-containing) stimulants. In order not to burn the roots, it is necessary to water the soil before feeding, and only then fertilize it.

How to properly trim and arrange the crown of a rubbery ficus

In order for the ficus to become a lush and branched bush, it is necessary to cut its branches from time to time. The end of winter - the beginning of spring is the best time for crown formation, but only adult bushes that have reached 50-70 cm are subject to pruning.

If the ficus is stretching up and you don't know what to do, then just cut off the top of the bush. How much you need to cut in order to properly form the crown depends on the height of the ficus. For lower bushes, it is enough to remove 3-4 internodes, for high ones - 5-7. This is quite enough to stimulate the growth of the ficus crown, the appearance of new branches and young foliage.

Important! Do not rush to throw away extra branches. The cut tops of the bushes can and should be rooted!

When caring for rubber ficus, you need to know not only how to form a crown, but also how to stimulate the appearance of new side branches.

There are two ways to make the crown lush and thick:

Change the position of the stem. So you outsmart the plant: the top becomes a side branch and slows down its growth, and the side becomes the top and begins to grow.

Make a hole in the stem. Using a needle or awl, make a hole 1/3 the thickness of the stem. A new shoot will grow through this hole.

Ficus propagation

One of the most important gardening skills is the ability to properly propagate a flower.

Ficus elastica is one of the few houseplants that is difficult to grow this way. A leaf can be put in water, left in a warm place, and it will even give a spine, but, as a rule, it does not go further than this. Ficus needs a trunk to take root.

Reproduction by cuttings

This method of propagation of elastic is more efficient, but also more laborious.

Ficus rubber has its own characteristics of propagation by cuttings, and when doing this at home, you need to take the following steps:

1. Cut the cutting at a 45°C angle.
2. Substitute the cut point under a stream of water until all the juice has drained.
3. Leave the cutting in water or soil until the root shoot appears.
4. To speed up the process, make a mini-greenhouse - cover the pot with soil with a film. In order for the sprouted stalk to take root, it must be treated with Kornevin before planting.

Did you know? Not all ficuses can be propagated by cuttings. Variegated species are accepted only by the air withdrawal method. To do this, an incision is made in the trunk, a match is inserted so that the cut does not grow together. Then the cut point is covered with wet sphagnum moss and wrapped in cling film. The part of the trunk with the root that has appeared is cut off and planted in the ground.

Plant transplant

Like most indoor plants, ficus should be repotted in spring or early summer. The new pot should be 3-4 cm wider than the previous one.

Ficus is not a very whimsical plant. But the growth rate of the flower and the density of the crown are directly related to the characteristics of the pot in which it lives. Therefore, when buying a container for growing a tree, certain nuances must be taken into account.

Young plants are more suitable for standard flowerpots. And adults are best grown in large tubs with a volume of 10-15 liters or more.

When choosing a container, you need to pay attention to the following criteria:

• container sizes;
• form;
• coloring;
• material;
• the number of plants that will be planted there.

Attention! There must be drainage holes at the bottom of the planter, and a “spout” on the pallet to drain excess moisture.

In fact, a flowerpot for a tree is not only its habitat. It is also a tool for shaping its trunk and crown. Therefore, the choice of capacity for growing a flower should be approached responsibly.

How to choose the right form?

The plant will fit the most common pots. The presence of special frills in its design is optional. The ideal option is planting in a pot of the correct shape. Its width and height will be approximately the same. This form is suitable for any variety of ficus.

But if you want something special, you need to consider the following nuances:

1. It is better to avoid the round shape. In the process of transplanting a flower into such a flowerpot, there is a risk of injuring its root system. Then the flower will be very sick.
2. In a too elongated pot, the volume of soil will be much higher than normal. This is fraught with slowing down the growth of the tree. It will begin to use its strength to build up roots, and only then will it continue to grow in height.
3. For growing bonsai, a flat container is more suitable. In shape, it will be more like a bowl than a flowerpot.

Important! Fans of elongated shapes can use a little trick to create a stylish element in the interior. It is enough to purchase an elongated pot with a false bottom, where it will be at a higher level.

Material

Not all containers are considered safe for plants and humans. For the manufacture of flowerpots, toxic raw materials are often used to reduce their cost. Then plastic of dubious quality releases harmful substances upon contact with soil, water or top dressing.

In this case, the flower may get sick or wither. Then you can save it only by transplanting it into another container. Therefore, it is better to choose natural materials.

These include:

• wood;
• ceramics;
• glass;
• clay.

Peculiarity! Wooden tubs are usually used for large trees, and clay pots for bonsai. Ceramic products look beautiful and are highly durable. But these pots are not cheap. Therefore, the best option is glass containers.

If it is possible to purchase plastic planters from a trusted manufacturer, then you can plant them in them. But with the slightest negative changes that are not associated with illness or improper care, the pot will have to be changed.

What size do you need: large or small?

After buying a flower, you need to evaluate: how much the container in which it is located can be considered suitable. There must be a supply of free space in the pot. So that the root system is not cramped, the ficus must be transplanted into a new pot 3-4 weeks after purchase.

When choosing the size of the flowerpot, you need to pay attention to the following points:

1. Follow the rule of "two centimeters". That is, leave 2 cm of free space for the development of the root system. Exactly so much the new pot should be larger than the previous one.
2. If a small plant is placed in too large a container, all efforts will be spent on strengthening the root system. First, the roots will grow to the size of a pot, and only then will the growth of the aerial part of the tree begin. This also increases the risk of root rot as a result of waterlogging.
3. If there is not enough space for the roots, they will grow through the drainage holes. And if the crown of the tree still increases, the container can turn over under the weight of its weight. Therefore, too small a pot is also not suitable.

Attention! In different varieties of ficus, the growth rate will be different. Rubber-bearing varieties of pots are changed every year, and the rest of the species - once every 2-3 years.

What color is best for a plant?

When choosing the color scheme of the pot, you need to pay attention to the following features:

• white or beige will fit into any stylistic direction of the interior;
• pastel colors are more suitable for the bedroom;
• bright colors look good in the kitchen or living room;
• green color will have a calming effect and relieve stress.

The color of the flowerpot does not have any effect on the development of the flower itself. The exception is containers of dark shades. If the plant is located on the south side, then a black or bright blue pot will attract even more light. Then the tree can suffer from its excess - get sunburn.

In which one should grow?

Some experts believe that the shape of the flowerpot should be in harmony with the outlines of the tree itself. Then the flower will easily fit into any interior.

And in appearance, ficuses are conditionally divided into several groups:

1. Male trees. They are distinguished by a powerful trunk, strong and mature bark. They often have angled branches. Such plants look better in a square or rectangular planter, where the corners are clearly defined.
2. Women's. They look more sophisticated. They have a bark smooth to the touch, always a smooth bending line of the shoots. For such specimens, oval or rounded pots are more suitable.
3. Mixed type. It has signs of both male and female plants. It is considered universal - looks good in any container.

This classification is focused purely on the opinion of the owner and how he sees his ficus. In fact, the plant will thrive in any pot other than a round one.

What pot do you like?

When growing ficuses in the traditional way, it is worth focusing more on the size of the container and its shape. And if a bonsai is formed from a plant, then completely different requirements will be imposed on the flowerpot:

1. It is necessary to take into account the appearance of the tree, the specifics of its growth.
2. Preferably a flat shape, close to the tray or plate.
3. The height of the sides should be no more than 10 cm. This is quite enough for the normal development of the root system.
4. The width of the container will depend on the size of the crown. As the leaves grow, the width of the pot should increase.
5. The underground part of the roots occupies a smaller area than the aboveground. Therefore, it is desirable to use planters made of "breathable" materials. These include wood and unglazed clay.

Ficus feels most comfortable in a clay pot. And from an aesthetic point of view, this option is more attractive.

Is it possible to plant several flowers in one container?

Ficuses are often used in the interior design process. If you plant 2-3 shoots in one flowerpot, you can form a beautiful composition from them. But for this you need to understand how to weave several trunks together correctly.

Interesting! Young stems of the plant are characterized by increased flexibility. This allows you to carry out various manipulations with them. Adult specimens are not suitable for this.

When planting several trees in one pot, the following recommendations must be observed:

1. Choose indoor crops of the same height - within 15-17 cm.
2. If the trunk is more than half stiff, such a plant is no longer suitable for creating a composition. In the process of weaving, it may break.
3. If there are only two plants, they can be braided in the form of a spiral.
4. In the case of using dwarf varieties, it is enough to twist the trunk once. For other trees, you can continue to twist their stems as they grow.
5. Bulky or tall flowers require additional support for the weaving period. Then the tree will be protected from distortions and falls. After the process is completed, the frame can be removed.
6. It is advisable to fix the points of contact of the shoots with a wire or strong threads. Then they are guaranteed to grow together in the desired shape.

The most common type of weaving is considered a pigtail. It is also one of the simplest and even a beginner will be able to do it. And more experienced gardeners can try braiding the plants into a trellis or hedge.