Ficuses are the most common plant for growing and caring for at home. In this regard, a large number of people who decide to have ficus trees have many questions related to the cultivation and propagation of these flowers.
If you take into account all aspects of caring for ficuses 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 trees at home. Also here are tips on how to choose the right ficus, choose a flowerpot for it, how to replant, propagate and treat diseases.
What rules for caring for ficuses at home need to be followed so that these plants have a healthy appearance? How are ficuses watered and 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 ficus plants. Species with dark green leaves tolerate more shade than variegated ones and do not like direct sun. Variegated species can also be placed in the open sun, shading them on particularly hot summer days.
In winter, during short days, ficus trees need additional lighting. Lack of light in winter is the main reason why ficus leaves fall. It is advisable to purchase a special lamp and supplement the ficus so that the plants receive light for at least 12 hours a day.
To form a beautiful crown during the period of active growth, you need to turn the plants from time to time in different directions towards 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 it a shower.
- Varieties of ficus with large leaves collect a lot of dust, which prevents the plants from feeding properly, and also looks unsightly.
The leaves of these species need to be wiped with a damp sponge from time to time. 
Temperature
Ficus is a heat-loving plant. Comfortable temperature for it: in summer - 25-30 degrees C, in winter - 16-20 degrees C. Minimum temperature- 10-15 degrees C (for green-leaved species, a lower temperature is permissible than for variegated ones).
Drafts and freezing of the soil are undesirable for ficus. No need to put it on cold window sill or gender
Watering
Proper watering is another important condition for maintaining ficus plants. In summer they require abundant watering, in winter - moderate. The soil should dry out between waterings, but not dry out; ficus is a moisture-loving plant. However, in cool conditions, it can be dangerous for ficus plants to have too much soil. 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
Ficus trees are fertilized during the period of active growth, i.e. from March to September. Fertilizing is applied once every 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, cut a small twig, although even a small cutting with one leaf is enough. The cutting is placed in water or soil mixture.
- You can use soil heating and cover the cuttings glass jar or plastic bag, so rooting will happen faster.
- But even without this, the cuttings take root easily.
- During the growth process, many types of ficus need to form a crown by pruning and pinching.
Transfer
Ficus trees grow very quickly, so they require annual replanting. Large tub specimens are not replanted; the upper part of the soil is replaced with them. Ficus plants require a nutritious soil mixture. There is a special primer available for sale, but you can also use a universal primer.
Ficuses are replanted in March; the pot for replanting should not be too large, because They don’t like excess soil; the growth of the ficus in this case slows down. A drainage layer must 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 mite ik.
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Accommodation
In my opinion, the first rule in caring for ficus at home– don’t worry too much and don’t overdo it. What I mean. When I received a Ficus cutting from a flower lover like myself, I immediately identified a permanent pot for it and permanent place.
And therefore, after the cutting took root, I rooted it into a fairly spacious (but still not huge) flowerpot. And she immediately placed this container in the place where it will grow constantly. After all, the main feature of Ficus trees is that they do not like sudden changes in location and frequent transplants. The result of your insecurity may be falling leaves.
Proper watering
The second very important rule in caring for Ficus plants is: correct mode glaze. Also, water should only be used that is slightly 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 soil mixture has dried out by 1-2 phalanges of your finger, it’s time. For large specimens, it is permissible for the soil to dry out to a depth of 6–7 cm.
Wet air
Ficus plants come from the tropics, so moist air is vital for them. Especially ampelous varieties of this plant. Caring for ficus at home requires mandatory spraying. Make sure the water is warm and soft (settled). When spraying, do water marks remain on the leaves? What to do? – You need to wipe the leaves with a damp soft cloth from time to time. This will rid the plant of dust and give the leaves a beautiful look.
Temperature
For successful breeding of Ficus at home, the correct temperature regime is important. As they say, no matter how cold or hot it is. In winter, the flower needs to be provided with a temperature of at least 16°C. The critical minimum is 12°C. In summer it is necessary to ensure conditions of 25-30 °C.
Light mode
Most Ficus plants easily tolerate light partial shade. Direct sunlight is even more harmful to them. But variegated forms - for example Ficus Benjamina - prefer to grow in the light. Another thing is that this light must be diffused. Otherwise, the leaves may get burned.
In winter, any type of Ficus requires additional lighting using fluorescent, mercury or sodium lamps. Otherwise they drop their leaves. 
Top dressing
For active growth, especially during the growing season, Ficus requires feeding. In spring and summer I use nitrogen-containing fertilizers. This helps to grow more green mass to make the flower lush and beautiful. By the way, if your home Ficus has dropped its leaves, then good feeding will help in his rehabilitation.
You can use “homemade fertilizers”: an infusion of wood ash, mullein or nettle. You can also use ready-made mineral complex fertilizers: Humisol (that’s what I use), Ideal, Palma, Ficus and others.
Fertilizer application frequency: once every 10-14 days. There is no need to fertilize in winter. An exception is if you provide the Ficus with the same conditions as in summer (additional lighting, moisture, warm air). But even then you need to feed it once every 1-2 months, and even then with half the dose indicated on the bottle.
Diseases
Household Ficus plants are susceptible to various diseases. Most often they are affected by spider mites. Therefore, as a preventative measure, it is necessary to spray. I also sometimes give Ficus a warm shower.
The conclusion is: caring for Ficus at home requires certain knowledge, and most importantly – compliance with 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 you with their appearance. 
floristics.info
Caring for ficus trees at home
- Most ficus plants are unpretentious plants except for hanging forms.
- They thrive in light shade.
- 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 should you water?
During the period of intensive growth, ficus plants will require quite a lot of water. From spring to autumn, plants must be watered regularly, but water should not be constantly present in the tray, 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
Feeding 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 a ficus correctly
Ficus trees are replanted once every 2 years. This is best done in the spring. A mixture of soil, sand and peat in a ratio of 2:1:1 is used as a substrate for replanting. When transplanting, ficus trees are first watered well, and then transferred into larger containers using the transfer method.
Do not use containers that are too large. It is better to replant in cramped pots. This will limit the growth of the plant, which is more acceptable for home conditions. 
Self-propagation, or how to propagate ficus correctly
Ficus trees reproduce using seeds, cuttings and layering.
Seeds are sown in spring in prepared bowls. Planting is done shallow and then the bowls are covered with glass. Keep crops in a humid environment. The glass is removed twice a day for 30 minutes to ventilate the crops.
- As soon as the first leaves appear, the plants dive. The soil should include leaf soil and a little river sand. Grown ficuses are planted in separate pots with a diameter of 7 centimeters.
- Reproduction is carried out by apical cuttings late spring or in summer. A freshly cut cutting of 5-7 cm is planted in pre-prepared soil. In this case, phytohormones are used.
- Ficus propagation by air layering is carried out from May to September. A 5 mm incision is made just below the sheet from bottom to top.
- A wet match is dipped into a special hormonal powder for cuttings and inserted into the cut. This is done to ensure that the incision does not close.
The prepared area is wrapped in damp moss and tied with braid. Everything is covered with film on top. After a few months, roots will emerge through the moss. At the bottom of the roots, the petiole is cut off and thus material is obtained for planting a new plant. 
Ficus diseases
If you do not care for the plant correctly, it can be affected by pests: mealybugs, scale insects and spider mites.
The scale insect feeds on the sap of the plant. When damaged, the leaves lose their color and fall off. When detected, it is necessary to wipe the leaves with a cotton swab, which must first be moistened in a soap solution or use Actellik. 20 drops per 1 liter of water will be enough. When using Actellik, be sure to take precautions, it is toxic.
When infested with spider mites, white cobwebs can be seen under and between the leaves. 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 air humidity in the room.
- If the air is too dry, the plant may be affected by mealybugs. 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, it is very effective means It may turn out to be a soap-oil emulsion, which is easy to prepare yourself.
- It is necessary to dilute 5 spoons in one liter of water washing powder and 5 spoons of diesel fuel. Pour this solution into a bucket of cool water and wash the leaves and stems of the ficus.
To destroy scale insects, a solution with chopped garlic and soap is quite useful. A day after treatment, the plant must be thoroughly washed to remove any remaining mixture. You need to process 3-4 times at five-day intervals. 
Why do ficus leaves fall off?
Sometimes ficus leaves may fall off. The reason for this may be excessive watering or a change in location. In the first case, due to excessive amounts of 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. He experiences shock, which leads to shedding of leaves. It is imperative to monitor the lighting in the room where your plant is located. With a lack of light, plant growth slows down. Leaves may also fall due to low temperatures and drafts.
What you need to pay attention to
Don't buy plants in fall or winter. Adaptation during this period is much more difficult. You should not buy too large copies. It is more difficult for older plants to adapt to new conditions.
- Look through the drainage hole at the ficus roots.
- If they are black or dark brown, then this plant is not worth taking.
- When purchasing a ficus, shake the plant slightly or gently run your hand against the leaves.
- If at least two or three leaves fall off, it is better to purchase another plant.
Good luck with your choice.
By watching the video below, you can learn how to care for your ficus in winter.
vdomashnih-uslovijah.ru
Ficus varieties
IN room conditions grow large quantities different types ficuses, sometimes very different from each other in appearance. Most often in homes and offices you can find the following types of ficus: rubber, Benjamin, lyre-shaped and dwarf. Externally very different, they are grown almost identically. In general, they are easy to care for.
Most common types
Typically, ficuses are evergreen plants, but there are also deciduous plants among them. Manifold various types and subspecies are 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 domestic types of ficus: their appearance, features and subspecies.
What is ficus benjamina
This is one of the most common types of this plant. It came to us from the countries of Asia and Northern Australia. In addition, this variety 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 sized 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 benjamina in old plants, 8-10 years old, droop and give the tree a special attractiveness. At home it grows up to 1.5-2 m in height.
Caring for ficus benjamina
Temperature
Moderate, optimal within 20-25°C, in winter it is possible to keep it at lower temperatures of about 16-18°C, with limited watering, limit 10°C for dry keeping.
Lighting
Ficus benjamina loves light, especially variegated varieties, but with protection from direct sunlight in the afternoon. In spring and summer, an eastern window is suitable, where the sun comes in the morning or evening. But in middle lane In Russia for the period from September to January, a southern or southwestern window is ideal for him. If there is a lack of light in winter, the ficus may leaf out. 
Watering
Ficus benjamina has moisture-storing thickenings on the roots, so it does not tolerate waterlogging; it must be dried well before the next watering.
If the roots of a ficus dry out for a very long time after watering, rotting may begin: the plant simultaneously sheds a large number of leaves, some lose color and become yellow, others fly off while still green.
Amazing and original Bonsai
Bonsai is a plant growing technique that originated in Japan a long time ago. Literally translated as “plant on a tray.” By definition it is miniature decorative tree. There is a whole technique for creating it.
Ficus Bonsai is not a variety; it is formed in a special way from Ficus Benjamin. This is a very difficult and very labor-intensive process! During growth, it is periodically necessary to trim the roots and pinch the tops. By obtaining a balance between the crown and rhizome, the tree is given required form. Ficus Natasha, Nicole, Nina, Viandi, Baroque are best suited for such purposes.
Beautiful 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 his extraordinary beauty. In addition, he is unpretentious in care.
Rubber-bearing ficuses are dark green, but sometimes they are decorated with a yellow border. 
The most popular types:
- dark green leaves: Abidjan, Melanie, Rabusta, Sriveriana;
- leaves with yellow border: Belize, Teanecke, Tricolor.
It has several varieties, differing in the shape and color of the leaves. Particularly impressive are varieties with yellow spots and stripes on the leaves. Some varieties branch well and have a fairly compact shape, others are reluctant to form side shoots and tend to grow upward.
At home, rubber ficus is undemanding to air humidity and tolerant of lack of light.
We advise you to pay Special attention for proper watering and care of growing shoots, which can reach several meters and bend bizarrely. The crown must be formed in a timely manner by tying the stems or periodically cutting them and rooting them.
Caring for ficus rubber
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 radiators; Do not water excessively and periodically wipe the leaves from dust. 
Temperature
Preferably moderate, not lower than 18°C. They like to “keep their feet warm” - do not place a pot of ficus on a cold windowsill, marble or tiled floor, etc. In a room with above-moderate temperatures, the leaves begin to droop down.
Lighting
All varieties of Ficus elastica prefer a bright place, with protection from direct sunlight during the midday hours. Variegated forms need a lighter and warmer place than forms with dark leaves.
Watering
Ficus rubber prefers moderate watering and does not tolerate waterlogging of the soil. Water room temperature, better settled. Fertilizer feeding from March to August every two weeks. 
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Ficus Ali (binnendijkii) Ficus binnendijkii ‘Alii’
Ali is the most popular variety of ficus binnendijkii, which is also found under the name “ficus willow”. The leaves of this ficus are indeed reminiscent of willow in shape, but this is a popular name, not a botanical one.
At good care Ficus Ali at home reaches 1.5 m in height and about 70-80 cm in diameter. You should not place this ficus on the floor: firstly, it is dark, the lower part of the trunk will begin to become exposed, and secondly, it is always colder on the floor, the soil in the pot dries longer and the roots can rot if you water too much.
Caring for Ficus Ali
Temperature
Moderate, optimal within 20-25°C, in winter it is possible to keep it at lower temperatures of about 16-18°C, with limited watering, limit 13°C for dry keeping. With sudden changes in temperature, it can shed its leaves.
Lighting
Bright diffused light, light partial shade. With an acute lack of light, the shoots stretch out and the leaves thin out. Direct sunlight on hot afternoons can cause burns. The green-leaved Ficus Ali is more shade-tolerant than many other ficus species. But variegated varieties like ‘Amstel Gold’ need more intense light, with some sun in the morning or evening. 
Watering
In summer, water the ficus moderately, upper layer The soil should dry well to a depth of approximately 1/2 the height of the pot. In winter, when light and temperature decrease, watering is limited, allowing the soil to dry out almost completely.
Ficus lirata
Ficus lirata - distinguished by its large leaves, similar in shape to an inverted violin. Its leaves reach a length of 50-60 cm. It loves solitude, do not place it close to other plants.
This ficus is not often seen in flower shops, but it is wonderful - the leaves are leathery, directed upwards, and have an interesting shape. The ficus itself grows slowly, and with good care it does not become exposed from below. A real decoration for a spacious office or hall. Ficus lyreate does not branch well at home, often grows in one trunk, and at the age of 4-5 years it can produce lateral shoots.
Caring for ficus lyreate
Temperature
In summer it is an ordinary indoor one, does not like extreme heat, in winter it is optimal 18-20°C, limit 12°C. Doesn't like the soil to cool after watering! 
Lighting
A bright place, with protection 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. Fertilizer feeding from April to August every two weeks.
Ficus dwarf Ficus pumila
A fast-growing, small-leaved ficus, completely unlike all other types of ficus. You can grow it like hanging plant, can be tied to a support so that it stretches upward.
The main care for ficus consists of tying up a support, timely replanting and watering, and fertilizing with fertilizers. The flower responds well to hot shower as a preventive measure against ticks.
Temperature
Moderate, optimal within 20-25°C, in winter it is possible to keep it at lower temperatures of about 12-14°C, with limited watering, limit 8°C for dry keeping. Although under natural conditions the tiny ficus can withstand more low temperature, and even slight frosts, when growing at home, you shouldn’t risk it - protect the plants from drafts. 
Lighting
Ficus pumila grows well in bright, indirect light with some sunlight. East and west windows are suitable; shading is required only during midday hours. It also grows well in artificial light. Variegated ficus is more light-loving. If the ficus does not have enough light, it can grow new shoots without leaves.
Watering
Quite abundant in summer, this is a rare ficus that does not tolerate complete drying of the soil; it should always be slightly damp, but have time to dry out on top by about a quarter of the height of the pot before the next watering. In winter, the ficus is watered less often, with the soil drying to half the height of the pot.
How to care for a ficus yourself
With proper care, this indoor plant 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 this, caring for the Benjamin ficus, like the rubber one, usually does not require much effort.
The key to successful adaptation
Before you decide to bring a ficus home, you should carefully select a place for it in advance. permanent residence. Try to comply with several important conditions:
- direct rays of the sun should not harm the tree;
- no need to place it next to batteries;
- the humidity in the room should be average, but in no case low;
- draft is contraindicated.
From the first day, start spraying your flower. Always check the soil moisture in the pot.
Read on to learn more about how to care for your ficus.
Peculiarities
Let's consider the main components of proper care for this indoor plant:
- The soil. The soil should be breathable, slightly acidic, fertile, and moist. Natural fertilizers can be added to the soil. It is necessary to ensure good drainage: it is better to make the bottom layer from expanded clay, and the top layer from sand;
- Lighting. These plants are very light-loving, so a bright place in your apartment is ideal for them. Avoid exposure to direct sunlight, especially during lunchtime. It is best to place the ficus pot on a window facing south or east. Ficus can survive a temporary lack of light, but its leaves will noticeably fade. In winter, the plant needs to be illuminated, because in insufficient lighting, Benjamin's ficus sheds its leaves. Also, you should not frequently rearrange the plant to avoid one-sided dropping of leaves;
- Room temperature. Optimal temperature in summer period should be within 18-25 degrees, in winter - no colder than 16-18 degrees. When keeping a 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 moderate amount. During the summer months, do this 2-3 times a week. At the beginning of September, watering should be gradually reduced so that by winter the watering schedule is once a week. The ficus flower does not like either excessive soil moisture or drying out. However, before the next watering, the soil still needs to be slightly dried. In addition, the soil must be loosened periodically so that it dries out better. Excessive moisture can cause the ficus roots to rot, causing it to shed a lot of leaves. Water your tree only with settled and soft water at a temperature no colder than room temperature. Do not forget to occasionally spray the leaves with a spray bottle;
- Top dressing. Feeding should be carried out in spring and summer 2 times a month. 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 under the obligatory condition of having additional lighting and no more than once a month.
Learning to replant ficus trees correctly
Young ficus trees are replanted annually in spring new land. Plants that have reached 4 years of age can be replanted once every 2 years, and every year it is enough to simply add fresh soil to the pot.
The soil for replanting ficus at home should be nutritious and loose.
If the soil in the pot dries out quickly, it means that the roots do not have enough space and nutrients, therefore, it is time to replant the plant. After transplanting, it may shed its leaves or its growth will slow down somewhat. This is normal, because as space increases, roots grow slower. Over time, new leaves will appear and growth rates will accelerate.
How to transplant a ficus:
Reproduction methods and their features
Many indoor plant lovers are wondering how to propagate ficus correctly. There are 2 ways in total:
Cuttings come in stem and leaf-bud types. They need to be planted in a container with water, and after 2 weeks the cuttings begin to develop roots. After this, they can be planted in a pot.
Air layering. The second method is propagation of ficus by air layering:
- Choose the shoot you like, remove a few leaves from it;
- Make a circular cut;
- Insert a piece of wood into the cut, then apply damp moss and wrap with cling film;
- When the roots grow, separate this part and transplant it into another container.
What to do if the plant drops its leaves
Leaves can fall 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 drops its leaves:
Do not be alarmed if the leaves of the Benjamin ficus fall off. It is necessary, first of all, to identify the cause of this and eliminate it immediately. But the rubber-bearing ficus, unlike Benjamin, is more adapted to home life and leafs out much less often.
Diseases of this houseplant
Thus, the following reasons for the development of ficus diseases can be identified:
- Insufficient lighting, especially in winter. Growth slows down, leaves fall off and turn yellow. What is noteworthy is that ficuses with dark green leaves are less demanding of light than those with light ones;
- Unsuitable temperature or sudden changes in temperature. This affects the decorative appearance of the plant. It begins to lose leaves and wither;
- Drafts. Ficus does not tolerate drafts. So its leaves may begin to fall and its stems dry out;
- Excessive watering. If the top layer does not dry out for a long time, the tops of the shoots die off, and bad smell rot from the soil, leaves fade and fall off;
- Insufficient watering. If there is not enough water, the leaves dry out, curl up and the ficus leaf falls. The branches become dry and brittle, and the soil becomes detached from the pot;
- Excess fertilizer. Do not overuse fertilizers or violate their dosage. Root burn can occur if you fertilize the plant when the soil is dry.
Make sure that the leaves are free from deformation, damage, stains and pests. Any changes are not good. Always remember that it is better to identify the causes of the disease in advance in order to be able to take timely measures.
It is important to periodically inspect the flower and clean it of dried leaves.. IN difficult situations It’s better to completely replace the soil, cut off old rotten roots, and replant it in a smaller pot.
Most often, the causes of the disease are caused by a lack of attention to the ficus on the part of the owners. If you treat your pet with care and properly care for your ficus at home, it will delight you with its well-groomed appearance for a long time. appearance.
uplady.ru
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 either trees or shrubs. Depending on the type, ficuses can have green or bicolor leaves up to 70 cm in size. The small flowers of the plant are located on simplified perianths.
In nature, ficus trees 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 ficus. However, much less is grown at home. Today we will look at ficus plants known in amateur floriculture in our article.
Popular types of ficus
Rubber-bearing ficus is one of the most popular and unpretentious species of this genus of mulberry plants. He characterized by a weakly branching 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 mottled with horizontal grooves.
In wet areas the tree produces aerial roots. This type of ficus has different varieties, which mainly differ in the color of the leaves:
- The Black Prince variety is a plant with black leaves.
- The “Doecheri” variety is distinguished by the presence of pink spots and a red vein in the middle of the leaf.
- The variety "Variegata" has beautiful green leaves, along the edges of which there is a cream edging.
- The Robusta variety is a plant with large, glossy leaves of a rich green color.
Let's follow it correctly!
Indoor plants are unpretentious, therefore they are very popular and loved by gardeners. Caring for ficus at home consists of good lighting, regular and proper watering and suitable temperature. However, there are still some nuances of growing, especially certain types of plants.
Lighting
The best option for placing ficuses is a well-lit place no direct sunlight. small plant can be placed on a western or eastern window sill, and a tall bush or tree placed on the floor or stand near the window. It is not recommended to move the plant deeper into the room. In the shade, the bush will slow down and shed its leaves.
IN warm period From time to time, ficus plants can be placed on a loggia or balcony, positioning them so that the plant does not receive direct sunlight. in winter light-loving plants suffer from short daylight hours, so it is recommended to additionally illuminate them several hours a day.
Temperature and humidity
In summer, the optimal temperature for growing ficus maybe within 25-30C. In winter, it is recommended to keep the plant at an air temperature of 16-20C.
Ficus plants also do well 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 air humidity and temperature in the room. Water the plant only after the top layer of the soil mixture has dried thoroughly. Watering too frequently can lead to rotting of the root system. It is also necessary to ensure that water does not accumulate in the pan.
During the dry period, it is recommended to bathe ficuses twice a month in the shower, having first 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 tree leaves saturated green color, experienced flower growers wipe them with a special solution:
Feeding ficus
When caring for ficus at home, fertilizing is done only in summer time. It is recommended to alternately use mineral and organic fertilizers. Plants are fed every ten days.
In winter, when there is little light and warmth , fertilizers are not used. But for the good health of the plant, you can feed it with tea leaves by burying a small amount of them in the ground.
Transplantation and soil for ficus
Young, actively growing plants need replanting every year. Old trees and bushes are replanted once every few years. This must be done in order to renew the soured and settled soil.
For replanting, neutral or slightly acidic special soil for ficuses sold in flower shops is suitable. Young plants need a specific soil mixture, which can be prepare from equal parts:
- peat;
- sand;
- leafy soil.
Mature trees are transplanted into denser soil, so humus and turf soil are added to the mixture.
The plants are watered about a day before planting. For young bushes, new pots should be about 2 cm larger than the previous ones. First, drainage is poured onto the bottom of the container, and only then a small layer of soil. A plant pulled out of an old pot along with a lump of earth installed in a new container and sprinkled with soil.
Growing Ficus Benjamina
A small tree with small leaves requires more attention and some care. Otherwise, the leaves begin to fall off and the plant becomes completely bald.
Ficus benjamina naturally lives in conditions of high humidity, so it does not tolerate too much light or dry air. Therefore, it is recommended to grow it away from direct sunlight and spray it several times a day. Very good option To increase humidity, use a special humidifier.
If, however, the ficus Benjamin leaves started to fall, then the reason could be:
- Acclimatization of the plant to new growing conditions.
- Watering with cold water.
- Lack of light.
- Uncomfortable temperature for the plant (above 23C or below 17C).
- Drafts and sudden temperature changes.
- Dry air.
- Excessive or insufficient soil moisture.
All these reasons must be eliminated when caring for Ficus Benjamin. 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 the pot and replant the young plant annually.
Reproduction of ficus at home
The simplest and most common method of propagating ficus trees is cuttings.
To obtain cuttings in the spring, shoots are cut from the bush under the lower node, which should have at least 2-3 leaves. Bottom sheet removed, the cut is washed, and the cutting is placed in damp sand or water. The plant section is generously sprayed and covered with a transparent plastic bottle or another cap. In this form, the cuttings are placed in a warm, shaded place and ventilated daily. As soon as the plant takes root and begins to grow, it can be safely planted in a pot filled with earthen mixture.
You can take it as a cutting large leaf ficus, cutting it off along with the heel. The leaf rolled into a tube is rooted in damp peat or sand. A support is installed next to it for stability. The sheet is sprayed and covered with a flask.
During rooting, it is necessary to ventilate the cuttings and moisten the peat. After the roots appear, the leaf planted in a small pot. As the plants grow, they are transplanted into larger pots.
True ficus lovers find caring for their pet at home 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 ficus 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 green ones prefer partial shade. Choose a permanent place, without turning or rearranging, all types of ficus do not like this.
Temperature: The plant prefers natural conditions. The optimal temperature in summer is 22-26 degrees, in winter 16-20 degrees, but not lower than 13-15 degrees. Drafts are extremely dangerous for ficus trees.
- 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 superficial roots that absorb moisture only from the surface layer of soil, which, as is known, dries out quickly.
- In summer, watering is increased slightly, in winter, especially as the temperature drops, it is reduced.
- The exception is ampelous species that require constant abundant watering.
Watering a ficus is a delicate and responsible job. A dried out earthen ball leads to yellowing and falling leaves, an overly waterlogged substrate contributes to rotting of the root collar and the appearance of pests. As a result, the ficus will shed its leaves and there is a high probability of death.
Use water that has been standing for several hours, or soft, rainy water.
A prerequisite is the presence of expanded clay drainage in the pot and several holes for the exit of excess moisture.
The soil
Soil: If you buy soil, you must choose slightly acidic or neutral soil with a pH of 5.5-6.5.
For self-preparation you need: peat, sand and leaf soil taken in equal proportions. For large specimens add turf (2 hours). To avoid rotting of the roots, a layer of expanded clay or household shards is placed on the bottom as drainage, and pieces of charcoal are added to the soil.
- Ficuses with thick trunks prefer dry climates and rocky soils. It is necessary to add small pebbles or broken bricks to the prepared soil.
- Replanting: For young plants, replanting is required annually in the spring; adult ficuses are extremely sensitive and are replanted as needed if the pot is too small and the roots are crawling to the surface.
- They often do transshipment, or every year they update the top layer of soil with more nutrition. When transplanting 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 divers. The first one is the simplest and most popular.
By seeds: In early spring, seeds are sown in bowls in soil made of leaf soil and sand in equal proportions. Cover the top with a glass jar, or place it in a mini greenhouse. Constantly held high humidity with regular ventilation.
After some time, the first sprouts will appear, when they reach 2-3 leaves, I dive them into separate containers. As soon as the young shoots become stronger, they are replanted into pots using substrate for adult plants.
Bends
From spring to autumn, a small vertical cut of 5 mm is made slightly below the leaf.
Using a match, previously soaked in a growth stimulator, insert it into the incision so that it does not close. The top is wrapped in moss and covered with film. Moss is constantly maintained wet. 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.
By cuttings. One or two year old shoots are suitable. They are cut off in early spring before buds open, 10-15 cm long and planted in light soil made of leaf soil and river sand. First, the cuttings are placed in water until the release of white juice stops. Some types of ficus (Benjamina, rubber-bearing) take root well in water. Cover the top of the container with a glass jar, ventilating regularly. Constantly maintain a humid climate. The ambient temperature is 25 degrees. The cutting will quickly sprout 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 (unpicked). When watering, water should not fall on the leaf blades.
You can root the cuttings in peat tablets, where the time for root emergence is significantly reduced.
Wintering
Wintering: Ficuses often shed their leaves due to insufficient lighting and lower temperatures. Some species need to deliberately reduce the temperature during the resting period. Starting from October-November, ficus significantly slows down its growth and only resumes it in spring. Bottle species are watered very rarely and in small quantities of water.
Pests: ficus can be affected by scale insects, mealybugs, thrips, and spider mites. Often associated with a violation of the watering regime or temperature.
Difficulties in growing
- Yellowing of leaves, slow growth, new leaves are small - there are not enough nutrients in the soil, add fertilizer, or replant in 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, change in climate or environment (moving the 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 do shed the bottom layer, but only when there are new, young leaves, or if the leaves are really old. In other cases, it is: lack of nutrients, untimely replanting, or the pot is too small for the root system.
- The leaf blade curls and wrinkles - dry humidity in the room, or lack of moisture in the soil. This is especially true for hanging types.
How to water ficus benjamina? Perhaps everyone who has this most beautiful representative of ficus in their home collection of indoor plants thinks about this question. And this is no coincidence, because the health and beauty of this plant largely depends on proper watering. The rules for proper watering of ficus benjamina also apply to all other types of ficus.
What water to use for watering ficus
Under no circumstances should you use tap water directly from the tap, which contains a large amount of lime and chlorine, to water your ficus benjamin. Lime will leave a whitish coating on the surface of the soil, and light spots on the leaves when sprayed, which spoils the appearance of the ficus. Chlorine is generally poorly tolerated by any indoor plants. Therefore, the water must either be filtered or allowed to settle at room temperature.
Of course, the best water for watering ficuses is rain or melt water. You can get such water at home by first freezing it in freezer, and then defrosted and left to room temperature.
Water that has been boiled and cooled to room temperature is well suited for watering ficus plants. At the same time, its hardness decreases due to the settling of lime to the bottom of the container. Before watering, the water should be carefully poured into another vessel, trying to prevent sediment from getting into it.
If the house has an aquarium with fish, then water taken from it is perfect for watering ficus benjamina.
How often to water a ficus
The timing of watering ficus benjamina is individual, they depend on factors such as air temperature and consecration. If the temperature in the room is high (over 25°C), then watering should be done quite often, otherwise the ficus Benjamin may fly off its leaves due to lack of moisture. Otherwise, if the temperature is below 20°C, it is worth increasing the interval between watering. IN in this case If there is frequent watering, the ends of the leaves will darken and the leaves may also fall off.
Consecration directly affects the watering of the ficus. If used only daylight, then a plant located near a window requires more frequent watering than a plant located far from the window. Artificial lighting increases daylight hours, therefore, the need for watering increases.
In order to determine whether it is time to water the ficus, you need to immerse part of your finger in the soil. Dry soil will indicate that it is time to water the plant. For large outdoor ficus pots, before dipping your finger in, you must first rake a little top layer of soil to the side. If the pot is small, then before watering it becomes light, so you can determine the time of watering by the weight of the pot.
How much water is needed to water a ficus
The amount of water for watering the ficus should be sufficient to saturate all the soil and reach the roots, which are located closer to the bottom of the pot. Watering must be carried out evenly, distributed over the entire surface of the soil. Large pots should be watered in parts in several stages. It is important not to flood the ficus; for this, the water remaining in the pan should be drained half an hour after watering. Next time it is better to reduce the amount of water. If water flows into the pan too quickly, this means it is time to replant the ficus.
You can revive a ficus after drying out by immersing the pot in a container of water and leaving it until the bubbles run out, then draining the excess water.
The comfort in the house is largely created by indoor plants. Thanks to them, a unique atmosphere is created, and in addition to beauty, they also bring benefits, improving the home microclimate. Among all the plants in the house, the most revered are ficus trees, which belong to the mulberry family. In case of proper and careful care of any of the types of this plant Can be a great decoration for any home. The rules for watering your home ficus are also important.
If you care for your ficus correctly, it can grow quite quickly and eventually reach a height of 2-3 meters with a growth rate of up to 20 centimeters per year even at home, but for this it is also important to water it correctly. To fully adapt to new conditions, the plant needs three months, after which it will not require much effort.
It is quite important to regularly moisten the flower by spraying it and watering the soil in the pot. However, we should not forget that ficus is a plant for which a combination of moderate humidity and at the same time even some dryness is very important - water your plant moderately two to three times a week.
How to properly water and care for ficus
Let's try to understand the main components of proper care for this plant:
Priming
The soil must breathe, be fertile, moist and slightly acidic. You can add fertilizers to it. It would be nice if you made the bottom layer of expanded clay and the top layer of sand - this way you will ensure drainage.
Lighting
The presence of light for such plants plays a big role, so try to find them the most illuminated place, which, however, is protected from direct sunlight.
Ficus can survive a short lack of light, but at the same time it loses the color of its leaves. In winter, it is advisable to illuminate the plant using special lamps, since otherwise the ficus may shed all or some of its leaves.
Room temperature
Ideally, in the summer the room temperature will range from 18 to 25 degrees, and in the winter not lower than 16°C. If you are forced to keep your ficus in a cool room, then try not to water it so often.
In general, temperature is a fairly important condition for the proper development of ficus, but, unfortunately, many owners of such plants underestimate its importance and often even lose their ficus.
Proper watering
It is necessary to water ficus at home regularly, but in moderation. In summer this must be done several times a week. Starting in autumn, the frequency of watering is reduced so that in winter you can water your ficus only once a week. It is worth noting that ficuses do not like too much humidity, but also excessive dryness.
In addition, from time to time the soil needs to be loosened, so it will dry out better. In case of high humidity, the roots of the flower will begin to rot, and it will shed a large number of leaves. Watering the plant should only be done with settled water at room temperature. It is also necessary to spray the leaves quite often with a spray bottle.
Fertilizer and replanting
Fertilizing at home should be carried out twice a month in spring and summer. For these purposes, it is necessary to optimally use natural fertilizers, for example, nettle infusions or ash. Before feeding the tree, water it, otherwise its roots can simply be burned.
IN winter time You can also feed the flower, but this should only be done if there is additional lighting.
By the way, young ficus trees need annual spring transplantation. Plants that have reached four years of age are replanted within a year.
If you begin to notice that the soil in the pot dries out quickly, this is a sign that the roots do not have enough space and the necessary substances, which means it’s time to replant the plant.
After you have transplanted a ficus, it may slow down its growth or shed some of its leaves, but all this is a normal reaction to a change in soil, because with more free space in the pot, the roots grow more slowly, and the growth and development of the entire ficus directly depends on their growth. Don't worry - very soon the plant will restore growth and leaves.
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The most beloved type of indoor plants by many gardeners is ficus. These representatives of the flora have long become a kind of symbol of home warmth and the special comfort of childhood, which is often remembered later for many years.
This article will tell you about the features of caring for these pets, in particular how to water the ficus, the technique of moisturizing and its frequency.
Common types
For the most part, ficuses are evergreen plants, but there are also deciduous plants among them. A huge number of different species and subspecies (about eight hundred) amazes with the variety of shapes and colors. We will focus on the most famous and popular of them - ficus Benjamin and its rubber-bearing brothers - ficus elastica.
Of the entire range of care activities, we will highlight only one and find out how to water a ficus at home.
Ficus benjamina
Coming from the humid tropics of Asian countries, ficus, named after the famous biologist Benjamin D. Jackson, has become a hit in home floriculture, perfectly combined with many plant species that decorate modern interior. This is an evergreen small tree from the mulberry family with a true trunk covered with gray-beige bark, a branched crown and dense, glossy, elegant leaves with a characteristic pointed top. There are three varieties of this ficus: large-leaved, with medium-sized leaves and small-leaved, or dwarf. Each subspecies includes up to thirty plant varieties, differing in color and leaf shape. The topic of the publication - how to water a ficus at home - is somewhat narrow, and we will consider it as an aspect in the general complex of caring activities.
Features of care
Ficus tissue contains aggressive milky sap that can irritate skin upon contact.
It is impossible to achieve flowering at home, but flower growers do not set such goals, since the plant is quite decorative and is valued for its luxurious crown, which tolerates pruning and shaping well in accordance with the wishes of the owner. Ficus Benjamin, which is widespread in the home interior, is very capricious, so it is important to know the features of caring for it, in particular how to water the ficus.
Light-loving, but not tolerant of direct rays of the sun, ficus does not like drafts, sudden cooling and frequent rearrangements, and can shed its leaves. Therefore, you should choose a permanent location for the plant initially. A native of tropical rainforests, he transferred his passions to home floriculture. It is moisture-loving, but also sensitive to excessive moisture, which is destructive if it is constant.
Watering rules
Flower growers especially focus on how to water Ficus Benjamin, since moderate watering is one of the main conditions correct execution which is the key to the successful development of the plant.
What is important here is not the regularity, but the emergence of conditions for its implementation. Therefore, the ficus is moistened as needed, usually focusing on the condition of the top layer of soil in the container. Its drying to a depth of 1-2 cm, and for large containers with large plants - 4-5 cm, signals an incipient lack of moisture and requires watering. Serious problems can be caused to the plant by either dry soil or excessive moisture. An indicator of violations is the condition of the leaves of the plant. With excessive watering, the soil layer practically does not dry out, the apical shoots die off, the leaves fade and fall off, and an unpleasant odor appears from the soil. If there is insufficient moisture, the leaves curl, dry out and fall off, the shoots become brittle and brittle, and the soil moves away from the walls of the container.
Water quality requirements
Melted or melted water is considered ideal for watering. rainwater, impeccable in softness and other basic indicators. Well-settled tap water is also suitable for these purposes. The water temperature should vary between 23-25 ˚С, since cold water can cause various putrefactive processes in the root system.
How to water ficus benjamina at home
Let's talk about irrigation technology. The lump of earth should be moistened evenly, without eroding the soil in one place, after which the soil is carefully loosened, trying not to damage the roots.
In summer, in hot weather, the plant is watered 2-3 times a week. With the arrival of autumn, the intensity of moisture is gradually reduced. How to water Ficus Benjamin at home in winter? When the dormant period begins, this procedure is usually included in the weekly watering schedule no more than once. However, it is necessary to monitor the condition of the soil, and if the need arises, adjustments are made to the proposed schedule.
Dry air is another factor that should not be allowed, since it can provoke not only leaf fall, but also an attack by spider mites. Both are very unpleasant phenomena that nullify the decorativeness of culture. Therefore, it is necessary to maintain sufficient high level humidity, spraying the tree daily, and with the onset of the hot season - several times a day.
Transplants and subsequent watering
Young plants grow quickly and are replanted annually, doing this in the spring. From the age of four, transplants are carried out every 2 years, adding, if necessary, fresh soil, nutritious and loose, to the container with the plant. The condition of the soil signals the need for replanting: if the soil in the container dries out quickly, it means that the roots are experiencing a lack of space and nutrition, therefore, it is time to replant the plant. Before this, the crop is watered intensively to make it easier to remove from the pot. Then the ficus is transplanted into a new container with fresh soil. How to water ficus benjamina after transplantation? After the plant has been “relocated”, it is watered again and left alone until the top layer dries.
Rubber plants: how to water ficus
The second name of this home culture is ficus elastica. In terms of polarity, it is hardly inferior to the Benjamin ficus, decorating modern houses and successfully competing with the most popular ornamental plants.
The unusually decorative ficus is also completely unpretentious in care. The dense, leathery leaves are usually dark green in color, but there are also variegated specimens whose leaves are decorated with a yellow border. The noticeably greater unpretentiousness of ficus elastica in comparison with ficus Benjamin does not affect the care features. It is replanted with the same regularity, the condition of the soil is monitored, it is periodically fed, i.e. necessary operations, required by all types. How to water a ficus? At home, in winter there is a dormant period when all processes in the plant tissues slow down. At this time, it is especially important not to flood the crop, so close attention to the condition of the soil is necessary. As already mentioned, the drying of the top layer of soil is a signal for watering. By the beginning of summer, the frequency of moisturizing is increased to 2-3 times a week.
Ficus is one of the evergreen plants from the Mulberry family that is popular in indoor floriculture. This crop does not need to provide any special care, and planting the “Mix” species allows you to get a gorgeous flower arrangement from different varieties.
It is best to purchase such an ornamental crop in spring or summer, which greatly facilitates the adaptation process. . Important to remember that too large specimens, as a rule, have a harder time adapting to a change in environment, and the adaptation period often drags on for several months.
When choosing a perennial, you must check its condition by lightly shaking the plant in a flower pot or running your hand against the growth of the leaves. If the foliage falls and the plant does not look very healthy, then it is better not to purchase it. Also, you cannot buy a plant from which drainage holes Rotting or overdried roots stick out in a flower pot.
Important to remember, that unscrupulous sellers often rub the leathery foliage with special polishes, which give the leaves a very attractive glossy appearance. However, such compounds negatively affect the health of the plant, so they must be removed from the purchased indoor flower in as soon as possible soft damp cloth. After purchasing, you need to place the flower in quarantine, separately from other indoor perennials.
Ficus is best purchased in spring or summer
Optimal conditions for growing plants
The decorative crop is quite stable and relatively undemanding in terms of lighting levels, so it can tolerate placement on northern window sills. However, about Very strong shading causes elongation of internodes and stretching branches towards the light. In this case, the above-ground part very often takes on a sparsely leafy appearance.
The optimal location is in a bright place without direct scorching sunlight, but variegated forms will need to be provided with brighter lighting. In summer, you can take the flower pot with the plant to the balcony or veranda.
It is important to note, that ficuses are very sensitive to sudden changes in living conditions, including humidity and lighting, so it is advisable to immediately correctly determine its location. In winter, additional lighting may be required. In summer, it is desirable to provide the plant with a temperature regime of 25-30°C, and in autumn and winter – no lower than 12-15°C.
Gallery: types of ficus (25 photos)
Features of growing ficus (video)
Caring for ficus at home
Caring for indoor ficus plants is quite simple - you need to properly feed the plant, provide it with proper watering, and also periodically spray the ornamental crop for preventive purposes. Feeding plants has a positive effect on the appearance of the above-ground parts, but the composition of the fertilizers used must necessarily correspond to the time of year and the phase of development of the perennial.
How often to water a ficus
The correct watering regime is the key to maintaining decorative attractiveness indoor plant. Water for irrigation must be settled, at room temperature, and without high chlorine content. Insufficient watering, as well as excessive drying out of the soil in a flower pot, are the main causes of wrinkling and falling leaves. No less Overwatering is harmful for such a highly decorative perennial, especially in low temperature indoor conditions. The root system of the ficus is very vulnerable to frequent drops in temperature, so increased soil moisture provokes root rot and fairly rapid death of the indoor flower.
By the next irrigation event, the soil substrate in the flower pot of young plants should have time to dry out by about a couple of centimeters. Adult specimens can be watered after the soil has dried out by about 5-6 cm. Tropical crop needs enough humid air, That's why prerequisite indoor cultivation is the systematic spraying of the aboveground part with relatively warm and well-settled water. Periodically remove dust from the leaves using a damp cloth.
The correct watering regime is the key to preserving the decorative attractiveness of ficus
When and what to feed ficus
It is imperative to fertilize or feed indoor ficus plants. It is especially important to follow the feeding regime when growing species such as broadleaf and hanging forms of ornamental crops. In spring and summer, at the stage of activation of all growth processes , it is very important to use nitrogen-containing fertilizers for this purpose, which have a positive effect on the growth of green leaf mass. Very good result Fertilizing with an infusion of ordinary wood ash with the addition of mullein or nettle infusion is given.
It is advisable to use as mineral complexes “Gumisol”, “Ideal”, “Palma” And "Ficus". Feeding compositions should be applied approximately a couple of times a month. In winter, the plant is dormant, so fertilizing is not carried out. The dose should be calculated depending on the appearance of the plant, its age, varietal characteristics, as well as the state of the soil substrate in the flower pot. In any case, the soil must be sufficiently moistened before applying fertilizer.
It is imperative to fertilize or feed indoor ficus plants.
Timing and features of transplantation
To obtain a highly decorative plant with dense foliage and a lush above-ground part, it is necessary to periodically replant. A young plant up to the age of four years must be replanted every year. Older and larger specimens are replanted no more than once every two years. Optimal timing– spring and summer, which facilitates the process of cultural adaptation.
Before replanting, the soil in the flower pot must be moistened abundantly. A drainage layer is poured into a new flower pot and placed root system transplanted plant along with a lump of earth. Topping up is done with a standard nutrient soil substrate. In the first days after transplantation, it is advisable to protect the plant from direct sunlight.
Ficus care technology in winter (video)
How to care for ficus in winter
In autumn and winter, caring for perennial ornamental plant may be slightly complicated due to insufficient heat and lighting. In the autumn period, it is gradually necessary to minimize irrigation activities, as well as gradually lower the temperature in the room. Feeding is carried out only as needed, but not more than once a month.
The main diseases of ficus and their treatment
When provided with sufficient competent care, indoor ficuses can feel quite comfortable and delight amateur gardeners with a strong and healthy, very attractive appearance for many years.
Yellowing of foliage is most often associated with dry indoor air and placing the plant close to heating radiators
The main mistakes when growing in home floriculture can be factors such as improper lighting and temperature conditions in the room, insufficient air humidity, improper irrigation and fertilizing measures, and unbalanced soil composition in the flower pot. In case of errors in care and insufficiently high immunity, decorative perennial can be affected by pathogenic microflora:
- yellowing of foliage is most often associated with dry indoor air and placing the plant close to heating radiators;
- shredding or falling leaves is a sign of a lack of nutrients in the soil or improper placement of the indoor flower;
- the appearance of yellow spots and yellowness on the edges of leaves, with their subsequent falling off, is most often associated with an excess amount of moisture in the planting substrate;
- dry and wrinkled leaves may indicate overdrying of the nutrient soil in the flower pot;
- the appearance of brown spots on the tips and edges of foliage is very often caused by high temperature conditions in the room, lack of watering and overfeeding with fertilizers;
- The death of foliage is most often the result of damage to an ornamental crop by fungal diseases, including rot and sooty fungus.
