Ficus with a name. Types of ficus and plant care

Ficus plants are very diverse, and therefore their names are complex and sometimes the photos are not much different. varieties of various types of ficus At first, they can shock an inexperienced plant lover. Nevertheless, these are one of the most sought after and popular plant species used for landscaping rooms. And this despite the fact that ficus trees almost never bloom - they attract with beautiful leaves of different shapes and colors, rapid growth and a rather unpretentious character!

Types of ficus (photos with names)

Title, photo	Description
Ficus benjamina (F. benjamina)	The most popular tree-like variety, up to 2 meters tall, with small leaves and drooping branches. The edges of the leaves can be either smooth or wavy, and the leaves themselves can curl. This species does not like to change its place of residence. Ficus benjamina does not like either waterlogging or drying out of the soil. The plant tolerates pruning well, which allows it to form a crown of the desired shape. This variety is characterized by the formation aerial roots, as they grow, beautiful weaves can be formed from them, which gives the tree even greater decorativeness.
Ficus rubber (F. elastica)	The most common and unpretentious type of ficus. It cleans the air well in the room and saturates it with oxygen. This name is due to the fact that its milky juice contains rubber, which is used for the production of rubber. It is recommended to cut off the crown of an adult plant, then the plant will be more “lush”. To prevent the ficus from losing foliage, the soil should not be over-moistened, there should be a sudden change in temperature, or an excess of fertilizers. If the ficus likes the conditions, it will produce 1 new leaf weekly. Winter is a period of rest. Water with warm water.
Ficus lyreta (F. lirata)	The ficus leaf can grow up to 50 cm, so it has impressive dimensions and requires a lot of space. Loves diffused bright light and moderate temperature. In winter – keep it cool at a temperature of 12-15°. We water with warm water, but the soil should not be constantly wet; it needs to dry out between waterings. The flower is replanted when the pot is completely filled with the root system.
Ficus Binnendijkii, or Ali (Ficus binnendijkii)	The evergreen tree has long, narrow drooping leaves and grows quite quickly. Ficus Ali is thermophilic and does not tolerate cold and drafts at all. You can propagate by cuttings, which root without problems.
Ficus deltoid (variegated)	An adult ficus grows in the form lush bush with many aerial roots. In home care, ficus is heat-loving and loves spraying. Must receive enough light. If he likes the conditions, he grows a large mass of aerial roots. Often cultivated as bonsai. It is a slow growing species.
Ampelous ficuses
Ficus rooting (Ficus radicans)	The flower loves warmth and water very much. Even short-term drying of the soil is unacceptable; the plant may die from this. This type of ficus also does not tolerate dry air. It is best to keep it in a small aquarium or greenhouse where it is easy to maintain high humidity. Does not tolerate sun rays. Grows well in bright diffused light or artificial light.
Dwarf ficus (Ficus pumila)	Small-leaved ficus, also called tiny ficus. Can be grown as a creeping and climbing plant. Thin shoots can grow up to 5 meters in length. and grows to the soil by adventitious roots. The leaves grow in the shape of 2.5 cm hearts with ruffled edges. The plant does not tolerate direct sun. The growth of shoots accelerates in a warm room with high humidity.
Bottle ficus
Ficus palmeri	It features an original bottle-shaped barrel. This unusual “design” is necessary for the plant in order to accumulate moisture and be able to withstand prolonged drought. In spring, the transition to normal watering should be smooth. In summer, plants are watered abundantly, but not too often. A light-loving plant that enjoys bright, diffused light.
Ficus trees
Fig (Ficus carica)	Figs are also called figs, fig tree, wine berry. Has edible fruits. The recommended temperature for germination of ficus seeds is 25 - 27 degrees. In this case, daily ventilation and moistening of the soil as necessary by spraying are necessary. A plant grown from seeds bears fruit only in 4-5 years, in contrast to plants obtained by cuttings, which can begin to bear fruit already in the second year. Fig is a light-loving plant.
Ficus sacred or religious (Ficus religiosa)	The most famous ancient specimen is supposedly about 3 thousand years old. In nature it grows up to 30 meters and becomes overgrown with age. aerial roots, forming supports. It is deciduous. In cultivation it can hardly tolerate dry air and heat. It may shed its leaves in such conditions. Ficus sacred is able to predict changes in weather, forming droplets of moisture on the leaves when atmospheric pressure changes.
Ficus benghalensis	The tree continuously grows in breadth, constantly forming additional trunks. When kept in room conditions The growth of the banyan tree must be controlled by periodic pruning and keeping it in a cramped pot. Can be propagated by cuttings and air layering. Does not like temperature changes and drafts. Watering is plentiful and regular in all seasons, since this ficus does not have a period of weakening growth.

In total, about 40 species of ficus are known in culture, of which the largest distribution is in Lately received ficus benjamina and its variegated hybrids, although it is not easy to grow, since it capriciously reacts to any troubles, completely dropping its foliage. However, there are several types of ficus that are no less decorative, but at the same time much more unpretentious in care.

The most popular varieties of ficus

Ficus rubbery

Other names – ficus elastic, ficus elastica . One of the most popular types of potted plants, which has become one of the symbols of home and family well-being. And even for some time the ficus in a tub served as a ridiculed symbol of philistinism.

Due to its unpretentiousness and ease of maintenance, undemanding environment it is great for beginner plant growers, and is also actively used for landscaping the foyer, winter gardens or large showcases. In nature, it can reach a height of up to 30 m, but in cultivation it usually does not grow above 2 m. The leaves are dense, pointed at the ends, elongated-oval, reaching 30-45 cm in length.

Young leaves are bronzed in color, but over time they become green. Ficus rubbery loves a lot Sveta, but tolerates slight shading quite well, although this affects growth. Does not bloom at home. Main opponent good development ficus - drafts: the plant is constantly sick, the leaves develop poorly, turn yellow and fall off. It has many varieties that differ in leaf color, but all variegated varieties are more capricious and demanding to care for.

Temperature

Heat-loving, optimal temperature – +20-25 °C. It tolerates heat well (up to +35 °C), but it must be sprayed with water more often. The minimum permissible temperature is +13 °C, although it can tolerate a short-term drop to +5 °C.

Watering

Moderate, neat, after the soil (substrate) has dried 1-2 cm. In winter - watering no more than once every 2 weeks.

Care

The leaves must be kept clean; to do this, they are periodically (once every two weeks) wiped with a damp sponge. In summer you can organize warm shower, making sure to cover the soil with a film, preventing it from becoming waterlogged.

Advice! To add shine to the leaves, you can use non-alcoholic beer to wipe them down.

Top dressing

It is carried out during the period of active growth (April - September), once every two weeks, with alternating liquid organic and mineral fertilizers with a high nitrogen content.

Trimming

As you grow lower leaves grow old and fall off, exposing the trunk. To achieve greater foliage and attractiveness, as well as to maintain the bush at an acceptable size, formative pruning is carried out at the end of winter. To get a lush, branched bush, remove 5-6 upper internodes.

Ficus bengal

An evergreen tree prized for its abundant foliage, good care in just a few years it can reach a height of 3 meters, so it is often used for landscaping spacious offices and premises. It loves light, in winter it may require additional lighting, but direct sunlight should be avoided, which can cause burns on the leaves. Does not tolerate drafts.

Temperature

Optimally – +16-23 °C, but can overwinter at fairly low (+12-16 °C) temperatures.

Humidity

In summer, at temperatures above +25 ° C, periodic spraying will be required, in winter, when operating central heating and decreasing humidity, you need to place the plant away from the radiator, the leaves need to be wiped and sprayed, optimally - placed in a tray with moss or wet expanded clay.

Ficus Benedicta

Another fairly popular name is Ficus Ali. An evergreen tree with long, narrow, pointed leaves, covered with a natural gloss. As the tree grows, the lower leaves fall off, revealing a smooth and tall trunk (dark in color in young ones, bark in adulthood brown colors) with light stains. Does not tolerate drafts or sudden changes in temperature or light; flowering does not occur at home.

Advice! You should not rotate the ficus; it is very sensitive to changes in the position of the crown in relation to the light source.

One of the most unpretentious species ficus. Doesn't like bright sunlight(better diffused), but at the same time feels quite comfortable in partial shade - northern window sills are well suited for it.

Temperature

Optimal temperature– +20-22 °C (but not higher than +27 °C), in winter – about +16 °C even with a short-term decrease to +12 °C.

Humidity

It is unpretentious to humidity levels, but during dry periods and winter, when humidity drops, it requires regular spraying with warm, settled water.

Watering

Regularly to prevent the earthen clod from drying out. At the same time, water should not accumulate in the pan; it must be drained to prevent rotting of the root system.

Trimming

Ficus tolerates pruning well, it is needed for correct formation crown, as well as rejuvenation of the plant, helps to give it a decoratively attractive shape, causing branching in the desired direction and preventing exposure of the trunk.

Top dressing

They are carried out during intensive growth, from April to September, and with the arrival of autumn and the onset of the dormant period, feeding must be stopped. It is carried out 2 times a month, alternating organic and mineral substances, and it is applied directly to the earthen ball, avoiding contact with the trunk or leaves.

Transfer

This is done when the roots completely wrap around the soil (substrate) in the pot. Young specimens are replanted annually, older ones (starting from 4-5 years) - once every 2-3 years, choosing a pot 2-3 cm larger in diameter than the previous one. You can use old soil, partially adding new soil.

The ficus plant can be found quite often at home. In nature, this flower is able to withstand various harsh weather conditions. But in order to successfully keep an indoor ficus, you need to be prepared for the fact that home care must be quite attentive and original. Ficus, which needs to be cared for at home in a timely manner, will definitely please you with its healthy appearance.

Botanical description

The ficus is native to a tropical climate. IN wildlife distributed in Africa, Asia. However, some varieties can be grown quite successfully in open ground and in temperate latitudes. For example, a fig tree plant with tasty edible fruits, which we know as figs, quite successfully blooms and bears fruit in Crimea.

But still, indoor flowers and home maintenance of ficus plants are more familiar to us. However, in order to successfully grow them at home, it is important to know a number of nuances on how to care for them.

First of all, you need to remember where the birthplace of this indoor plant is, and based on this, keep it in a certain light, water it, propagate it, which shoot to choose, how to root it, pinch it, when to prune it, how to form a flower, weave it, which home care helps the ficus bloom.

Caring for ficus at home

Lighting

Analyzing the home space regarding lighting, it is better to keep these indoor flowers in a fairly bright place. However, it is necessary to shade it from direct sunlight.

When growing ficus, in order to know what kind of lighting your indoor plant requires, you need to take into account information about the specific species. For example, the “dwarf” variety requires home care constantly in diffused light. Unlike the rubber-bearing ficus, which is not afraid of the morning summer rays.

Ficuses are often shade-tolerant house flowers. However, it is better to care for the ficus in a fairly bright place, because its homeland provides such conditions. Therefore, how a houseplant feels often depends on the amount of lighting.

1. If indoor flower has dark green foliage, it is able to tolerate shade more easily than if the pet had a variegated color. In such home conditions, colors will become less and less vibrant.
2. Lack of lighting at home can lead to the dropping of leaves, lengthening of internodes, slower growth, and the growth of new shoots without foliage.
3. It's blooming home plant in very bright light.

Air temperature

IN summer period The temperature can reach up to 30 degrees; in winter it is better to keep it at a temperature no higher than 20.

Soil requirements

Soil for ficus must be selected depending on whether your houseplant is young or already mature. It is necessary to care for young animals in a light mixture. Older houseplants need a denser substrate. Homemade care in a store-bought mixture is not always the best option.

Watering mode

It is better to water a houseplant not according to a schedule, but based on its real needs.

In the summer, at home, it is necessary to water more abundantly, but make sure that the soil has time to dry before the next watering. Be sure to drain the remaining water from the pan. IN winter period It is necessary to water the houseplant moderately; do not allow excess moisture.

It is important to water your houseplant carefully so that it does not lose its leaves. This can happen both with a lack of moisture (leaves fall off one at a time) and with excess (leaves fall off en masse). Therefore, home care should be as attentive as possible.

It is important not only to water these indoor flowers, but also to ensure sufficient air humidity. To do this, it would be a good idea to place a home hygrometer in the room where the plant is cared for. Its indicators should be at the level of 50–70 percent. Love to humid air domestic ficuses were also brought into cultivation for reasons that their homeland is the humid tropics. It is also necessary to care by wiping the leaves and spraying them with soft water.

Fertilizing

Household ficus plants will respond favorably to feeding twice a month from March to September.

Bloom

Ficus rarely blooms indoors. To do this, it is worth filling the home space as much as possible with the same conditions as his homeland. In order to see the ficus bloom, you will most likely have to go to the greenhouse.

The two types of ficus that bloom most readily are carica and variegated.

Reproduction of indoor ficus

To get a new indoor ficus flower, you can actually use propagation in three different ways:

• cuttings;
• leaf;
• air layering.

It is better to carry out propagation at home in the spring and summer. It is better to protect young indoor flowers themselves from bright light.

Reproduction by cuttings

If you want to grow a new house plant, propagation by cuttings is best suited for most types of ficus. To get a cutting, you need to take a shoot that will have two to three leaves and a length of about 13 centimeters. Homemade ficus trees can be rooted both in water and in substrate.

Reproduction by air layering

Homemade ficuses of the Benjamin variety lend themselves well to this method of propagation. A strong shoot must be cut and moss attached to it. If you give this place proper care in terms of constant moisture, roots will soon appear on it.

Also, for some types of ficus, propagation by seeds and cloning may be suitable.

Ficus crown formation

Knowing a few tricks and having the desire to create an unusual home plant, you can grow a real natural work of art from an indoor ficus at home.

Possible methods for how to unusually form home ficuses: weaving trunks, a standard, a bush, caring for the crown.

1. One way is to weave trunks. You can start forming in this way home flowers that have more than one shoot of equal strength and are also about 15 centimeters high. Weaving exactly identical trunks is very important so that over time one shoot does not crush the other. On initial stage the weaving should be secured with thread. It is necessary to use a soft thread at home, for example, a woolen thread, which will not dig into the shoot of the indoor ficus and will not interfere with its further formation. Weaving trunks with two shoots is possible in the form of a spiral, where there are three shoots - in a pigtail. For any type of formation home flower will look neat and unusual.
2. To form home ficuses into a bush shape, you need to pinch their main trunk. After such a procedure, more and more new lateral processes will appear. Each shoot must be pruned to maintain the required height of the bush.
3. It is possible to form an indoor ficus standard by taking a young home flower that has a formed central vertical trunk. It is necessary to cut off the lower shoot one by one, leaving 4 or more shoots. A young indoor plant should be tied to a support until the main trunk becomes woody.
4. Pruning of indoor ficus should occur exclusively during the period early spring. Winter pruning of ficus can lead to uneven, crooked indoor plants growing at home due to a lack of strength to grow all the shoots.

The cut of the thick shoot must be made obliquely, and in any case it must be under the kidney.

Proper ficus transplant

Young specimens of the plant are replanted annually with the onset of spring. Ficus plants that have reached 4 years of age, as a rule, are replanted no more than once every 24 months, while adding fresh soil to the pot annually.

On a note! For replanting ficus at home, only loose and nutritious soil is suitable.

If you notice rapid drying out of the soil, it means that the root system does not have enough free space and nutrients. In this regard, we can conclude that the time has come to transplant the ficus. After completing this process, carefully monitor the condition of your plant and do not be alarmed if it sheds its leaves or its growth slows down a little. This is how it should happen. As free space increases, the root system develops more slowly. Time will pass and the growth rate will begin to increase.

Caring for ficus at home also includes correct transplant. Therefore, everyone should be aware of the correct implementation of this process.

How does the transplant take place:

1. We water the plant so that it can be easier to remove from the container.
2. Carefully remove the layer of soil.
3. Let's take it new pot and pour drainage into it, which we sprinkle with soil on top.
4. We transfer our ficus to a new container.
5. Cover the root system evenly with soil.
6. Water it with water.

Ficus sheds leaves

This phenomenon is a fairly common problem. It can happen for a variety of reasons.

Natural shedding of leaves

With the onset of autumn and winter, the ficus begins to shed its row lower leaves. You should not be upset about this, as this process is natural. If this happens in the spring or summer, then the problem lies in improper watering or lack of lighting.

Changes in terms and conditions

Ficus is one of a number of vulnerable plants and is very sensitive to changes in location, lighting or temperature conditions.

Overwatering

You need to reduce the level of watering and the problem will go away on its own.

Insufficient levels of nutrients

To eliminate this problem, you need to feed the plant or replant it in new soil.

Diseases and pests

To eliminate this problem, it is necessary to treat the plant with special preparations.

Ficus diseases

This indoor plant can be susceptible to various diseases, the elimination of which every gardener should know.

Fungal diseases

Root rot

With the advent of this disease, the ficus begins to fade and becomes gray. Unfortunately, there is no cure for this problem and the plant along with the pot will have to be sent to a landfill.

Sooty mushroom

As a rule, it appears as a gray coating on the leaves. To eliminate it, you need to wipe the leaves with a soapy sponge or remove them altogether if the damage is severe.

Gray rot

With the appearance of this disease, gray mold can be seen on the leaves and stem. It occurs when elevated level moisture or hot temperature in the room.

Fungus on leaves

Black spots appear on the leaves, after which they die.

Pests of indoor ficus

Often, various parts of the ficus can be attacked by pests. Quite often the plant cannot be saved and it dies.

Need to be done regularly preventive measures to avoid the appearance of pests on the ficus.

Spider mite

This pest sucks the nutritious juice from the plant and leaves gray spots. To eliminate it, the plant is covered with polyethylene for several days and treated with garlic infusion.

Nematodes

Mealybug

His lair looks like pieces of cotton wool. Can be eliminated with special insecticides.

Shchitovka

Expressed in spots Brown. Eliminated with soap solution and insecticides.

Trips

If the leaves begin to turn yellow, this is one of the factors for the appearance of aphids. Soapy water will help us fight it.

Leaf diseases

The leaves started to die

Typically, this phenomenon occurs through the influence of pests.

Leaves change color or fall off

This often happens when there is insufficient levels of nutrients and minerals in the soil. To eliminate the problem, you will have to transplant the plant into more nutritious soil.

Leaves may turn yellow when there is excess moisture and brown when exposed to high temperatures.

Yellowing of leaves

With the onset of the winter season, this problem becomes the most common. To avoid this, you need to spray more often.

Causes of diseases

Caring for a ficus requires the gardener to stock up on a considerable amount of knowledge for the normal and productive cultivation of the plant.

There are several main reasons for the appearance and development of diseases in ficus.

Insufficient lighting level

This is especially true in winter. The leaves begin to turn yellow, fall off, and general development plants slows down significantly.

Temperature

With sudden changes in temperature, the plant begins to shed its leaves and wither.

Ficus is a representative of the Mulberry family. In nature, the plant grows in New Guinea, Southeast Asia and the Solomon Islands. Ficus trees come in shrubs and trees and are evergreen, but there are also deciduous varieties. In the wild, trees grow up to 40 meters in length and have a diameter of up to 5 meters. There are creeping and climbing species, as well as ficuses that begin to grow on other trees, sending their roots down.

More about the flower

Both shrub and tree varieties have green and entire leaves. They grow up to 70 cm. The exact length depends on the specific species. There are ficuses with bicolor leaves. The inflorescences are small and have a simplified perianth. All parts of the plant contain milky sap. In indoor conditions, ficuses grow up to two meters.

Flower care

Ficus trees develop well in closed space, but, like any indoor flower, they need to create certain conditions of maintenance.

Lighting

This tropical plant must be kept in a bright place, but protected from direct sunlight. If the lighting is one-sided, the ficus pot is periodically turned. Otherwise, the crown will form unevenly.
In late autumn and winter, additional lighting is provided. This aspect is especially relevant for variegated forms containing a small amount of chlorophyll. They need even longer daylight hours.

Temperature

In spring and summer, the air in the room where the plant is kept should warm up from 23 to 25 degrees Celsius. Ficuses can overwinter at room temperature. The main thing is to keep the flower away from heating devices. Whenever possible, in winter it is better to keep the plant at a temperature of 12-15 degrees.

Humidity

Too dry air is contraindicated for ficuses. In spring and summer, the plant needs regular spraying. Water must be distilled or boiled. Otherwise it will remain on the leaves white coating. Compact specimens can be bathed in the shower once a week, but large ficuses are best wiped with a damp cloth.

Watering

Both drought and stagnation of moisture are contraindicated for the flower. The frequency of watering is determined by the time of year and living conditions. The grower selects the optimal scheme for moistening the substrate independently, focusing on the condition of the earthen forage. In spring and summer, watering is more frequent than in autumn and winter. Irrigation water is used that is soft and always settled.

Priming

Ficus requires neutral, slightly acidic soil. Ready-made soil mixture can be purchased at flower shop. If such a substrate, that is, suitable for growing ficus, is not commercially available, you can prepare the soil yourself. Heavy turf, deciduous and turf light soil are mixed together. The components are taken in equal parts. A little humus and sand are added to the resulting substrate.

Trimming and pinching

The decorative shape of the ficus can be maintained by pruning thin, overgrown, half-bare branches. Light green young leaves are pinched to awaken the buds and actively grow new shoots. The procedure is carried out as needed.
The plant can be pinched up to 2-4 times a year. Some time after pruning, the bare stems will begin to become covered with leaves. In addition, this procedure does not allow the ficus to grow and stretch too much.

Top dressing

Ficus plants are fertilized with mineral and organic complexes. In summer, the frequency of fertilizing is once every 10 days. In the winter months, fertilizer can not be used at all, but maintained normal condition flower through black tea leaves. They are placed in small holes, which are sprinkled on top.

Transfer

In spring or in the first weeks of summer, ficus trees are replanted, since the root system of the plant grows quickly. For young specimens, the procedure is repeated annually, and for four-year-olds and older – once every 2 years. Take a pot with a slightly larger diameter and place drainage at the bottom.
The flower is carefully removed from the old flowerpot and freed from the earthen clod. If the roots are firmly embedded in the soil, only remove the top one. The ficus is placed in the middle of the pot and covered with substrate so that there are no voids left.

Reproduction

Cuttings are the simplest and most universal method of propagation for all varieties of indoor ficus. The best time For this event, spring or the first half of summer is considered.
The cuttings are taken with a dense structure and well developed. The upper shoots are not used. They don't take root. Cut the cuttings with garden pruners or a knife with a sharp blade. To get rid of the milky juice, the shoot is placed in water for two hours, which is then drained and replaced with new water.
Leaves that appear under water when the cutting is immersed in a glass are cut off. Otherwise they will rot. Roots begin to appear within two weeks. The shoot is transplanted into a small pot and its leaves are wiped with a damp sponge from time to time.

Ficus diseases and pests

The flower, like any indoor plant, develops well and grows healthy as long as all maintenance rules are followed.

Diseases

Ficus trees are susceptible to the development of the following diseases:

Restoring a ficus takes long time, so it is better to carefully monitor watering, maintenance temperature, and daylight hours. If the probability of the flower dying is high, you should take a healthy cutting in advance and root it in a separate container.

Pests

Inappropriate care leads to the appearance on the plant:

• spider mite;
• scale insects;
• mealy plant;
• nimble centipede.

These insect pests can be brought into the house along with the purchased plant. Therefore, the purchased flower must be carefully examined and left to stand away from other flowers for several weeks.
In the first stages, the affected plant is wiped with soapy water, damaged areas are removed, and washed in the shower. If this does not help, use fungicides. If a millipede infests you, you need to transplant the flower into new soil.

Ficus varieties for home growing

The most decorative and popular varieties of indoor ficus are the following:

• Tineke with large leaves covered along the edges with sparse spots of gray-green and cream color. A light beige vein is clearly visible in the center of the plate.
  
• Robusta, having wide rounded leaves. They have a rather rich color with light green leaves. The plates are covered with marbled gray and dark green flecks.
  
• Abidjan It has large, beet-dark colored leaves.
  
• Melanie, characterized by a miniature shape, with dark reddish leaves.
  
• Brazil with gray-green leaves, along the edge of which there is a cream edging.
  
• Docheri with a grayish and marble green pattern, which together form an interesting pattern on cream-colored leaves.
  
• Black Prince, got its name from its dark green foliage, the color of which is similar to black. A red vein is visible in the center of the leaves.

These are not the only ficus varieties that are grown on the windowsill. There are many others, but these are the ones that are most decorative. Among the varieties of Ficus Benjamin, for example, stores sell those from which you can grow bonsai.

Questions and answers

• 1. Are the leaves turning yellow and falling off?
     If there are no visible signs of damage on the ficus, it means that the soil in which the flower grows is depleted and requires replacement. This should be done only after checking the condition of the earthen clod, since flooding the crop can lead to a similar problem. This also applies to drafts.
  2. Does your ficus have brown spots on the tips and edges of its leaves?
     The cause may be too dry air and heat. Specks also form when fertilizers are applied incorrectly. This applies to both lack and excess of feeding.
  3. Are the leaves drying out and wrinkled?
     The flower lacks moisture. It is necessary to normalize watering and increase air humidity. If the plant is in direct sunlight, be sure to move it away from the window.

To grow healthy plant in apartment conditions, you need to know how to care for ficus.

The ficus is native to the tropical forests of East Asia, where there are more than 750 varieties of this flower. It is impossible to grow all of them at home, however, indoor ficus There are dozens of varieties. They can differ dramatically from each other in appearance - the type of trunk, the shape and structure of the leaves.

Ficus is not only a houseplant, it is beneficial because it purifies the indoor air from benzenes and phenols, and also gives off its positive energy. The peculiarity of this flower is that it prefers permanent place and does not respond well to frequent movements. Therefore, before purchasing a ficus, you need to choose a place for it, taking into account its preferences in lighting and temperature.

Ficus (lat. Ficus)

This plant prefers light and Fresh air, if possible, in the warm season it is preferable to place it on the veranda or balcony.

Attention! When placing a ficus, it is necessary to take into account that it does not tolerate drafts. The plant reacts very violently to inconvenience - it drops its leaves.

Lighting

Ficus is a light-loving plant, but it must be placed in a place protected from direct sunlight. Those flower varieties that have dense leaves dark colors can be placed in less lit places. Species with light foliage need more intense lighting; in winter they are recommended to include additional daylight lamps.

If there is not enough light, the ficus may shed its leaves and plant growth slows down. Reacts poorly to changing lighting conditions. During the period of active growth and flowering, ficus needs more light than during the dormant period. Species with variegated foliage may lose their decorative color due to lack of light.

Temperature

Ficus is thermophilic, the ideal temperature regime for it is in the range of +22+28 °C in summer and +15+21°C in winter. Ficus varieties with variegated leaves do not tolerate cold temperature and drafts.

Important! Too high a temperature will cause the leaves to wilt; if the flower is cold, it will begin to actively shed its leaves.

If the plant is standing in a place that does not correspond to its temperature conditions(ventilated window sill or floor), for the winter you should move it to a warm place or put it on a stand.

On hot summer days, in order to provide the flower with an acceptable temperature, it is recommended to spray it with a spray bottle.

Air humidity

If the ficus variety has large dense leaves, the air humidity does not of great importance, this plant will do well in normal indoor conditions. For creating ideal conditions, flowers with small leaves are recommended to be sprayed in summer time. For these purposes, water must be left standing for 2-3 days or rain water must be used.

Ficus benjamina prefers high humidity air, it must be sprayed frequently, and in the summer placed in a tray with wet pebbles. Due to lack of air humidity, the plant will begin to shed its leaves.

Ficus prefers regular moderate watering with light drying of the earthen ball in the pot. For proper watering You must adhere to some rules:

You can water a houseplant from the top (at the root) and into a tray. Water is poured into the pan for 30-40 minutes, then the remainder is drained.

If watering is carried out from the top, you should pour water under the root until it begins to flow from the drainage hole. Place the pot in a tray and drain the remainder excess water in 20 minutes.

In winter, watering is reduced; waterlogging of the soil in the pot can threaten the death of the flower. If the ficus is in close proximity to a heating radiator, it needs to be watered more often. On hot days, you can use showering to water the plant. Periodically, the soil must be loosened for air circulation and better moisture.

Top dressing

Knowing how to care for ficus at home , some species can be grown up to two to three meters. But for active plant growth, periodic feeding is required.

They begin to feed the ficus after a period of dormancy. in early spring, and do this throughout the summer, including September. Nitrogen-containing fertilizers can be purchased in specialized stores; they are necessary for the plant to grow its crown. They are used in spring and early summer; do not do this in autumn, otherwise the shoots will be thin and pale.

At home, you can prepare soil fertilizer yourself. To do this, wood ash is mixed with nettle tincture. Mullein can be used several times. It is not recommended to use various food fertilizers; they will cause acidification of the soil.

For proper feeding ficus plants use mineral and organic fertilizers. Compared to other plants, ficus does not require frequent feeding, but it should be plentiful. To understand that a houseplant needs feeding, you need to focus on the following factors:

• the flower has stopped growing or slowed down significantly;
• the shoots became thin and elongated;
• the leaves began to lose turgor and became pale;
• the ficus is dropping its leaves or they have begun to turn yellow;
• spots began to appear on the leaves;
• the plant begins to hurt;
• pests attack a weakened flower.

Advice! Fertilizing should be done after treating the plant or treating it with a pest control composition, otherwise the flower will not absorb nutrients. And after transplanting, the soil is not fertilized for at least three weeks.

Types of home ficus

The most common indoor varieties of ficus are:

• rubbery ( , );
• Benjamin (Natasha);
• lyre-shaped;
• dwarf;
• Bengal.

All these ficuses are very different from each other, there are fundamental differences between domestic species and those that grow in nature.

• Ficus benjamina has thin flexible stems with small leaves of a dense structure. Their color ranges from rich green to light, almost white shade. Moreover, they are not monochromatic, but variegated. This species needs intense lighting, frequent watering and feeding. With insufficient care, Ficus Benjamin can lose its variegated color and become pale and monochromatic. The most popular varieties are Natasha, Daniel and Midnight Lady.

  

• The rubber-bearing ficus is considered the largest among indoor varieties. Rubber-bearing ficus at home can grow more than 2 m. The plant is quite unpretentious, looks like a tree with an erect trunk. The leaves are large, oval with a pointed end, have a dense structure and glossy surface. The flower tolerates partial shade well, is not picky about temperature and humidity, and can survive for a long time without feeding. The most common types are Robusta, Melanie, Belize, Black Prince, Tineke.

  

• Dwarf ficus is a creeping shrub that can creep along the ground or curl along a nearby support. The stems are very thin and can grow up to 3-5 m. The leaves are heart-shaped and monochromatic or variegated in color. Dwarf ficus grows slowly, mainly in the warm season.

  

• Lyre-shaped ficus has leaves similar in shape to musical instrument. They are usually dark green in color, dense in structure, and leathery. Lyre-shaped ficus

  The trunk of this type of ficus is rough and gray-brown in color. It is quite demanding on humidity, does not tolerate too bright sunlight and sudden changes in temperature.

• The Bengal ficus is an evergreen tree and takes root through aerial roots. The leaves are oval-shaped, bright green with lighter veins. At home it grows quickly and reaches 3 m. It loves light, is heat-loving and needs regular watering, especially during the period of active growth.

  

Ficus transplant

Ficus care includes timely replanting for normal plant development. This must be done if the following factors are present:

• the roots of the flower extend into the drainage holes, the plant is clearly cramped in this pot;
• ficus just bought from the store;
• the soil in the pot is depleted and the plant has stopped growing;
• Drainage replacement is required;
• if you need to propagate a flower.

Important! Timely replanting promotes flower growth; if this is not done in time, the ficus will begin to shed leaves and stop growth.

Plants that are no more than 4 years old must be replanted every year. Older ficus trees are replanted less frequently, once every 3-5 years. The right time for replanting is early spring.

Considering that the ficus does not tolerate drastic changes, immediately after transplantation it can shed its leaves, but usually within summer season the plant comes to its senses and feels good by winter.

• The pot should be selected according to the growth of the plant. If the ficus is 125 cm tall, the pot should have a diameter of no more than 23 cm; the plant prefers tight spaces. Root system ficus takes a long time to form until it intertwines throughout the earthen coma. And only then the flower begins to grow in height.
• The bottom of the pot should have drainage holes to avoid stagnation of water. It is better to choose a soil that is neutral or slightly acidic. It must be loose so that air can circulate. You can mix the soil yourself: take sand, peat, soil and humus in equal parts, or buy ready-made soil for ficus. Be sure to add drainage to the bottom of the pot.
• The plant is carefully removed from the old pot, the roots are inspected, if there are any damaged ones, they are removed with a sharp knife. The ficus is placed in a new pot with drainage and covered with soil without deepening the root collar.
• The flower is watered with settled warm water and placed in its permanent place, where there is no direct sunlight or drafts. Next time you should water it after it dries out. upper layer soil no less than 2-3 cm.

Reproduction

Ficus reproduces in four ways:

Ficus diseases

Important! To avoid diseases and pest damage, it is necessary to periodically wash the leaves and treat the plant with special compounds.

Main diseases and pests of ficus

To avoid the spread of diseases, you need to periodically inspect the plant, remove damaged leaves and ensure necessary care. Need to know how to properly care for ficus to avoid disease and death of the plant.

Trimming

Ficus pruning is carried out to give the bush an aesthetic appearance and remove unnecessary shoots. In order for the plant to grow and have a fluffy crown, it is necessary to pinch new shoots 1 cm from the top.

Pinching is done as needed several times a year. Pruning is done in the spring; young leaves will appear on the bare stems in 2-3 weeks. In this way you can shape the shape of the ficus crown.

Ficus trees, or Ficus, are evergreen plants belonging to the Mulberry family. Currently, there are more than one and a half thousand species of ficus.

Characteristics of the flower

The ficus houseplant is characterized by a variety of species that differ in height, shape of branches and leaves, as well as color.

Description of the plant

The leaves can be alternate, less often opposite, entire, serrated or lobed. The stipules are large in size. All parts of the ficus are characterized by the presence of milky juice, which can be used for medicinal purposes. Ficus flowers are collected in an axillary type of inflorescence. They can either be single or grouped, forming a spike or a kind of brush.

Benefits and harms

In the industrial sphere, varieties that make it possible to obtain rubber play an important role. These plants include Elastica, Nymphaeifolia, Populnea, Radula, Sylvestris, Elliptica and Prinoiddes. Several members, including Carica, Sycomorus, Religiosa, Rumphii and Bengalensis, form edible fruits high in sugars. Ficus Carica foliage is used as a medicinal raw material.

The population of the Indian state of Meghalaya used the roots many centuries ago rubber ficus for growing “living bridges”. For this purpose, bamboo poles are thrown across a pond or ditch with ficus roots directed at them, which after ten years are able to grow to the opposite bank. The length of such a plant bridge can be 30 meters. The structure can support the weight of more than 50 people at a time.

Features of care

Caring for ficus at home is not difficult, as it is one of the most unpretentious indoor plants.

Ficus: selection, cultivation, care (video)

Lighting

It is necessary to place the plant on well-lit windowsills facing west or east. In summer, ficuses need to be shaded, and in winter it is recommended to illuminate the plant for several hours a day.

Temperature

The optimal temperature for ficus in spring and summer is from 23 to 25 degrees. In autumn and winter, temperatures can range from 12 to 15 degrees Celsius. The plant must be protected from drafts and hot air coming from heating devices.

Humidity

Standard humidity parameters in a living room are sufficient for the full growth and development of ficus. If the air is too dry, the humidity should be increased artificially.

Watering

In the summer season, this plant requires enough abundant watering and spraying with water room temperature. In the autumn-winter period, watering is reduced and carried out as the soil dries.

Feeding

In summer, fertilizers are applied every ten days. Ready-made organic and mineral fertilizers which should be alternated. In winter, the amount of fertilizing is reduced or fertilization is stopped completely.

Trimming

The crown of the plant can be given almost any shape. In order to create a bush-like form, the top shoots must be removed. Get indoor tree possible by pruning side shoots. Any pruning option is carried out in the spring or in the first ten days of summer.

Reproduction

Depending on the type, propagation of the plant is allowed both by cuttings and by air layering, as well as by seeds. The most commonly used method in indoor floriculture is cuttings. with rooting of the plant in water or soil substrate.

Home ficus passport

Options for designing a plant “Passport” can be different. In any case, such a document allows a novice gardener to navigate the characteristics of a houseplant and become familiar with the basic rules for caring for it.

1. The plant is native to the tropical regions of Asia and Africa.
2. There are more than two thousand species of this plant.
3. House ficus is one of the unpretentious indoor plants.
4. Ficus is a light-loving plant.
5. Ficus needs to be watered once or twice a week.
6. In summer, the plant should be sprayed daily.
7. The plant should be transplanted annually in mid-March.

Compliance with the requirements listed in the passport significantly reduces the risk of the plant being damaged by diseases or pests.

Growing problems

Lower foliage in tree species house ficus may fall off from time to time due to natural or physiological reasons. Stunting of growth, as well as active loss of green mass, most often results from improper care of the plant.

Stopping growth

The main reasons may lie in a change in conditions of detention. In addition, the plant may stop growing when exposed to drafts, as well as as a result of temperature changes or changes in lighting. Very often, slow growth is caused by a lack of nutrients.

Diseases

Very often, as a result of waterlogging or other improper care, the plant is affected. fungal diseases or root rot. Rotting of the root system is caused by excessive soil moisture. An overabundance of fertilizers also causes the same effect.

Pests

How to prune ficus benjamina (video)

House ficuses, regardless of type and variety, are quite attractive indoor plants. However, as ficuses grow, they can lose their decorative properties. To avoid this, you need to follow simple care rules, which include formative pruning of the crown, regular removal of dust from the leaves, as well as timely protection of plants from diseases and pests.