Caring for a houseplant ficus at home: watering, crown formation and weaving trunks. Flowering ficus benjamin

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

The homeland of ficus is the tropical forests of East Asia, in which there are more than 750 varieties of this flower. It is impossible to grow all of them at home, however, indoor ficuses have dozens of varieties. They can be strikingly different from each other in appearance - the type of trunk, the shape and structure of the leaves.

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

Ficus (lat. Ficus)

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

Attention! When placing a ficus, it must be taken into account that it does not tolerate drafts. The plant reacts very violently to inconvenience - sheds leaves.

Lighting

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

If there is not enough light, the ficus can shed its leaves, plant growth slows down. Responds poorly to changing lighting conditions. During the period of active growth and flowering, the 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 V winter period. Varieties of ficus with variegated leaves do not tolerate cold temperatures and drafts.

Important! Too much heat will cause the leaves to wilt, if the flower is cold, it will begin to actively shed its leaves.

If the plant stands in a place that does not correspond to its temperature regime (ventilated window sill or floor), it should be transferred to heat for the winter or placed on a stand.

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

Air humidity

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

Ficus Benjamina prefers high humidity, it must be sprayed often, and in the summer put in a pan with wet pebbles. From a lack of air humidity, the plant will begin to shed its leaves.

Ficus prefers regular moderate watering with a slight drying of an earthen clod in a pot. For proper watering, you must follow some rules:

You can water a houseplant in the upper way (under the root) and in the pan. Water is poured into the pan for 30-40 minutes, then the remains are drained.

If watering is carried out through the top, water should be poured under the root until it starts to flow from the drainage hole. Put the pot in the pan and drain the remaining excess water after 20 minutes.

In winter, watering is reduced, waterlogging of the soil in a pot can threaten the death of a flower. If the ficus is in close proximity to the heating radiator, it is necessary to water more often. On hot days, bathing in the shower can be used as watering for the plant. Periodically, the soil must be loosened for air circulation and better moisture.

top dressing

Knowing how to care for ficus at home , you can grow some species up to two or three meters. But for the active growth of the plant, periodic top dressing is required.

They begin to feed the ficus after a dormant period in early spring, and do it throughout the summer, capturing September. Nitrogen-containing fertilizers can be purchased at specialized stores, they are necessary for the plant to grow its crown. Apply them in the spring and early summer, do not do this in the fall, otherwise the shoots will be thin and pale.

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

For proper feeding ficus apply 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 to be fed, you need to focus on the following factors:

• the flower stopped its growth or significantly slowed it down;
• the shoots became thin and stretched out;
• the leaves began to lose turgor and became pale;
• ficus sheds leaves or they began to turn yellow;
• spots began to appear on the leaves;
• the plant starts to hurt;
• pests attack a weakened flower.

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

Types of home ficuses

The most common among indoor varieties ficuses are considered:

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

All these ficuses are very different from each other, they have cardinal differences between domestic species and those that grow in wildlife.

• Ficus Benjamin has thin flexible stems with small leaves of a dense structure. Their color varies from deep green to light, almost white. However, they are not monophonic, but variegated. This species needs intensive lighting, frequent watering and top dressing. With insufficient care, Benjamin's ficus may lose its variegated color, become pale and monochromatic. The most popular varieties are Natasha, Daniel and Midnight Lady.

  

• Rubber ficus is considered the largest among indoor varieties. rubbery ficus at home can grow more than 2 m. The plant is quite unpretentious, looks like a tree with an upright trunk. The leaves are large, oval with a pointed end, have a dense structure and a glossy surface. The flower tolerates penumbra well, is not demanding in temperature and humidity, can do without top dressing for a long time. The most common species are Robusta, Melanie, Belize, Black Prince, Tineke.

  

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

  

• Lyre-shaped ficus has leaves similar in shape to musical instrument. Usually they are dark green in color, dense structure, leathery. lyre-shaped ficus

  The trunk of this type of ficus is rough, has a gray-brown color. It is quite picky about humidity, does not tolerate too bright sunlight and a sharp change in temperature.

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

  

Ficus transplant

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

• the roots of the flower go into the drainage holes, the plant is clearly cramped in this pot;
• ficus just bought in the store;
• the soil in the pot is depleted and the plant has stopped growing;
• drain needs to be replaced.
• if necessary, propagate the flower.

Important! Timely transplantation contributes to the growth of the flower, if this is not done in time, the ficus will begin to shed its leaves and stop growth.

Plants less than 4 years old should be repotted every year. Older ficuses are transplanted less often, once every 3-5 years. right time for transplantation - early spring.

Ficus transplant

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

• The pot should be chosen according to the growth of the plant. If the growth of the ficus is 125 cm, the pot should have a diameter of no more than 23 cm, the plant prefers a tight space. The ficus root system is formed for a long time, until it intertwines throughout the earthy coma. And only then the flower begins to grow in height.
• The bottom of the pot should have drainage holes to avoid standing water. Soil is better to choose a neutral composition or slightly acidic. It must be loose so that air can circulate. You can mix the soil yourself: take sand, peat, earth and humus in equal parts, or buy ready-made soil for ficuses. Drainage must be poured at the bottom of the pot.
• The plant is carefully removed from the old pot, the roots are inspected, if any are damaged, they are removed. sharp knife. Ficus is placed in new pot with drainage and covered with soil without deepening the root neck.
• The flower is watered with settled warm water and set in its permanent place, where there is no direct sunlight and drafts. The next time it should be watered after the top layer of soil dries up no less than 2-3 cm.

reproduction

Ficus reproduces in four ways:

Ficus diseases

Ficus diseases

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

The main diseases and pests of ficus

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

pruning

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

Pinching is done as needed several times a year. Pruning is done in spring, young leaves will appear on bare stems in 2-3 weeks. Thus, it is possible to form the shape of the ficus crown.

It is sometimes difficult even for experienced flower growers to imagine how numerous varieties of ficuses are, photos with names and descriptions of plants will help to form their own opinion about them. In the traditional view, which was entrenched in the middle of the last century, ficus is a large evergreen bush or tree covered with large, dense, almost oval leaves. Ficuses were found in abundance both in apartments and in various institutions due to their unpretentiousness.

Today, lovers of indoor cultures have at their disposal not only the well-known rubber-bearing ficus, but also a host of other even more spectacular species, as well as variegated varieties and hybrids.

Rubber ficus (Ficus elastica)

He can rightfully claim the title of the most famous among his relatives. It was he who at the beginning of the last century was considered a sure sign of philistinism and a bourgeois way of life unacceptable for a citizen of the USSR.

IN wild nature, somewhere in the rainforests of India or Malaysia, this ficus looks completely different from what it used to be. The average growth of large trees is 30 meters, and individual specimens reach 60 meters in height. The diameter of the trunks reaches two meters, and thin aerial roots hang from numerous shoots, providing additional nutrition to the powerful plant and, if possible, rooting.

The ficus has recognizable leathery leaves, reaching a length of 30 cm and having an almost elliptical shape. The central vein is clearly visible and somewhat pressed into the leaf plate. IN natural conditions rubber ficus blooms, after which medium-sized rounded fruits are formed on it, containing many small seeds.

At home, flowering is extremely rare, but the flower grows very actively. Therefore, the crown must be cut off, otherwise the reluctantly branching shoots lengthen immensely and lose their shape.

Among the available varietal plants, ficus Robusta is the leader in terms of fame - an attractive large plant with powerful green leaves and slightly branched shoots.

In addition to varieties with even green foliage, breeders also offer spectacular variegated forms. The large leaves of such plants are randomly colored in all shades of green, white and even pink. Moreover, pink or purple reflections are better seen on young shoots and only unfolding foliage. On some rubber ficus plants, this coloration disappears as the foliage matures.

There are also tricolor forms, the upper leaves of which are greener and stand out with a bright pink vein, and the lower ones acquire a bluish-purple hue.

Among the pretty miniature varieties Ficus Melanie can be distinguished with dark glossy leaves up to 20 cm long. Young, willingly bushy shoots and foliage of the plant are painted in rich reddish-brown tones. The leaves are more pointed than those of ficus Robusta.

Ficus Benjamin (Ficus benjamina)

Ficus brilliant is better known in the world as from the photo of which it is difficult to assume that this is the closest relative of the previously described species. The plant attracts with the graceful shape of thin branches, which eventually form a spreading, somewhat drooping crown, as well as thinner and smaller foliage than that of rubber ficus.

Indigenous to southern Asia and northern regions of Australia, Benjamin's ficus in nature is a tall tree up to 25–30 meters high.

Aerial roots formed on the shoots at high humidity can reach the ground and take root successfully. As a result, one tree forms a living arbor or banyan tree occupying a huge area.

This is one of the small-leaved ficuses. The leaf plates, pointed with a smooth edge, do not exceed 10 cm in length and can be either monophonic or variegated.

Today, many varieties with a more compact crown, short stature, and small decorative foliage are being developed for growing at home.

Among the latest achievements of plant breeders are plants with spectacularly curved, twisted foliage. An example of this is the Curly variety, in which the leaf blades are not only curved, but also painted in light green and White color. Buklee's leaves are larger and completely green, but also look like an unusual tight curl. The varieties Monique and Golden Monique have beautifully twisted foliage around the edge.

Ficus Benjamin Natasha is a well-known small-leaved variety with rich green leaves, a compact crown and medium growth. The plant lends itself well to shaping and is quite easy to care for.

The Wiandi variety is similar to the one depicted on Natasha, but due to the natural tendency to bend the stems, it will be a real gift for bonsai beginners. The plant has small foliage and a slow growth rate, which is a significant advantage for the crop.

Variegated ficus Kinki is another common variety of ficus Benjamin. Feature of this variegated plant - a torn colored border along the edge of a pointed leaf blade. This edging is greenish, white or even cream.

Ficus microcarpa (Ficus microcarpa)

The sprawling powerful tree in the photo is another popular room view ficus. It is difficult to imagine that a tree about 25 meters high is grown at home as a miniature pseudo-bonsai or a dense, regularly shaping shrub.

Ficus microcarp is classified as a small-leaved species. Oval dense leaves of rich green color with a leathery smooth surface sit on short petioles. Numerous crown shoots are densely strewn with foliage up to 15 cm long.

Ficus microcarp is called the strangler. Such a terrible epithet is associated with the way of life of a plant in nature. Young specimens of ficus settle on the trunks and branches of other tree crops, but as they grow, the ficus braids them and literally suffocates them with roots. Although the ficus microcarp does not become a banyan tree, such an adaptation helps the plant to strengthen and receive additional nutrition.

Ficus ginseng or ginseng is named so because of its resemblance to the famous oriental herbaceous plant, forming bizarre rhizomes. Unlike ginseng in nature, microcarp ficus is not able to form such thickenings protruding above the soil. Ficus ginseng is a truly man-made plant obtained by feeding the seedling with special hormones and preparations that stimulate root growth.

Unfortunately, such a plant cannot be propagated at home, but the flower grower is guaranteed many years of admiring almost a real bonsai. When caring for a culture, ficus must be sheared and monitored for compliance with the feeding schedule. Lack of nutrition, first of all, is reflected in thickened rhizomes, which shrivel and can completely dry out.

The bush form of ficus microcarp is distinguished into a special variety. Ficus moklame is easy to distinguish by graceful shoots densely covered with leaves, forming a very dense evergreen crown. To maintain the desired shape of such a plant should be regular spring pruning.

Bengal ficus (Ficus benghalensis)

Among the varieties of ficus, whose photos and names are well-known among lovers of exotic cultures, Bengal ficus occupies a special place. characteristic feature plants is the ability to form a banyan tree. This term refers to the growth of one tree to the size of a real grove due to the rooting of numerous aerial roots.

Ficus Bengal has a light brownish bark, smooth oval-ovate leathery leaves and small reddish-orange fruits.

Lyre-shaped ficus (Ficus lirata)

Ficus lyre got its name due to the unusual shape of the foliage. Reminiscent of a musical instrument. At the same time, this plant cannot be called a small-leaved ficus. The length of the leathery, slightly pressed leaf plate can reach 50 centimeters.

A large species is not too common in flower growers' collections. However, lyre-shaped ficus is very interesting when grown. Slow-growing shoots branch poorly, but from below and to the top are densely covered with luxurious foliage.

Ficus sacred or religious (Ficus religiosa)

The sacred ficus tree differs from its relatives in that it completely or partially loses foliage during the dormant period. The plant grows rapidly, and specimens up to 30 meters high are not uncommon in nature.

The heart-shaped leaf blade of this variety of ficus would have been a very simple, if not elegantly elongated tip, equal in length to the entire 20-centimeter leaf. Leaves are smooth with well-marked veins and sit on long petioles. In the rainy season, sacred ficus is able to remove excess moisture. Its drops can be seen on the tips of beautiful leaves.

Between them on the shoots you can see many small round fruits. When ripe, they turn red or purple, they are inedible for humans, but birds peck them willingly.

Ficus sacred in nature actively uses its aerial roots, descending to the ground and forming additional stems of the plant.

The name of this variety of ficus from the photo is easily recognized by both an experienced grower and a follower of Buddhism. Exactly under sacred ficus Buddha indulged in meditation, gained enlightenment and became for millions of people a symbol of faith and universal wisdom.

Ficus binnendijkii Ali (Ficus binnendijkii Alii)

Ficus binnendika is often referred to as loose-leaved due to its linear, elongated leaves, very reminiscent of willow or weeping willow foliage.

The ficus Ali variety, as in the photo, is very popular among flower growers. At home, the plant reaches a height of one and a half meters. And with the help of annual pruning, the crown can be given any shape.

In addition to the Ali variety, flower growers can have a ficus binnetdika variegated variety in the house. It must be remembered that varieties with bright white or yellow-green leaves are more capricious and require special lighting conditions.

Like variegated plants, in the photo, Ficus Ali grows well in a living room, in winter garden or greenhouse.

Ficus dwarf (Ficus pumila)

Among the giant varieties of ficuses, whose photos and names are presented above, pumila or dwarf ficus cannot even be called a tree. This is a perennial climbing or ground cover species, the lower parts of the shoots of which gradually become woody, and the young stems are flexible and tenacious. By vertical surfaces and the ficus soil is helped to spread by aerial roots that form along the entire length of the shoot.

The leaves of the ficus pumila are smaller than those of closely related species. The length of the ovoid, slightly wavy leaf plate does not exceed 7 cm. Moreover, the leaves are smaller on young shoots, and much larger on mature stems. In addition to ordinary plants with green foliage, varieties with a white or yellowish-cream border around the edge of the leaf are now bred. In nature, ficus blooms and bears fruit. But on a specimen growing in a room pot, it will not work to see orange fruits similar to pears.

Ficus collection - video

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

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

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

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

Lighting

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

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

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

Air humidity

This plant loves high humidity.

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

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

Temperature

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

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

Watering

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

Ampelous species require more abundant watering than ordinary ones.

top dressing

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

reproduction

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

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

Transfer

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

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

Diseases and pests

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

myflo.ru

Accommodation

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

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

Proper watering

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

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

Wet air

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

Temperature regime

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

Light mode

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

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

top dressing

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

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

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

Diseases

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

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

floristics.info

Ficus care at home

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

How often to water

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

top dressing

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

How to transplant ficus

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

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

Self-propagation, or how to propagate ficus correctly

Ficuses propagate using seeds, cuttings and layering.

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

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

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

Ficus diseases

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

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

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

• If the air is too dry, the plant can infect the mealybug. It appears more often on older plants.
• If the accumulations are small, they can be removed with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol. In case of severe damage, use a solution of karbofos - 40 drops of emulsion per 1 liter of water.
• In the fight against spider mites and mealybugs, it is very effective tool it may turn out to be a soap-oil emulsion, which is easy to prepare yourself.
• It is necessary to dilute 5 tablespoons 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 the scale insects, a solution with chopped garlic and soap is quite useful. A day after treatment, the plant must be thoroughly washed to remove the remnants of the mixture. It is necessary to process 3-4 times with a five-day interval.

Why do ficus leaves fall?

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

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

What you need to pay attention to

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

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

Good luck with your choice.

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

vdomashnih-uslovijah.ru

Ficus varieties

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

The most common types

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

What is Ficus Benjamin

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

Varieties of ficus Benjamin:

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

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

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

Ficus benjamin care

Temperature

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

Lighting

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

Watering

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

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

Amazing and original Bonsai

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

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

Excellent rubbery ficus

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

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

The most popular types:

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

It has several varieties that differ in the shape and color of the leaves. Particularly spectacular varieties with yellow spots and stripes on the leaves. Some varieties branch well, have a fairly compact shape, others are reluctant to form side shoots and strive to grow.

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

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

Ficus rubber care

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

Temperature

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

Lighting

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

Watering

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

iplants.com

Ficus Ali (binnendika) Ficus binnendijkii ‘Alii’

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

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

Ficus Ali Care

Temperature

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

Lighting

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

Watering

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

Ficus lyre-shaped Ficus lirata

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

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

Ficus lyre care

Temperature

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

Lighting

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

Watering

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

Ficus dwarf Ficus pumila

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

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

Temperature

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

Lighting

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

Watering

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

How to take care of ficus

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

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

The key to successful adaptation

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

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

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

Peculiarities

Consider the main components of proper care for this houseplant:

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

Learning to transplant ficuses correctly

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

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

If the earth in a pot dries up quickly, then there is not enough space for the roots and nutrients, therefore, it is time to transplant the plant. After transplanting, it may shed its leaves or its growth will slow down somewhat. This is in the order of things, because with increasing space, the roots grow more slowly. Over time, new leaves will appear, and growth will accelerate.

How to transplant ficus:

Reproduction methods and their features

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

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

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

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

What if the plant sheds leaves

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

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

Diseases of this houseplant

Thus, it is possible to distinguish the following reasons development of ficus diseases:

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

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

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

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

uplady.com

Ficus: types, photos and names

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

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

Popular types of ficuses

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

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

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

Let's follow right!

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

Lighting

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

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

Temperature and humidity

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

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

Watering and water procedures

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

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

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

Ficus feeding

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

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

Transplant and soil for ficuses

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

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

• peat;
• sand;
• leaf land.

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

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

Growing Ficus Benjamin

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

Ficus Benjamin in nature lives in conditions high humidity therefore does not take out too bright lighting and 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 the humidity will use a special humidifier.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The soil

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

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

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

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

Elbows

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

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

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

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

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

Wintering

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

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

Difficulties in growing

• Leaf yellowing, growth retardation, new leaves small - insufficient nutrients in the soil, fertilize, or transplant into a new substrate.
• Leaves turn yellow and fall off - lack of moisture, too dry earthen lump.
• Leaves fall - insufficient, or an excess of watering, the water is too cold, a change in climate or environment (moving a ficus from one place to another negatively affects growth), not enough light, sharp decline temperature, draft.
• Falling of the lower layer of leaves. Often ficuses really shed the bottom layer, but if there are new, young, or if the leaves are really old. In other cases, it is: a lack of nutrients, an untimely transplant, or the pot is too small for the root system.
• The leaf plate is twisted and wrinkled - dry humidity in the room, or lack of moisture in the soil. Especially for ampelous species.
• Brown tips on the leaves - the temperature exceeds 25 degrees in a dry climate, or an excess of fertilizers. Lyre-shaped ficus and dwarf ficus feel dry soil very subtly and shoots with leaves immediately begin to dry.
• Dark, brown spots and wrinkling of the leaves - getting sunburn.

Do not neglect these tips, because the ficus not only decorates your apartment, but also perfectly cleans the air, absorbing harmful substances from it.

Ficus is a member of the Mulberry family. In nature, the plant grows in New Guinea, Southeast Asia and the Solomon Islands. Ficuses are shrubs and trees, are evergreen, but there are also deciduous varieties. In the wild, trees grow up to 40 meters in length, 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, lowering 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, have a simplified perianth. All parts of the plant contain milky sap. In room conditions, ficuses grow up to two meters.

flower care

Ficuses develop well in an enclosed space, but, like any indoor flower, need to create certain conditions of detention.

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 organized. 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 set the flower away from heating appliances. When possible, it is better to keep the plant at a temperature of 12-15 degrees in winter.

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, and large ficuses are best wiped with a damp cloth.

Watering

Both drought and stagnant moisture are contraindicated for the flower. The frequency of watering is due to the season and conditions of detention. The florist selects the optimal scheme for moistening the substrate on his own, focusing on the state of earthen food. In spring and summer, watering is more frequent than in autumn and winter. Irrigation water is used soft and always settled.

Priming

Ficus requires neutral, slightly acidic soil. Ready-made soil mixture can be purchased at a flower shop. If such a substrate, that is, suitable for growing ficuses, is not on sale, the soil can be prepared independently. Together they mix heavy sod, deciduous and sod light earth. Components are taken in equal parts. A little humus and sand are added to the resulting substrate.

Cutting and pinching

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

top dressing

Ficuses are fertilized with mineral and organic complexes. In summer, the frequency of top dressing 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 the spring or in the first weeks of summer, ficuses are transplanted, as the root system of the plant grows rapidly. For young specimens, the procedure is repeated annually, and for four-year-olds and older, once every 2 years. The pot is taken a little larger in diameter and drainage is laid on the bottom.
The flower is carefully removed from the old flowerpot, freed from the earthy coma. If the roots are firmly rooted in the ground, remove only the top. Ficus is installed in the middle of the pot and covered with a substrate so that there are no voids left.

reproduction

Cuttings are the simplest and most versatile method of propagation for all varieties of indoor ficus. best time for this event considers spring or the first half of summer.
The stalk is taken with a dense structure and well developed. Upper shoots are not used. They don't take root. Cut the stalk with a garden pruner 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 a new one.
The 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 from time to time wipe its leaves with a damp sponge.

Diseases and pests of ficus

A flower, like any houseplant, develops well and grows healthy, as long as all the rules of maintenance are observed.

Diseases

Ficuses are prone to the development of the following diseases:

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

Pests

Improper care leads to the appearance on the plant:

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

These pests can be brought into the house along with the acquired plant. Therefore, the purchased flower must be carefully examined, left to stand at a distance from the rest of the flowers for several weeks.
The affected plant in the first stages is wiped soapy water, remove damaged areas, rinse in the shower. If this does not help, apply fungicides. If a millipede is wound up, it is necessary to transplant the flower into a new soil.

Ficus varieties for home growing

most decorative and popular varieties indoor ficus are as follows:

• Teaneck with large leaves, covered along the edge with rare spots of gray-green and cream color. A light beige vein is clearly visible in the center of the plate.
  
• Robusta, with broad, rounded leaves. They have a rather rich color with light green leaves. The plates are covered with marble gray and dark green blotches.
  
• Abidjan has large beet-dark color large leaves.
  
• melanie, characterized by a miniature shape, having a reddish tint of dark leaves.
  
• brazil with gray-green leaves, along the edge of which there is a cream edging.
  
• Dosheri with a greyish and marbled green pattern, which together form an interesting pattern on creamy leaves.
  
• Black Prince, Received its name for the dark green foliage, the color of which is similar to black. There is a red vein 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 most decorative. Among the varieties of ficus Benjamin, for example, in stores they 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, then the soil in which the flower grows is depleted and needs to be replaced. This should be done only after checking the condition of the earthy coma, since flooding the culture can lead to a similar problem. This also applies to drafts.
  2. Did the ficus have brown spots on the tips and edges of the leaves?
     The reason may be too dry air and high temperature. Spots are also formed with improper fertilization. This applies to both lack and overfeeding.
  3. Leaves dry and wrinkled?
     The flower lacks moisture. It is necessary to normalize watering, increase air humidity. If the plant is in direct sunlight, be sure to set it aside from the window.

Ficus is one of the most common types of indoor plants, which is famous for its unpretentiousness and quick adaptation at home.

Previously met in apartments only rubbery ficus.

In recent decades, popular ficus benjamin. It can be grown as a shrub or tree as the flower is easy to shape. Ficus Benjamin is considered by many to be a family amulet, and the house in which it grows especially luxuriantly is considered prosperous.

ficus benjamina There are a great many varieties that differ both in the shape of the leaves, their color, and size.

How to care for ficuses

Choose a place

Caring for ficuses in the first place involves the right choice of location. Benjamin's ficuses, especially the variegated forms, love a lot of light, and shed their leaves in the shade, while at the same time they do not tolerate direct sunlight.

Ideal for him would be a place about a meter from the window, which does not illuminate the sun much. If the flower likes the chosen place, then it should be left there and not experimented. For the summer period, you can arrange air baths for him - take him out to the balcony, loggia or take him to the summer cottage.

So that the plant does not start leaf fall ahead of time, it must be regularly sprayed from a spray bottle or bathed under a scent.
In winter, when there is a shortage sunlight, leaf fall may also begin. To prevent this, use artificial lighting using phytolamps.

Keeping temperature and watering

Like any plant native to warm countries, ficus is quite thermophilic. Ficus contains warm conditions, in summer - 25-30 degrees, in winter not lower than 10, for variegated forms not lower than 15C.
Some species, for example, deciduous figs, require a cool wintering, they are kept at a temperature not lower than 6C.

I brought a fig tree from Turkey, it has been growing for the 4th year, but it still does not want to bloom and bear fruit.

Common varieties of ficuses that can be bought in stores winter in warm conditions, they need to be isolated from drafts, frost and sudden changes in temperature.

Ficuses should be watered carefully; in tree varieties, the soil should be allowed to dry out between waterings. Fikusiki need to be watered with warm, settled water.

To make sure that the flower needs watering, you need to deepen your finger into the ground a couple of centimeters, if the ground is dry, then you can safely water it.

I recommend watering as follows - pour water from above until water appears in the pan, leave for 20-30 minutes, and then pour out the remaining water from the pan.
There is another way to water, so I water large plants with a large pot. I water a little from above and pour water into the pan, usually the plant drinks water in 20 minutes, after this time I pour out the rest.

In winter, watering should be careful, although due to the apartment heating system, the air in the apartments is dry, and sometimes it is necessary to water even more often than in summer.

When watering the ficus, do not forget to regularly loosen the soil in the pot. Thanks to this, water will flow better and faster to the roots of the plant and nourish it.

Fertilizer and top dressing

Ficus is an unpretentious plant, loves soil consisting of soddy soil, peat, leaf soil and sand in a ratio of 1:1:1:1, or special soil from a store. It is important to fertilize the land in the first two spring months, when each plant begins to grow. In March-April, we fertilize once, then, as summer approaches, we increase feeding up to 3-4 times a month.
Fertilizers are used both special for ficuses and universal for decorative leafy plants.

How to transplant ficus and when to do it

For transplanting ficuses, the most optimal time is the end of February and the whole of March, i.e. when the spring sun began to play outside. This will help the plant adapt to both the new soil and the new pot, and possibly a new location.

During the annual transplant, not only do you need to change the ground, but also increase the volume of the pot by 4-5 cm.

During a ficus transplant, try not to touch its roots and not to drop clods of earth from them. Such a procedure can severely damage them, and subsequently the plant will grow poorly in a new pot. It is ideal to transplant ficus by transshipment.

At the same time, if the diameter of the pot has reached 30 cm, then it is no longer necessary to replant it every year, but it is enough to change the topsoil, and replant it every 4-5 years.

Ficus propagation

Ficus is propagated by cuttings, while the cutting should be at least 10-12 cm long, with two or three pairs of healthy leaves. In order for the stalk to take root, it is enough to put it in water. For ficuses with large leaves, I recommend cutting the leaves in half so that the cutting has strength to form roots.

The roots will appear in 1.5-2 weeks, after which it can be safely planted in the ground. The diameter of the pot can be no more than 10 cm, for better adaptation, you can make a greenhouse for the first days using a bag, plastic cup Or half a bottle.

Difficulties in growing ficuses

Sometimes, with improper care, problems arise when growing ficuses.

• The leaves turned yellow, drooped - occur when excessive watering and stagnation of water, which leads to rotting of the roots. The first sign is the darkening of the stem, bad smell from a pot. If not a very neglected case, then you can simply stop watering and let the earthy coma dry out, and loosen the top layer of soil daily. In advanced cases, it will be necessary to replace the earth, trim the rotten roots, and after trimming the roots, they will need to be treated with a root or charcoal, and transplant the flower into a pot with a smaller diameter.

• Browned leaves - with insufficient feeding.
• The tips of the leaves are dry, brown - this happens when the air is dry, to avoid this, you need to bathe the plant in the shower, spray it or use a humidifier.
• The appearance of red spots 1-3 mm in size on the leaves is observed under the action of the scorching sun, insufficient watering, low air humidity. Therefore, protection from direct sunlight, proper watering, and an increase in air humidity are required.

Ficus diseases

The pests that most often affect ficuses are:
Shchitovka- a translucent speck appears on the inner surface of the sheet Brown.

It needs to be treated with acaricides. You can also process folk remedies. Collect scale insects with a damp cotton swab and treat with a solution of soap and kerosene (40 g of soap and 5 drops of kerosene per 1 liter of water). Or grease the leaves with onion and garlic gruel (1 teaspoon per glass of water), thus making it impossible for pests to drink plant juice.

Mealybug- resembles pieces of cotton wool, brown pest, sucks juice, plant growth slows down. It is necessary to clean the leaves, treat three times with soapy water or a solution of tobacco.

spider mite - if white thin threads are noticed on the branches and on the underside of the leaves, then this is a spider mite. The spider mite does not tolerate moisture, the plant must be washed in the shower and the leaves treated with laundry soap. Put a plastic bag on top and create greenhouse-humid conditions. You can process the leaves with a mixture of grated onions and garlic aged for a day, one teaspoon per 1 liter of water. Spraying should be carried out three times with an interval of 7-10 days.

thrips- settles on the inside along the veins of the leaves, leaves dark brown spots, spreads viruses. Repeated treatment with Aktelik, Aktara, Tanrek and complete isolation from other plants are required.