home > Wall repair > Ficus with dark leaves. Care for different types of ficus at home. Transplantation, feeding and propagation of ficus De Dumbbell

Ficus with dark leaves. Care for different types of ficus at home. Transplantation, feeding and propagation of ficus De Dumbbell

Ficus is a member of the mulberry family, which are evergreen plants that have a tree or shrub appearance. It can also grow in the form of vines. In the genus to which the plant belongs, there are over 900 species of ficus, some of which are grown at home.

General information

Ficus can be found not only in houses or apartments, it has long been an integral part of the interiors of offices and large companies. In addition to its decorative appearance, it helps to purify the air and enrich it with oxygen.

Its demand as a pot culture is associated with unpretentiousness and ease of cultivation. If you follow all the rules for caring for a plant, then the flower will delight its owner with beauty and elegance for many years, bringing a special flavor to the interior.

Ficus varieties with photos and names

It is a popular indoor variety of ficus, which has oblong leaves with different colors and a length of up to 12 centimeters. The plant has a voluminous crown covered with gray bark with horizontal brown stripes.

Ficus of this species does not like waterlogged soil, direct sunlight and shade, as this dims and burns its leaf plates.

This variety of ficus has massive leathery leaves of a dark green hue. When growing it in a room, it does not branch well. However, with proper care, this flower will have a luxurious crown, reaching a height of up to two meters. The sap of this plant is used to make rubber.

It is a tree-like plant, which in natural conditions reaches 25 meters in height and has a dense crown. It has long, shiny, elliptical, dark green leaves.

Ficus initially develops as an epiphyte, eventually crushing the trunk of the plant on which it grows. When grown in a pot, the plant resembles an exotic, miniature bonsai with unusual roots and a beautiful, lush crown.

In nature, it grows up to 10 meters in height. When kept at home, it is very miniature and has a height of 40 to 50 centimeters. This variety was brought from Ceylon.

The flower has a flexible, branching trunk of medium thickness with a dense crown, making the ficus easy to form. Leaf plates are up to 3 centimeters in size. They have a glossy surface with a tip bent down. The color can be either light or dark green. This ficus is used to create miniature bonsai.

The plant got its name due to the appearance of leaf plates that look like a musical instrument lyre. They are quite large, slightly compressed, reaching a length of 50 centimeters, with pronounced veins.

When growing a flower at home, a microclimate similar to the one in which it grows in the wild should be created, only in this way it will be possible to grow a beautiful and healthy plant.

The variety of this plant is distinguished by large, dark green leathery leaf plates. Ficus has a weak branching, but at the same time it has a dense crown, reaching a height of up to 2 meters. The milky juice of the flower is used in the manufacture of various rubber products.

It is a rather unpretentious plant with thick leaf plates that have a characteristic color for the species. The flower can reach up to 2 meters in length, thanks to which it has excellent decorative properties, and also acts as a natural indoor air filter.

The plant has branching shoots that eventually form an aerial root system. It has leathery dark green leaf plates arranged alternately. Young foliage has a red-brown tint, which is not typical for ficuses. When growing ficus, the soil should not be allowed to dry out, as this will negatively affect its growth.

In nature, it begins to develop on large trees. It has an aerial root system, which eventually descends to the soil, and when rooted, they become the trunk of the plant. It has oval leaves of dark green color with light veins, a trunk of medium thickness and a luxurious, lush crown.

From all other varieties of ficuses, this variety is distinguished by its miniature size and variegated, light green leaf plates with a beige edge.

This variety of ficus is considered sacred by Buddhists. In nature, it grows on the trunks of large trees, and after a while, when its root system reaches the ground, the ficus becomes an independent deciduous plant.

At home, it is grown as a bonsai with an unusual shape. The plant has heart-shaped leaf plates of a dark green hue. It loves heat very much, therefore, when growing it, one should not allow the temperature to drop below 12 degrees.

It grows naturally in the Philippines, China and Japan. Ficus is also grown as a houseplant. It looks like a tall, compact shrub with dense bright green leaf plates. The plant has decorative qualities, so it can often be found in a modern interior.

The plant of this variety can reach a height of up to 1 meter, but at the same time it grows extremely slowly. Its peculiarity lies in lanceolate, variegated, elongated leaf plates with a pointed end. The edges of the leaves are slightly wavy. Ficus is easy to shape, so you can grow bonsai from it.

Thanks to its bizarre trunk, it is grown as a bonsai indoors. This variety of ficus branches well, which allows you to form a dense crown. It has shiny, green, egg-shaped leaves. Unpretentious to the conditions of detention.

It grows naturally in China, Australia and Thailand. It is very similar to a tree with small leaf plates. At the tip of each leaf plate there is a groove for moisture to drain, so the plant adapts to frequent rains in natural conditions. Growing it is quite simple, so even beginners can handle this ficus.

This variety of ficus is distinguished by the variegation of leaf plates, which was obtained by crossing different species to make original greenhouse compositions.

From other varieties of ficus, this plant is distinguished by the presence of purple and pinkish hues on the leaf plates. The leaves of this flower are large, elongated and pointed at the ends. In height, the ficus can reach up to 1 meter.

The plant has medium-sized, long leaf plates, having a boat-shaped shape with a slightly bent end and wavy edges. They have a bright green tint and a white border around the edge. The plant can reach up to 1 meter in height. This variety grows very quickly and is unpretentious in care.

The plant is native to India, Indonesia and Nepal. It mainly grows in tropical forests, growing to a height of up to 40 meters. Home ficuses can reach the very ceiling, and if they are not allowed to grow upwards, they begin to branch.

They have glossy, large, dark green leaf plates with a burgundy tint, in the center of which there is a red vein. The plant is very photophilous, but it does not tolerate direct sunlight.

This variety differs from other types of ficuses in the color of leaf plates. They have a milky white tint with small green streaks. The homeland of the plant is the tropics, where it reaches a height of up to 10 meters. At home, it branches well and has a luxurious lush crown and extraordinary decorative effect.

In nature, it grows in Indonesia on the island of Java, growing in length up to 20 meters. Leaf plates have an elongated shape with wavy edges. They are shiny, drooping and curved along the main vein. When grown at home, the plant can grow up to 2 meters and, with proper care, has lush foliage. However, this variety does not flower when grown in pots.

Very beautiful, but very demanding variety of ficuses. The plant can reach a height of up to two meters, but it grows very slowly. Ficus branches well and has a lush and dense crown with white and white-green small leaf plates. With a lack of light, it loses its decorative effect and its foliage acquires a standard dark green hue.

The plant has long, wide leaf plates of medium size. They have a light green hue with dark green, yellow, light green and gray stripes. In height, the plant can reach up to 2 meters. It grows by 5-7 centimeters per year.

Ficus home care

Only competent care of the plant will help ensure its healthy appearance and decorative qualities. This exotic representative of indoor plants is quite photophilous, so it should provide a large amount of light, which should not be direct, but diffused.

If the grower cannot place the plant on the windowsill on the south or east side, then he should put it in partial shade so that the direct rays of the sun do not harm the flower. It should also be noted that ficuses do not like drafts and strong temperature changes. During the growing season, the plant needs to provide a temperature of 20 to 24 degrees. In winter, it should not be below 15 degrees.

The fat woman or money tree belongs to the Crassula family. It is grown when caring at home without much hassle, if you follow the rules of agricultural technology. You can find all the necessary recommendations in this article.

Watering ficus

For irrigation, use filtered or settled water. In summer, the plant should be watered once a week. Spraying should be carried out several times a month. With the onset of winter, watering should be carried out only when the top soil layer is dry.

Experienced growers to improve the color and shine of the leaves are advised to wipe them with a solution of water and mayonnaise. To prepare it, you should take a glass of filtered water and 3 teaspoons of mayonnaise. Wiping the sheet plates with this composition should be done every two months. It is suitable only for varieties with rich green leaf plates.

soil for ficus

In order for the ficus to grow and develop normally, it is necessary to prepare a slightly acidic or neutral soil for it, which includes hardwood and sod land, sand and humus. All ingredients must be used in equal proportions. You can add some compost flour to the soil.

If it is not possible to prepare the soil yourself, then it can be purchased at a flower shop by ordering a special primer for ficuses from the seller.

ficus pot

For ficus, you should choose a pot made of ceramics, clay or plastic. Large wooden pots are ideal for adult plants. Bonsai should be grown in small, flat clay pots.

The container for growing the plant should be changed as it grows. The most important condition in choosing a pot is the presence of drainage holes in it, which will not allow water to stagnate in the soil.

Ficus transplant at home

An adult ficus must be replanted every three years to avoid compaction and acidification of the earth mixture. Young growth requires an annual transplant, because during active growth, young trees greatly deplete the soil and build up the root system, which needs additional space. The pot for transplanting is selected depending on the size of the plant. The larger the ficus, the larger the pot should be chosen.

When transplanting a ficus, you need to pay attention to the drainage layer, which will prevent water from stagnating at the bottom of the pot. For its formation, expanded clay or small broken shards are used.

Ficus fertilizer

In summer, it is necessary to feed the plant three times a month, that is, once every ten days with mineral or organic fertilizers designed specifically for ficuses. These top dressings should be applied alternately.

In the winter season, the plant should not be fed at all, or a light fertilizer should be used as tea leaves. For this purpose, it is necessary to make a hole in a pot with a plant, put a few leaves of black tea in it, after which they need to be sprinkled with earth. Such top dressing is enough for good nutrition for the wintering period of the ficus.

Ficus flowering

Some varieties of ficuses also bloom at home, but you should immediately warn that luxurious inflorescences, such as on their wild counterparts, will not be seen. The flowers of the plant are called syconia, resembling small peas of lemon, green or orange hue. There is a hole on top of the inflorescence, and a void inside the bud.

In nature, this hole is necessary for pollination by special insects, but since we do not have such insects, the inflorescences do not change either shape or color, gradually fading and crumbling.

However, it should be noted that syconias have a negative effect on the ficus, as they take away a lot of vitality from it, therefore, if they suddenly appear, they should be cut off so that the plant does not die over time.

pruning ficus

Ficus pruning is carried out only when the plant is in the vegetative period. Pruning can be done to:

Sanitation - it is performed to remove diseased and damaged shoots.
formations - carried out to form a crown.
Rejuvenation - performed for rejuvenation after a stressful situation transferred by the plant such as overdrying or hypothermia.
tweezers - based on pinching the crowns, for the growth of branches of the second order.

Sanation it is mainly carried out if the plant is sick and needs to remove diseased branches in order to protect the ficus from the spread of infection to healthy branches. Can be done at any time. It is also necessary to remove old leaves that have lost their appearance, as they greatly spoil the decorative effect of the plant.

Anti-aging pruning - it is considered to be cardinal. It is used for frostbite or overdrying of the ficus by cutting the plant at the root, leaving only a small stump.

Thanks to such a haircut, you can awaken dormant buds that will give new shoots. You can grow an updated plant with one trunk, or leave all the grown branches to create a lush bush.

tweezing - carried out only with young plants for the development of side branches. To get a fork, flower growers develop side branches. To this end, they cut off the top of the selected branch, after examining the stem.

This is necessary in order not to miss the growth of new branches under the cut, which is why it is important to track how the buds are located.

Ficus crown formation

Crown shaping is carried out using formative pruning, which is performed during the growing season, that is, until mid-summer. The branches are cut with a disinfected pruner. You can remove no more than ¼ branches at a time. However, this rule does not apply to anti-aging pruning.

The cuts are made horizontally above the kidney so that the resulting high stump does not spoil the decorative qualities. From the cut point, the milky juice is carefully washed off and treated with ground coal to avoid infections.

In addition to pruning, flower growers also change the location of the branches using spacers. Spacers are inserted between the trunk and side shoots or between two branches. The ends of the spacers are wrapped with a cloth to prevent damage to the bark. When the branch takes the desired position, the spacer should be removed.

An alternative to a spacer is a thin wire with a rigid structure. She braids the necessary branches and bends them in the desired direction. When the branch takes the desired position, the wire should be removed so that it does not grow.

Ficuses with flexible branches lend themselves well to weaving trunks. This procedure is necessary to give the plant a decorative look. To intertwine the stems, you should plant several young ficuses in one pot close to each other and carefully intertwine them. As they grow, they will form bizarre patterns that look just extraordinary.

Ficus care in winter

In winter, the plant begins a dormant period, so more careful care will be needed for it. Since the plant may not have enough sun in the cold season, additional lighting can be created using a phytolamp.

Watering should be reduced by about half, watering the ficus only when the topsoil dries. It is not necessary to fertilize the ficus, but if the grower has such a desire, tea leaves can be used instead of fertilizers, which were described above.

Spraying can be replaced by rubbing the leaves, which should be done twice a month. The temperature should also be reduced to 15 degrees, but care must be taken to ensure that it does not fall below this indicator.

Ficus propagation by cuttings

The plant is propagated by cuttings, layering and seeds. Most often, propagation by cuttings and seeds is used, therefore, these two methods will be discussed below.

The most common propagation method is cuttings. It is carried out as follows. In the spring, young branches with leaves are taken and cut off under the lower node with an oblique cut. The lower leaf plates will be removed.

From the cut point, it is necessary to wash off the juice and place the cuttings in water or wet sand. Then the cuttings should be sprayed and covered with plastic bottle caps. After that, the planting material is moved to a shaded, warm place for rooting. From time to time, the caps need to be removed and the plants aired.

When ficuses start to grow, they can be transplanted into pots with ficus soil for further growth, caring for them like normal plants.

The stalk can be obtained not only from branches, but also from leaf plates, cutting them off together with the “heel”. To root the leaves, they should be rolled up and buried in wet sand, placing sticks next to them for support.

Then they are sprayed and put on caps from plastic bottles. From time to time they should be removed for watering, airing and spraying. Once the cuttings take root, they can be transplanted into pots for further growth as young plants.

Ficus from seeds at home

Seed propagation is carried out differently. To obtain young plants, the seeds should be laid out in flat bowls and covered with a mixture of sand and deciduous turf. Then the crops need to be watered and covered with glass so that they constantly arrive in a humid environment. Seedlings are aired twice a day for thirty minutes.

When the first leaves appear, the young are swooped down and transplanted into pots with the same soil mixture, and when they grow up enough, they are transferred to permanent pots, planted in the ground for ficuses.

Ficus diseases

The plant is prone to fungal diseases, and some pests can also attack it. Ailments that affect ficus are represented by:

leaf fungus - affects leaf plates and leads to the appearance of dark spots on them and death.
gray rot - looks like a gray mold that appears on the trunk and leaves. If you shake the plant, a gray cloud will rise into the air. The disease occurs with excessive watering and an excess of heat. To get rid of it, remove the affected leaves and branches, and also reduce watering to a minimum.
Sooty fungus - this disease is characterized by the appearance of a gray coating on the leaf plates. To remove it, you need to wipe them with a soapy sponge or, in case of severe damage, simply remove the leaves.
Root rot - with this disease, the ficus becomes gray and fades. In this case, the plant will not be able to help and will simply have to be thrown away.

Ficus pests

thrips Thrips infestation causes brown spots on the leaves. To eliminate these pests, the ficus should be sprayed with the Actellik insecticide.

Shchitovka - when a ficus is damaged by a scab, brown spots appear on the leaf plates. Also they become sticky. Wiping with soapy water and treatment with Aktara insecticide will help get rid of the pest.

Mealybug - leaf plates, when affected by a mealybug, are covered with small pseudo cocoons, similar to cotton balls, it is in them that pests live. Spraying "Aktara" will help to destroy them.

spider mite - this pest feeds on the sap of the plant, leading to the appearance of gray spots on the leaf plates. To destroy it, the ficus should be sprayed with a garlic solution.

Improper care and ficus problems

In addition to diseases and pests, the plant may suffer from improper care.

If the ficus began to curl up, dry and fall off the leaves , then this suggests that it lacks moisture, which means that the plant needs to be watered more abundantly.

The appearance of brown spots on the ficus can talk about hypothermia, if its signs appear, then the plant needs to be moved to a warmer place and provide it with thorough restorative care.

Ficus withers , this can occur from a lack of moisture, fertilizers, and also as a result of rotting of the root system. In the first two cases, the plant can be helped by changing the rules for caring for it, and in the latter, most often not, since the affected root system of ficuses is very difficult to treat.

If ficus not growing , then most likely, the florist is not properly caring for him. By changing the watering, temperature regime, choosing the right soil and pot, you can return the plant to its former beauty and power.

Ficus signs and superstitions

Many flower growers believe in the magical properties of the plant. However, ficus can not only positively affect the life of its owner, but, according to some, harm him under certain circumstances.

The benefits of ficus in the apartment

Abroad, ficus is considered a flower that strengthens family well-being, protects against divorce and creates harmony in the family. In Thailand, it is in almost every home, as there it is considered a sacred flower that brings good luck. The Chinese believe that ficus gives comfort and tranquility, solves financial problems and fulfills desires.

In offices, it is planted in order to improve the microclimate in the team and the efficiency of the company's staff. In addition, the plant is a natural filter that cleans the air well from compounds harmful to health.

Ficus growing in the kitchen allows you to reduce appetite and lose weight. A flowerpot with ficus in the bedroom helps childless couples conceive offspring faster. It is useful to grow ficus for people prone to depression and stress, as the plant is able to absorb negativity, turning it into creative energy that gives peace of mind, good health and a positive attitude.

Ficus harm to humans

The only disadvantage of this plant is that it allegedly does not allow single women and men to create a family, and also attracts envy and gossip to its owner. In practice, the effect is the opposite.

It does not affect the finding of the second half, and even more so does not attract negativity to life. Therefore, you can safely replenish your flower kingdom with another exotic representative of the flora, whose beauty and decorativeness is impossible to resist.

Ficus in a dream

Why is the ficus dreaming? This question is asked by those people who had to see this magnificent plant in a dream. In general, it promises peace and prosperity.

Ficus in a dream growing in a pot portends a change in life for the better.
Get a plant as a gift for a quick home renovation.
If you dream that the plant is losing leaves , this is an omen of mental anxieties and the approach of a black streak in life.
And plant ficus in the ground , on the contrary, portends a change in life for the better, an improvement in the financial situation and perhaps even a new love.

Despite the signs and superstitions, dreams and magical properties of the plant, you should definitely start it in your apartment, not only because it brings good luck and cleans the air from harmful radicals, but also because it has a decorative effect, beauty and ease of care. , which many home cultures do not have. Therefore, if you want to acquire an unusual plant that does not require much time to care for, ficus is ideal for you.

My girlfriends have been praising ficus to me for a long time - they say, this is a spectacular, fashionable plant that also cleans the air in the apartment. Therefore, for my birthday, I ordered such a flowerpot for my husband. And he took ... And brought five different tiny trees at once!

He said that they were all ficuses (although the guys were significantly different), he could not choose one, so he took everything offered in the store, because he didn’t feel sorry for anything for me. Now we have a whole greenhouse at home, and the air has really become somehow fresher, more pleasant. True, the work has increased significantly for me, but I do not regret it!

These are the true kings of leafy-decorative flowerpots.

Most came to us from tropical countries (Mediterranean, Africa, Pacific and Indian Ocean coasts). However, why go far - the same fig grows well and bears fruit on the streets of Crimea.

Do these plants flower?

In the wild, they are happy to decorate with flowers. At any time of the year, small white, beige, blue, pinkish flowers bloom on the branches. For example, rubber ficus can afford such beauty:

In greenhouses, large ficuses also delight visitors with flowering, albeit more rare than in the wild.

As for home, indoor plants, even when creating ideal conditions, not all flower growers can achieve flowering from their pet. And not always these are the flowers to which we are accustomed. Here is a photo of a blossoming Benjamin showing what looks like berries:

In fact, these are siconia, which are also flowers. They are empty inside, have a hole. Such a hole was invented by nature so that an insect (also exotic, like a ficus) gets inside and pollinates the flower. We don’t have these midges, which means that the flowers will not give berries and it will be impossible to propagate the plant with them even for the sake of curiosity.

By the way, if your ficus has blossomed, this is not so good - it devotes a lot of energy to flowering, and when the flowers fall off, it can even become seriously ill.

The most popular types (with photo)

As for domestic ficuses, among them there are both miniature species decorating window sills and huge potted trees for corridors and halls.

There are even several ampelous varieties created for hanging planters.

Particularly noteworthy is a variety called variegata. This is a light color on the edges and a dark color in the center of the leaves, which can be found in different types of ficus - both rare ampelous ones and Benjamin's "bestseller".

ficus benjamina

The most popular, albeit a little finicky look. Some individuals grow up to 2 meters, others remain "pocket favorites". The leaves of all varieties are small (reminiscent of cherry or bay), smooth.

If the ficus does not like care, he may protest in the form of loss of leaves.

You can buy:

a plant with monochromatic green leaves (variety ester, daniel, exotic);
spotted, bright "individual" and light green, yellow, white speck or side edging of the sheet (judy, gold princesses, variegata, starlight, kinki);
ficus, the leaves of which are twisted (baroque).

Rubbery (elastic)

This plant has large and dense leaves. It is considered unpretentious, so many inexperienced ficus lovers begin their acquaintance with ficuses from this particular variety.

A feature of elastica is rapid growth. If you do not want it to hit the ceiling in a couple of years, you will have to constantly cut it off.

Depending on the variety, the colors of the leaves may be different:

just green (darker abidjan, lighter robusta);
light green (Sriveriana with rare green specks);
with light spots along the edges (belize, teak, tricolor also interspersed with red);
with a reddish tint (melanie, dark black prince, decor with white edges).

Binnendi (Ali)

Because of the narrow leaves, we call it willow-shaped.

Born in South Asia, the tree is afraid of drafts and constantly needs warmth. It grows at any time of the year, in winter it is highlighted.

Sometimes they make bonsai out of it, but it turns out to be large - Ali has too noticeable leaves.

The leaves of different varieties of this species are plain or spotted. For example, the leaves of Amstel Queen are green and wide, while those of Amstel Gold are light green, decorated with green spots.

Deltoid

Ficus has interesting triangular, blunt-ended leaves. He loves warmth, light and frequent spraying.

The plant grows slowly. It gives a lot of aerial roots, they can be very advantageously beaten by creating a bonsai composition.

More often the leaves of the species are monophonic, but you can also find a variety with spots (variegata).

Microcarp

The trunk of such a ficus has thickened roots from below, which flower growers beat very interestingly. "In the wild" is a tree that grows up to 25 meters, although it begins its life as an epiphyte (living on the trunk of another tree).

In an apartment, microcarp can often be seen in bonsai pots (its crown is not afraid of pruning). However, if you wish, you can grow such a ficus up to 1.5 meters in height.

He is relatively moody. This type does not like:

drafts,
dry air (it is ideal to keep the ficus on a pallet with wet expanded clay and away from the radiator),
southern windows and direct sunlight (although if the variety is variegated, that is, colored, do not put it in the shade either),
wet soil (take out the watering can only when you see that all the soil in the pot is dry).

Dwarf

These babies were given to us by the Chinese and Japanese.

This is not a tree at all, but either a creeping, or an ampel flowerpot, which, give free rein, will reach up to 5 meters. Be careful: if he finds other pots, he may grow adventitious roots into their soil.

The leaves resemble miniature hearts (sometimes oak leaves), their edges are corrugated. Can be decorated with gold dots, light edging.

Ficus loves:

indirect, diffused light;
high air humidity;
warm rooms.

rooting

In his life, he loves two things: moisture and warmth. Never let it grow in dry soil and dry air conditions.

Although it is ampelous, it is better to grow it not on a balcony or in a flower pot, but in a greenhouse or a closed florarium in the form of an aquarium. There you can put a dried branch for him, the ficus will braid it beautifully.

Varieties exist monophonic (basic) and variegated.

Figs (fig tree, fig, carica, wine tree)

"In the wild" grows from South Africa to the Mediterranean.

Buddhists, Muslims, and Jews consider this tree sacred.

And yes, it produces delicious fruits. Even if you grow such a ficus in an apartment.

Bengal (banyan)

Another big view.

As a baby, this is an epiphyte, but when the aerial roots of the ficus reach the ground, they germinate into it and the plant turns into a full-fledged tree.

If you want to grow it in the house, do not let the Bengal ficus free: keep it in a cramped pot and constantly cut the crown, otherwise it will take over the world ... That is, your entire room. The tree grows throughout its life. It reproduces well by cuttings, as well as by air layering.

Variety Bangladensis: the leaves are decorated with dark veins.
Krishna (yes, named after a deity): light veins, funnel-shaped leaves.
Audrey: the leaves are small, with light speckles. The variety is suitable for bonsai.

lyre-shaped

Very large variety, leaves grow up to half a meter.

The leaf plate is slightly wavy, dark, with light veins.

This kind loves:

stand in splendid isolation, without other flowerpots;
wintering in a semi-cool room (from 12 to 15 degrees);
warm water for irrigation;
summer wiping the leaves with a wet cloth.

If your apartment is small, you can buy a bambino variety - this is a lyre-shaped ficus of relatively compact size.

Sacred (religious)

Large tree, more suitable for greenhouses.

The Hindus called this plant sacred: they believe that it was under such a ficus that Buddha achieved enlightenment.

In the wild, this is a beautiful 30-meter tree, wrapped in aerial roots, with which the ficus rests on the ground. At the end of the season, he sheds all the leaves, then acquires new ones.

Does not love:

heat,
dry air.

Before rain, when the pressure in the atmosphere changes, it can form dew drops on the leaves (the same quality is found in Benjamin's ficuses).

General principles for caring for ficuses

The brighter the ficus leaves are colored, the more light and heat the plant needs. This is especially true of ficus Benjamin, rubber. If leaves with white, yellowish or light green spots are in a thick shade, they can turn completely green with grief, that is, darken.
The same Benjamin terribly dislikes when the pot with him is rearranged from place to place and even turned. Therefore, immediately after bringing the tree into the house, you need to choose a permanent habitat.
Ficuses need to be watered little by little, but often.
Don't let dust build up on the leaves. If they are large, wipe them, if they are small, spray them.

And yet, as you already know, beautiful bonsai are made from ficuses. In addition to an interesting hobby, this activity can bring additional income. How you can create such interior trees, this video will tell:

Caring for a ficus de dumbbell does not require special skill, but rather accuracy.

Important! At the ficus growth stage, it is necessary to dilute liquid-type fertilizers in water, following the instructions on the package and watering, while feeding with the resulting mixture. once every 14 days.

If simple spraying poorly relieves ficus de dumbbell leaves from contamination, then cleaning agents can be used, but they cannot be abused, it is recommended to use them rarely, about once every two months, or even less often.

Soddy soil serves as the basis for the soil of the plant, and if you add an admixture of horn shavings, this will increase the useful properties of the soil even more. for 3-4 years.

Attention! If your ficus has grown very much, you need to cut it in the spring, as soon as active growth begins, and most importantly, do not forget to sprinkle the places of cuts with charcoal, this is worth doing in order to stop the secretion and loss of juices.

Adult ficuses tend to give aerial rhizomes, like philodendrons, so they cannot be pruned.

In the summer season from 18-23°C, and in winter not lower than +15°C. Variegated species are more demanding on heat.

Like all ficuses, this one also loves moisture very much.

It must be sprayed daily with lukewarm water, especially in winter, as the air becomes drier.

After turning on the heating, the plant should be removed approximately by 2 meters, and even further.

Batteries dry the air, and this is the most common cause of leaf fall in winter.

The place should be chosen bright. In bright light, the color of the variegated forms look more expressive, but still, exposure to direct sunlight should be avoided, it would be best, when possible, to place it 1 meter from the window facing south.

In winter, the plant may need an additional source of light, since if it is lacking, the probability of losing leaves is high.

Attention! Do not turn and move the plant too often, as these actions will also lead to the fall of the leaves on one side of the plant.

Watering mode

In summer, it is necessary to regularly water with soft warm water. (preferably settled or passed through a filter) once every three to four days, before the next watering, the earth should dry slightly.

If the plant is poured, then the leaves turn yellow and fall off, you still need to carefully monitor that the roots never become waterlogged and water does not cover them. However, even with a lack of water, the ficus can also “go bald”.

In the winter season, water once a week, one and a half.

Important! This type of ficus does not require too much watering, in which case its foliage turns yellow, and it drops it.

Transfer

Transplantation is carried out once a year, usually done in the spring. When caring for adult ficuses, during the spring period, experienced flower growers recommend replacing the surface part of the soil in a pot or other substrate.

Young ficuses grow rapidly, and for development at this time, they need a large amount of minerals and vitamin supplements.

To do this, in order to avoid starvation of the plant, every April it must be transplanted into a new soil, which is a mixture of deciduous,

fertile and soddy soils with sand. If you have a planter, then a layer of drainage material is poured to the bottom.

reproduction

Ficuses are quite simple can take root when cuttings in the spring.

The process of propagation of ficus in greenhouse conditions begins in early March. Each cutting should have only one leaf, the main thing is not to damage the peephole, and half of the lower node without the peephole. With the help of one branch, you can get several cuttings, depending on how many leaves are on it.

In order for rooting to occur as best as possible, bottom of the cutting is recommended to make an incision or a cruciform split, several if the wood is hard, and if it is soft, one will be enough.

Rooting of cuttings occurs in a greenhouse in moistened sand; you can also prepare a mixture of soddy soil, in the proportion of 1 part humus, 1 part leaf, 1 part sand.

After the rooting process has been successful, they can be safely transplanted into pots.

The juice secreted by them must be washed off with water, and then they are transplanted into a reconnaissance box or on a rack, and in it, for their maintenance, it is necessary to maintain a fairly high temperature mode 25-30°.

After successful rooting of the cuttings, they are transplanted into 9 cm pots.

At this crucial moment, special care should be taken when watering and spraying young shoots, and in especially dry times, a litter box will help.

Reference. The tint will protect plants from the harmful effects of sunlight.

In the same way, you can protect the plant from the heat in greenhouses and hotbeds, and also prevent excessive loss of moisture from the leaves of the cuttings, and just transplanted plants.

As the clod of earth is braided with roots, transshipment is needed, this is just the movement of the plant.

Around mid-late July, young ficuses gradually adapt to sunlight, for which it is rearranged closer to the light source.

With this approach to business, the plants will develop quite well and get stronger by the beginning of autumn.

If you are engaged in ficuses in an apartment, then it is usually customary to propagate them with apical cuttings, they are easily strengthened in a container of water, an ordinary bottle will do, which must be placed in a place lit by the sun.

If you want to propagate your ficus seeds, you need a fairly high temperature regime 25-30 °.

Seeds are sown in leafy soil with the addition of sand.

As soon as the first leaf appears, the seedlings need to dive, and after a short time they can be planted in 7 cm substrates.

crown formation

There is some trouble when caring for this ficus, it is to correctly make a crown. One of the important tasks of proper ficus care at home is to form a crown on time and in accordance with all the rules, because it is by mastering this science that your de dumbbell will have the desired appearance that will delight you and surprise your guests.

Important! Its vertically growing shoots are quite weak and almost immediately turn into a horizontal position.

At home, this notability can cause uneven growth and, as a result, a poorly developed crown.

In order to keep the bush in the correct position, more than one seedling is often planted in a pot, while weaving young shoots as they grow.

At the same time, in the place of their contact, the trunks grow together. A vertical peg will help here, for which a young shoot should be tied up to help it grow straight.

After the shoot reaches the required height and thickness, the support will not be needed and can be removed.

Ficus de dumbbell seems to be made for cutting and, thanks to its small leaves, you can even try to create a green sculpture from it.

Photo

In the photo ficus "De Gantel":

Diseases and pests

Is your ficus losing its leaves? This is a very common occurrence and it happens due to a lack of sun or strong drafts. They are actually destructive for all ficuses!

To improve the ficus, move your pet to a more lit place, where drafts will not interfere with it.

Reference. Ficus Benjamin (de dumbbell) throws off foliage if it is waterlogged, especially in autumn and winter.

Let the soil dry until the plant recovers, and then change the watering regime, watering less.

Unfortunately, even in a city apartment, it is virtually impossible to protect your ficus from the invasion of harmful organisms.

Most types of ficus Benjamin have leaves of different shapes, it all depends on the variety, this fact can make it very difficult to detect a spider mite at the time, its appearance causes a gradual change in the shape of the leaves, as, for example, in adenium.

If the leaves have lost their color, become dull, small brown insects have appeared on the inside of the leaves, with a strong lesion on all parts of the plant, then this is a sign of a scale insect.

Many varieties are very sensitive to this type of pest.

They can be removed with a piece of cotton wool soaked in methyl alcohol, or sprayed with a systemic insecticide, a soapy solution can also help.

Important! If the leaves of Benjamin's ficus turn yellow, and there are cobwebs below, then this is a red spider mite.

Spraying with acarin or any suitable insecticide will also help here, and increasing the humidity of the environment will also help. If the affected area is not very large, then it is worth starting to apply biological control methods.

With proper care, the ficus de dumbbell will delight you for a long time with its beauty, which you yourself will create, for pride in yourself and even for the envy of guests, for white envy.

If you find an error, please highlight a piece of text and click Ctrl+Enter.

Fans of indoor flora are increasingly starting their journey with the cultivation of ficuses. The popularity of the plant is caused by unpretentiousness, the ability to purify the air, and a pleasant appearance. In the wild, there are more than 1 thousand representatives of the genus Ficus, much less is used for indoor floriculture, but the range is still too wide. How to choose a green pet that will become an unpretentious companion for many years? Ficus varieties with photos and names, described in the materials of the article, will help facilitate the task of choosing the right specimen. You will also learn about the intricacies of care, reproduction, transplantation, treatment of a green pet and the signs associated with the appearance of an exotic on the windowsill.

Ficuses: varieties, description, photo, origin

The genus Ficus is included in the large Mulberry family, it has from 850 to 2 thousand species. Representatives of the genus are evergreen or deciduous plants with a habit of trees, vines or shrubs. Most ficuses are epiphytes, that is, species that use other representatives of the flora as a physical support. Over time, the epiphyte develops many adventitious roots that form a continuous grove - a banyan tree. In such thickets, other inhabitants of the rainforest have no chance of survival.

Know! Strangler ficuses are able to braid their support over time and cause its death.

Exotics are distributed mainly in the tropical regions of Africa, on the islands of the Mediterranean, the Pacific and Indian Ocean. A well-known representative of the genus - figs grows in Central Asia, the Crimea, and the Caucasus.

The main advantage of exotics is leaves. Their shape, size, color depend on the species, variety. The plates are arranged in the next order, have fleshy stipules that envelop the kidney. Milky juice is present in all parts of plants, used for medicinal purposes. There are rubber plants in the genus, which are a valuable raw material for the production of rubber.

In nature, exotic blooms in spikes or racemes with inconspicuous flowers located inside a receptacle similar to a ball. After the buds wither, the fruiting body grows, forming a fig fruit with nut seeds. At home, fruiting is extremely rare.

The fruits of the sycamore and fig tree have been used as food since ancient times. They are rich in protein, trace elements, sugars, have a pleasant taste. Medicine also uses the gifts of nature, producing medicines based on leaves, fruits and milky juice.

This is interesting! The fig tree is revered by many Eastern religions as sacred. Islamists, Buddhists and Hindus reverently eat the fruit of the fig.

The exotic root system is growing rapidly. This property has long been noted in India, where the indigenous people came up with the idea of building strong living bridges, directing the roots along bamboo poles. Such a bridge is able to live for a very long time and withstand a weight of more than 3.5 tons. Large foliage is suitable for the manufacture of coarse fabrics, roofing, awnings.

But ficuses are most widely used as green pets. There are few varieties of indoor flowers, and the number of varieties can confuse even an experienced grower. We invite you to familiarize yourself with the main inhabitants of the window sill belonging to the genus Ficus. The most common types are:

Benjamin.
Rubbery (elastic).
Karika (room fig).
Bengal.
Deltoid (variegated).
Lyre-shaped (lyrata).
Dull (retuza).
Sacred.
Dwarf (pimula, creeping).
Triangular (triangularis).
Binendiyka.
Rubiginosa (rusty leaf).
Ivy.
Parcel.

Not all representatives capable of settling on the windowsill are listed here. Rare varieties and the intricacies of caring for them will be discussed in the corresponding section of the article.

The biological name of Benjamin's species is brilliant. At home in Australia and South Asia, the plant forms large trees, the crown of which consists of graceful thin twigs. The height of such a giant often reaches 20-30 m. The upright trunk is covered with gray bark with brown strokes. The crown is wide, sprawling drooping shape.

This is interesting! If the tree grows in a tropical forest, then the aerial roots, which serve to absorb moisture, gradually descend to the level of the soil. Rooting, they form continuous thickets resembling a living arbor.

In room conditions, the growth rate of this species is slowed down, in 10 years its height reaches a little more than a meter. Centenarians form shrubs 2-3 m tall.

ficus benjamin

Variety of Benjamin refers to small-leaved crops. The length of the glossy leathery plate rarely exceeds 10 cm. The shape of the leaf is oblong-oval, gradually flows into a pointed apex. The leaves grow in the next order, have a solid edge and mild venation. The length of the petiole is 1.5-2 cm. The color of the plate and the dimensions depend on the variety. In nature, exotic blooms, forming syconia fruits (figs), located in pairs. The size of the berries is 2 cm, they are inedible for humans, but birds enjoy the gift of nature with pleasure. At home, even under favorable conditions, flowering occurs only in exceptional cases.

The advantages of the Benjamin species include the ability to form not only a beautiful crown of a bizarre shape, but also create an amazing interlacing of trunks. Flowers planted close to each other weave graceful trunks, this sight looks very attractive. You can meet exotic in various institutions, offices, at home, and at home, the variety is planted in gardens and in the local area.

Know! With proper care, Benjamin's ficus will produce an exquisite bonsai. The Viandi variety is ideal for these purposes, prone to arbitrary curvature of the shoots.

There are several exotic varieties that differ in the color of the foliage. At the Carly cultivar, the plates are covered with white specks, beautifully curved. Buckley forms tight curls of green. Varieties of the Monique line are also variegated, have a wavy edge.

Hybrid Natasha is a slow-growing variety with a compact crown consisting of bright green foliage. In Kinka, the edges of the pointed leaves are edged with a ragged border of white, light green or cream. Hybrid De Gantel stands out among other varieties of white foliage with tiny areas of green tint, demanding care. Also of interest to flower growers are the hybrids of Lovely, Starlight, Nitida, Midnight Lady, Anastasia, Barok, Daniel.

Another well-known window resident is Elastica - rubbery ficus who came to us from India and Indonesia. Gigantic sizes are characteristic of wild representatives. The trees have a height of more than 30 m, and the thickness of the trunk reaches 2 m. Due to the abundance of aerial roots, which eventually take root and woody, the tree becomes impenetrable thickets. Buddhists rank the tree as sacred. Scientists use rubber for industrial purposes.

Indoor copies are much more modest. At home, the shrub reaches a height of 2 m, is characterized by rapid growth, thickened crown. A popular species is easily recognizable by large elongated leathery leaves with a clear central vein. The length of the plate reaches 20-35 cm, and the color varies from variety.

Interesting fact! In the Soviet Union, the cultivation of overseas elastica on the window was considered a sign of the unacceptable bourgeois lifestyle at that time.

Robusta is recognized as the best variety for growing in an apartment. A large representative of the flora has a rich green crown, consisting of beautiful large leathery leaves. Robusta shoots practically do not branch. The black prince has foliage so dark in color that it appears almost black.

Doechery is characterized by the presence of pink specks on the foliage and a grown reddish central vein. The popular variety Melanie has a low growth of 40-60 cm, but its dark foliage shines brightly, pointed at the end. Young leaves and shoots are painted in an intense red-brown hue. Teaneck forms olive specks along the edge.

Variegated cultivars are decorated with spots of various colors and sizes, there are hybrids with white or cream edging along the edge of the plates. Interestingly, this color is typical for young leaves; in older specimens, the color fades over time or disappears altogether.

Karika, or indoor figs differ from their wild relatives in habit. If a tree-like form is inherent in the free-growing specimen in Asia, then the domestic fig is a shrub up to 2 m tall. The spreading crown consists of large palmate or lobed leaves with white or yellowish veins.

The trunk is covered with gray bark. After flowering, which, with proper care at home, becomes quite likely, juicy figs with small seeds are tied. Yellow-green fruits have been used since ancient times for eating, treating coughs, constipation, and exhaustion.

This is interesting! Figs belong to ancient cultures. Cultivation of fruit trees began in the XIII century BC, fruits and foliage are repeatedly mentioned in the Book of Genesis, the Bible.

The culture is cultivated in Asia, receiving unprecedented harvests of juicy sweet fruits. At the same time, care for it is simple, and the requirements for soil quality are minimal. There is an increase in the sweetness of fruits in areas of high moisture. During the dormant period, the shrub sheds foliage.

Bengal the species grows in India and Bangladesh, forming an interesting life form - the banyan tree. Garlands of powerful aerial roots, reaching the soil, take root, become like tree trunks. Non-viable roots remain hanging, forming dense dry vines. The banyan is able to occupy an area of several hectares, and the crown volume exceeds 600 m. The fruits of the tree are eaten by birds and small mammals.

Thanks to the formation of the banyan, the pet is ideal for growing bonsai. Intricately twisted roots are covered with velvety foliage on top. In the shrub form, growth reaches 2 m, and ovate leaves with a leathery surface grow up to 20 cm in length. The light green surface is covered with a network of white veins. The most popular variety is Audrey.

Malaysia and Indonesia - motherland deltoid (variegated) ficus. There it grows up to 4 m, but at home growth barely reaches a meter height. The foliage is rounded, has the shape of a triangle, which is attached to the petiole by one of the corners.

Know! The name deltoid comes from the shape of the leaf blade, resembling the Greek letter delta. The name variegated is given for the arrangement of leaves of different sizes on the shoots.

The surface of the leaf is a bright green color with tiny white dots. Length 5-8 cm, width up to 6-7 cm. The twigs writhe gracefully, the bark is gray with a brownish tinge. Even at home, a young specimen produces spherical, yellowish-green, inedible fruits 1 cm in diameter. It has many variegated varieties, among which Golden Leaves is the most original.

Lirata- a large representative of the genus, therefore, it is found only in large rooms. The leaves have a beautiful shape in the form of a violin, reach half a meter. The surface of the plate is hard with pronounced venation, bright green, has a wax coating. In nature, it reaches a height of 12 m, the apartment version has smaller dimensions - 2.5-3 m. It is not surprising that such a large exotic does not tolerate neighborhood with other representatives of the flora.

Dull (retuza) grows in the Asian tropics in the form of a banyan tree. The trunk is covered with yellow-gray bark. The life cycle of a plant begins as an epiphyte, but eventually becomes independent.

Grown as a bonsai with medium sized foliage. Oval plate 8 cm long and 3-4 cm wide, pointed at the end. The surface is fleshy, dark green, leathery.

This is interesting! Sacred ficus trees have long been worshiped by Buddhists, because according to legend, meditation under such a tree turned Prince Gautama into a Buddha. At home, it is called the Bodhi tree.

The natural look forms fast-growing trees of gigantic sizes. Average Height Bodhi reaches 30 m. Before the banyan tree, the tree does not grow, but actively uses fleshy air feed for additional nutrition. Heart-shaped foliage 20 cm long has a process of the same length at the end. The leaves are smooth, green with pronounced veins. The appendage serves to remove excess moisture; in the rainy season, the tree begins to “cry”. Small rounded red berries are inedible for humans, but birds peck at the delicacy with pleasure.

It is impossible to grow Bodhi in an apartment because of the size, so true Buddhists acquire specimens for cultivation in greenhouses.

pimula- the eastern guest comes from China, Vietnam, Japan. Differs from tall brothers life form. The dwarf variety is represented by creepers or ground covers with woody thin shoots. Graceful thin branches densely strewn with small ovate leaves with a wavy edge. The plant clings to air roots, climbs various surfaces.

The leaf cover of lignified twigs is somewhat larger, reaching a length of 10 cm. Breeders gave flower growers a lot of variegated varieties with bordered or speckled leaves, for example, the Sunny variety series. In nature, after flowering, orange syconia are formed.

Know! Although the fruits are inedible for humans, they are widely used in the folk medicine of the East. Indoor specimens do not bear fruit, they belong to ampelous plants.

Unpretentious view of Binendijk came to us from the island of Java. There, the tree grows up to 20 m. At home, its height does not exceed two meters. The trunk is covered with brown bark, silvery in adult specimens. The second name of this plant is willow.

It is easy to guess that it happened because of the characteristic elongated plate up to 40 cm long. The shiny foliage gracefully hangs from the crown, making the tree look like a miniature palm tree. The leaves are curved, the edges are wavy, the venation is pronounced. Siconia are small, burgundy.

Varieties of Ali, Amstel King, Amstel Queen with a bright glossy crown and variegated Amstel Gold with uneven yellow spots are popular with flower growers.

Triangularis it is not difficult to distinguish from the deltoid relative. The leaves of this meter-long shrub have more angular edges, and the point of attachment to the petiole is sharper than that of the deltoid. Leathery dark green leaves 5-6 cm long are covered with a network of grayish veins. From afar, the color of the crown casts blue due to a thin wax coating.

Triangularis is characterized by rapid development rates - shoots lengthen by 10-15 cm per year. Fruiting of an African guest at home is a fairly common phenomenon. Among variegated cultivars, "Coconut cream" is especially beautiful with a yellow surface, on which green spots are scattered.

rusty variety outwardly similar to elastica, but differs from it in small leaves and slower development.

Important! Rusty-leaved exotic will appeal to a beginner grower. The plant is inherent resistance to external conditions, endurance.

The Australian exotic at home looks like a sprawling tree. In room conditions, the height reaches 80-100 cm. The elongated oval leaves 10-12 cm long are covered with reddish hairs below.

Shoots of a brown-red hue grow by 15-20 cm per year. Aerial roots grow at the bottom of the trunk, absorbing moisture from the environment. The crown of the bush is spherical, strongly thickened.

Ficus ivy- an ampelous representative with tiny thin leaves (10 mm) sitting on short petioles. The surface of the plate is wrinkled, convex. It looks like it is covered in small bubbles. A rather capricious exotic native of the northern part of India, it requires high humidity.

Parcel- a tree or shrub about 1 meter tall. The dense crown is formed by large oblong leaves 20 cm long and half as wide. The edges of the sheet are rough due to the presence of hairs, slightly wavy. The parcel is characterized by marble coloring with a mosaic white-green pattern.

Among the listed representatives of the genus Ficus, you will definitely choose a suitable sample for home cultivation.

Features of caring for various representatives of ficuses

Despite the unpretentiousness of exotics, they still need the attention of the owner for proper development. A few simple operations will help keep the green pet beautiful, healthy and tidy.

Important! Regarding tropical inhabitants living outside their homeland, flower growers adhere to the rule - to create an atmosphere for the flower as close as possible to the natural environment.

Indoor flower care includes the following points:

creation of optimal temperature;
correct irrigation regime, water procedures;
choice of a permanent place of growth;
fertilizer application;
pruning.

In addition to the components described, the culture from time to time requires transplantation and pest control. They will be discussed separately.

Since different varieties grow in different conditions, their care must be organized specifically. Consider the main points of caring for each species described, we will separately dwell on the nuances of agricultural technology for variegated varieties.

Benjamin

An exotic guest loves good lighting, but direct sunlight often causes crown burns. The acquired flower must be subjected to acclimatization and temporarily protected from the burning sun. For placement, you should choose a place where the lighting will be sufficient, but the midday heat will not burn the leaves. Rotate the pot from time to time to even out the light.

With its love of fresh air, the flower does not tolerate a draft. The optimal temperature background is 17-27⁰C. In winter it is not lower than 15⁰C, and in summer it is above 25⁰C. Hypothermia is dangerous for the root system, so the container is not placed on a cold floor. The flower reacts sharply to climate change - it sheds its leaf cover partially or completely. You probably won't like bare branches, so take Benjamin's "place of residence" seriously. He does not like unnecessary movements, so you need to place the pot so that after moving it as little as possible.

Attention! Ficus should not be placed near heating appliances. The minimum distance to the battery is 2 m.

Moisten the soil as it dries out. Too frequent or rare watering will certainly deprive you of the opportunity to admire the lush greenery. If the soil is dry at a depth of 2 cm, it's time to water your pet. Avoid waterlogging the soil, it leads to the development of root rot. It is difficult to fight the disease, so it is better not to provoke its development. Watering is carried out only with water at room temperature, previously settled. Too cold water causes the leaves to fall off. Water the pot thoroughly, remove excess liquid from the pan.

Dry air is not good for a tropical guest. The situation will be corrected by double daily spraying of the crown. It is especially important to maintain a humid atmosphere in winter, when the air is mercilessly dried up by heating devices. Hygiene procedures come down to rubbing the crown from dust, but experienced flower growers prefer to bathe their pet in the shower once a month.

Without mineral supplements, it is difficult for a plant to grow new shoots, forming a lush green mass. Nitrogen is especially important for young growth, which contributes to active growth. After the winter rest period (in March), the first thing to do is apply nitrogen fertilizer. Carry out subsequent top dressing with mineral complexes, specialized fertilizers. Multiplicity - twice a month, duration - until the end of summer.

Remember! It is unacceptable to use top dressing during the dormant period. Instead of lush vegetation, you will get elongated thin branches with a small leafy cover.

ficus benjamina attracts with the possibility of creating a luxurious crown of any shape. Annual pruning helps to rejuvenate the bush. Consider the basic pruning rules:

They form a crown after waking up from hibernation, during the period of active growth - from March to June. Use secateurs for cutting. Pre-treat the tool with alcohol or a strong solution of potassium permanganate.
According to the idea, cut off the extra branches, not exceeding a quarter of the volume of the hardwood mass. Wipe thick sections from milky juice and sprinkle with crushed coal.
To get a wicker trunk, plant 3 individuals in one pot, weave the trunks together. As the boles grow, the thickness of the stems will increase, a beautiful pigtail will form.
Do not rush to throw away cut branches, they will be useful for reproduction.

Such simple care will be needed for the Benjamin variety and most representatives of the genus Ficus.

rubbery

Elastica does not require too intense lighting. Western or eastern windows are ideal for her. From elevated air temperature, the leaves quickly fade, the flower is kept at a temperature of 19-22⁰C, reducing the background for the dormant period to 15⁰C. From cold air, brown spots appear on the leaves, significantly spoiling the decorative effect.

To prevent the roots of the bush from freezing, place the pot on a sheet of foam. Top dressing is carried out in the same way as with Benjamin, but it is better to alternate mineral complexes with organic matter (mullein infusion). Make sure that the fertilizer does not get on the crown, as a chemical burn may occur.

Advice! Elastica can do without hibernation if the temperature background is maintained year-round at a mark just above 20⁰C.

In irrigation, it is important to maintain a balance, avoiding drying out of the substrate and stagnation of moisture. When the earth ball is thoroughly dry, water the pot abundantly. It is convenient to do this by immersion, and then wait for the liquid to drain completely. Water procedures have a positive effect on the health of the green ward. Daily wipe or spray the surface of the leaves with warm water, water the tropical guest from the shower, after covering the ground with polyethylene. To bring gloss, buff the leaf with non-alcoholic beer.

The elastic grows quickly, so you need to restrain its growth by trimming the crown. The released juice is wiped with a clean swab, the cut is sprinkled with crushed coal.

Karika

What does a beginner grower need to know about homemade figs? In order for the shrub to bear fruit, you need to take care of proper care and as close as possible to natural growing conditions.

The shrub loves good lighting, but is afraid of direct rays. Figs are thermophilic, the optimal background in the warm season is 25⁰C. Abundant regular irrigation with warm water and bathing will give the carica a healthy look, but you do not need to be zealous with watering. Top dressing and pruning are carried out in the same way as for relatives.

The second nuance of growing indoor figs is the need to organize a winter dormant period. To create an artificial winter with the onset of autumn, switch the flower to a moderate watering regime, lower the temperature to 10⁰C, and do not feed the tree.

Know! Dropping leaf cover during hibernation is a normal occurrence for carica.

Bengal

It is recommended to grow a banyan in spacious rooms, because it is able to quickly occupy an area of up to 3 cubic meters. Penumbra or diffused artificial lighting is optimal for a banyan tree. Maintain the temperature background at the level of 22-26⁰C, protect from drafts. The lower limit for a heat-loving Asian is 17⁰C. There is no rest period.

It is watered regularly, plentifully, when the earth dries out by 2-3 cm. It is not recommended to spray to optimize the humidity of the environment, it is enough to regularly wipe the crown from dust. Banyan is prone to strong growth, so top dressing is carried out once a month. Use half the concentration of a special fertilizer. Thanks to pruning, a Bengal is made into a bonsai or shaped according to one's own taste.

Deltoid

The island inhabitant of Malaysia needs bright diffused light and high humidity for development. Daily spraying will help replenish moisture deficiency. The Malaysian is watered moderately twice a week, in winter it is irrigated every 7-10 days. The flower is kept at a temperature of 18-22⁰C, periodically airing the room, preventing the formation of a draft.

Fertilize every 2 weeks, alternating mineral top dressing and organic matter. A haircut will help to beautifully decorate the crown or create a bonsai.

On a note! The deltoid variety is resistant to temperature fluctuations, but may lose its cover due to frequent movement.

lyre-shaped

Luxurious lirata needs a spacious room. If you have a small apartment and there is no way to isolate the lyrata from the "neighbors", it is better to refrain from buying a flower.

The best place to grow is a well-lit office space.
Observe the following growing conditions:

put the pot in a well-lit place, but protect from midday rays;
ventilate the abode of the lyrata more often, do not allow through blowing;
irrigate the substrate 2-3 times a week in summer and weekly in winter;
in summer, take the pot out to fresh air or a balcony;
spraying only at low humidity, wipe the bush from dust;
a sharp change in temperature is bad for the health of the lirata, keep the background 22-26⁰C;
Once every 3-4 weeks, feed your pet with a half portion of an all-purpose fertilizer.

blunted

Retuza is most commonly grown as an indoor bonsai. Caring for it is simple, the main thing is to prevent the ingress of liquid on the root-trunks sticking out of the ground when watering.

Moderate diffused lighting, a stable moisture balance in the soil, periodic spraying, crown formation, monthly application of complex top dressing are the basis for caring for the retuza.

Remember! While the purchased specimen is acclimatizing to new growing conditions, the fall of a certain number of leaves is considered a normal reaction. This period lasts from 2 weeks to a month.

Sacred

Growing the sacred Bodhi tree requires a spacious room. The greenhouse will become the optimal abode for him.
The Indian visitor prefers diffused light, easily tolerates penumbra, but with complete shading, it signals a lack of light by shedding part of the cover. A heat-loving individual creates a background of 22-25⁰C. If you want to create a dormant period (which Bodhi can do without), lower the temperature to 16-17⁰C. Protect the sissy from temperature changes and drafts. Watering is carried out as the top layer of the substrate dries.

Bodhi is undemanding to high humidity, but too dry air can be softened with a humidifier or a container placed next to an artificial reservoir. For normal development, the flower needs potassium and nitrogen. Make up for their lack by alternating mineral and organic top dressing every 2 weeks.

Bodhi can be given any shape. Trimming and interlacing of trunks are carried out in the same way as with Benjamin.

Dwarf and ivy

Pimula is a unique plant. Among relatives, the possibility of transferring small frosts stands out, but the background of 20-23⁰C is optimal for it. With a lack of light, the bush will release bare branches. Place the pot in a west or east window, covering from the midday light with tulle. You can use artificial lighting.

The complete drying of the earthy coma will destroy the pimula, therefore, irrigation is started after 2-3 cm of the earth has dried. Moisten the foliage with a spray bottle daily. Feed the pimula once every 2-3 weeks with a complete mineral complex. Ivy ficus does not like drafts and a sharp drop in temperature; otherwise, caring for it is similar to that described.

Know! By trimming, you can create a neat spherical arrangement in a flower pot, but graceful twigs look most beautiful hanging down. The ivy-leaved variety can be allowed to curl along the support.

Triangularis

Triangularis is kept at 20-22⁰C, watering abundantly every 4-5 days. Exot shade-tolerant, direct rays cause burns on the surface of triangular leaves. To increase the humidity, use a spray bottle or purchase a floor humidifier.

Feed triangularis monthly. Formation is carried out based on their own preferences. An important point - you can not remove hanging air roots. Gently tie them to the trunk to direct them to rooting.

Binnendi

It is very easy to grow a beautiful palm tree. Benendijka needs very moderate watering and light shading. If you put the pot on the north window, the growth of the culture will slow down, but this will not affect the decorative effect. Background 20-25⁰C, shaping to reduce size, daily spraying and shower every 20-30 days will give the flower a healthy look.

Rusty, Parcel

Rubiginose and parcel are cared for in the same way as elastica.

How to care for variegated cultivars

Variegation is a special type of mutation of a part of the cells of a leaf plate. Chimeras do not contain chlorophyll, which is why they lose their typical green color and become spotty. When buying a variegated variety, you need to remember that it is more demanding to care for. In particular, variegated individuals need more intense lighting. This is due to the lack of chlorophyll in the tissues, which is involved in photosynthesis, supplying the flora with nutrition.

Variegated hybrids need intensive nitrogen fertilization. Such individuals are more thermophilic, do not tolerate drafts.

Important! Chimeras have a tendency to degenerate. If the usual shoots that appear are not cut off in a timely manner, then the entire bush will soon be reborn.

Reproduction of ficuses

Tropical perennials reproduce both by seed and vegetatively. You will learn how best to sow and organize the care of layering in this section of the article.

seed propagation

It is used extremely rarely due to the long period of seedling development. Seeds are sown in 1.5 cm increments to a depth of 0.5 cm in a soil mixture consisting of sand, perlite and peat in a ratio of 1: 1: 2 or a mixture of peat with crushed sphagnum moss. The greenhouse is covered with a film and maintained constant moisture, background 25⁰C, diffused lighting. With the appearance of 2 leaves in seedlings, they swoop down in separate containers. Seedlings are cared for as adults of a certain species.

Any ficus can be grown in this way, but it is better to use the seed method to get bonsai. It is well propagated by Bodhi seeds, because the cuttings take root in it very hard. Figs grow easily from seed.

Reproduction by apical cuttings

Cuttings are the most popular method of exotic propagation. Suitable for all varieties of the genus Ficus. Only the time required for the rooting of the cutting is different.

Use the following instructions to propagate your pet from cuttings:

for cuttings, use apical cuttings 10-20 cm long;
there must be at least three internodes on the branch;
make the cut obliquely with a knife, because the scissors injure the tissues and rooting will take more time;
remove the lower pair of leaves, wipe off the secreted juice, place the shoot for 8-12 hours in a heteroauxin solution;
put the cutting in a container with settled water, after adding a tablet of activated charcoal;
when rooting in the ground, use a mixture of sand and peat or peat and perlite;
deepen the branch by 2-5 cm, cover with a film or jar on top, pre-treat the cut with root powder;
keep the substrate moist and the lighting moderate;
roll large leaves into a tube and secure so that moisture does not evaporate too quickly through the pores.

Advice! Material for propagation is harvested during the period of active growth. You can use the branches left after shaping.

Although cuttings take longer to root in the substrate, this method is preferable. In a container of water, often the lower part of the stem rots.

leaf reproduction

Is it possible to get a full-fledged plant from a leaf? You can, if you cut it along with the heel - part of the trunk. Otherwise, after the development of the root system, the leaf will remain sitting in a pot without turning into an adult.
The shoots are rooted in a substrate of peat and sand according to the same rules as cuttings. This method is used for elastica (rubber tree).

Reproduction by layering

Layers are divided into 2 types - air and stem. Air layers propagate elastica, triangularis, Benjamin. Ampelous and creeping species propagate by stem layering - pimula, ivy.

To get an air layer, select a mature shoot, make two circular cuts in 1-3 cm increments, 2-5 mm deep. Remove the bark between the incisions, sprinkle the wound surface with Kornevin. Wrap wet sphagnum on top with a layer of 5 cm. Fasten a plastic film over the sphagnum. Under such a cocoon, maintain a moist environment by watering the moss with a syringe. Roots will appear from the wound surface. Make a cut 1-2 cm below the moss and plant layers in a pot.

It is very easy to get a new individual of a pimula. It self-roots at the points of contact of the nodes with the substrate. Pin the shoot from the mother liquor into a separate pot (without cutting). After the roots appear, separate the mother liquor and layering.

Reproduction by part of the rhizome

For individuals that are characterized by the development of banyan trees, a rare method of reproduction is used - rooting a root cutting. Separate a viable fleshy root and plant it in a separate container to a depth of 2-3 cm. Cover the container with a film and keep the substrate moist.

Important! Periodically ventilate the greenhouse so that the layer does not rot.

After 2-3 months, greenery will appear on the layering. After rooting, gradually harden the seedling, briefly removing the shelter.

Transplantation of ficus and its varieties

The primary transplant of a tropical guest is started after a period of adaptation. Let the new tenant acclimatize for 2-3 weeks, and then you can transfer it to a new pot.

As the tropical visitor grows, it will need to be transplanted to expand its feeding area. Too large a pot will slow down the development of seedlings, as they will use all their strength to develop the root system. Pots are selected in size so that the new container has a diameter 2 cm larger than the previous one. Young individuals develop intensively and up to the age of five they need an annual transplant by transshipment.

Mature specimens are transplanted less frequently, once every 2-4 years. You can replace the transplant process by changing the top of the soil in a pot. To do this, remove 3-4 cm of soil and replace it with fresh, well-fertilized. Be careful when removing the earth, do not damage the roots.

Remember! Each variety requires a certain type of substrate, but you can buy ready-made potting mix for ficuses.

The substrate for exotic should be nutritious, loose, permeable, the acidity level is closer to neutral.
Benendijka feels good in a 2: 1 mixture of soddy and leafy soil, to which absorbents are added - crushed bark, vermiculite, charcoal.

Triangularis and Banyan need a mixture of peat, sand, turf and leafy soil. Pimula and Benjamina love peat, sand, leafy soil and turf, mixed in a ratio of 1:1:2:1. Bodhi requires more frequent transshipment - 2 times a year. A mixture of turf and leafy soil with sand and peat is suitable for him. This substrate is suitable for lyrata.

Primary retuza transplantation is performed only after 3 years. It is planted in pots, removing excess roots. For the substrate, mix sand, humus, granular clay. The deltoid needs a soil mixture of soddy and leafy soil, to which a half portion of sand and a small amount of charcoal are added. For figs, it is enough to mix peat and sand to get a high-quality substrate. Elastica loves soil based on perhum, peat, sod, coniferous and leafy soil.

All ficuses are divided by growth into undersized and tall. The transplantation of such plants has insignificant differences associated with the dimensions of the pet. Small individuals are easier to remove from old containers with a garden scoop, and large ones are removed by tapping the walls of a pre-watered container.

Attention! At the bottom of the pot, a drainage layer is necessarily laid out from a mixture of expanded clay and charcoal.

Pour a layer of soil over the drainage so that after transshipment the bush is at the same height. Place the root system in a new container, add the required amount of earth, water. To restrain the violent growth of young growth, experienced flower growers recommend slightly thinning the roots.

Nature has endowed the inhabitant of the tropics with good immunity, so diseases and pests rarely appear on the bushes. More often you can see a withering flower with improper care. To begin with, conduct a thorough external examination, exclude violation of agrotechnical rules.

A tropical perennial signals the owner about a disease, an attack by pests, a violation of agricultural technology, a change in crown color or other changes in appearance:

The loss of turgor of leaf plates indicates a lack of moisture. Urgently water the green ward by immersion.
Yellowing on the underside of the leaf indicates an excess of moisture in the soil. Stop watering, change the mode to moderate.
Deformation and pallor of the leaves indicates a lack of nutrition. Feed your pet organic. The same symptoms appear with a long absence of a transplant.
The fall and the appearance of brown spots on the foliage occurs with a lack of heat. Stabilize the temperature background, move the pot to another place.
Fleecy white spots on the underside of the plate indicate the appearance of a mealybug. The pest is removed with a damp sponge or insecticide.
A tiny yellow speck, folding the edge of the leaf, the presence of thin threads of cobwebs - a colony of spider mites settled on the plant. This means that there is not enough humidity in the room. Install a humidifier and treat with Aktara acaricide. You can apply the folk method - treatment with infusion of garlic, dandelion. Wash off pests from glossy leaves with a sponge dipped in soapy water.
If brown spots appeared on the underside of the plate and on young shoots, the bush was attacked by a scale insect. Insects are washed off with soapy water, treated with Actellik three times.
The appearance of aphids on the bushes does not go unnoticed. Swarming insects can be seen with the naked eye. The colony secretes a sugary liquid in which soot fungus spores develop. Aphids are easily washed off even with plain water. Give the bush an unscheduled shower or spray it with insecticides.

Remember! A healthy individual of the disease and the attack of pests are not terrible.

From fungal diseases, root and gray rot, anthracnose, botrytis (spotting) are dangerous. If you find plaque, mold or rounded yellow-brown spots, treat with fungicides - Fitosporin, Topaz, HOM preparation or Bordeaux liquid. With root rot, transplant the bush into a new pot, after removing the damaged tissue. Disinfect the root system by immersing for 20 minutes in a weak solution of potassium permanganate.

Ficus in the house - signs

Scientists have officially recognized representatives of the genus Ficus as useful plants. Their ability to purify the air from harmful substances - compounds of phenol, benzene, trichlorethylene is noted. Absorbing chemicals, the perennial processes them into harmless glycosides (sugars), which it uses for nutrition. But a pet can be harmful to health. Milky juice is a strong allergen, and its compounds released into the air cause an exacerbation in asthmatics and allergy sufferers. It is important to exclude the contact of animals and children with this representative of the flora.

In addition to scientific evidence, there are a number of superstitions associated with the tropical guest. For example, it is believed that for the onset of a long-awaited pregnancy, you should be presented with layering. It is desirable that the person be close and bring you only positive emotions. It is better if it is a family in which a baby has recently appeared.

Various sources consider the exotic flora to be a muzhegon, but most indicate that a girl who has grown a luxurious ficus with her own hands will soon marry. Ayurveda speaks of the accumulation of favorable energy in a family that has acquired a green pet from the tropics.

Know! Exot destroys pathogenic microorganisms, releasing phytoncides into the environment.

Since the cultivation of bonsai in the East is traditionally considered a symbol of prosperity, the owner of the tree needs to carefully monitor its health. Falling leaves promise need, and a lush bush, put up on the kitchen windowsill, will increase the well-being of the house. Great luck, lack of anxiety, positive energy and family harmony will bring a green pet to its owner.

Rare types of ficuses - description, subtleties of cultivation

Having started several described plants, you will probably want to replenish your collection with an unusual look. We recommend paying attention to the following varieties - Krishna, reed, boxwood, microcarp, palmera. Let's open the veil of secrecy by taking a brief digression into the description and subtleties of the cultivation of these crops.

krishna

The Indians gave an unusual name to a tropical plant because of the special shape of the leaves in the form of a funnel. According to legend, Krishna himself drank water from such a glass! The edges of the leaf blade, bent down, grew together, and an interesting living glass turned out to be 20 cm long and 15-20 cm wide. The trunk up to 1.5 m tall is covered with silvery bark, at home the trunk length reaches 10 m. As it grows older, the bark darkens a little, air roots appear.

Subject to high humidity, the Krishna tree is not afraid of direct sunlight, it languishes in the shade.

Important! Exot does not tolerate changes in the external environment, so it is not necessary to move the pot endlessly or often transship.

It is enough to plant a bush in a spacious container with a margin of space, water, spray, bathe abundantly and often. Use ready-made soil for planting, add some coal. The tree propagates by air layering, the cuttings take root much worse.

reed

The African rainforest visitor has glossy leathery foliage up to 5 cm long. It grows best next to a vertical support. The African is easy to care for: water regularly, keep the humidity high, keep the temperature between 22-26⁰C, keep out of direct sunlight, shape in the spring, and feed regularly. Easily rooted cuttings.

boxwood

The name is given for the small dark green leaves, similar to the cover of boxwood. Homeland - Africa. The tree is covered with dark brown bark and forms many syconia. Used to create bonsai. Likes high humidity, but excessive watering is detrimental. Tolerates light shade, photophilous. For planting, they use the same soil as for a banyan tree, and they take care of it in the same way. Propagated by cuttings.

Microcarp

The Asian guest at home has gigantic dimensions - it grows up to 25 m. In room conditions, growth rarely exceeds 1.5 m. The dense wide crown consists of pointed oval foliage. The surface is glossy, leathery, rich green, length 8-10 cm, petioles are short.

Know! The main advantage of a microcarp is not a crown at all, but luxurious bizarre roots sticking out of the ground. Outwardly, they resemble the rhizome of a mandrake.

Such a root system is formed artificially, so the price of tiny seedlings is prohibitive. It is not surprising that bizarre miniature compositions are obtained from them.

You need to take care of them like a type of banyan (Bengal), but in winter additional illumination will be required. Propagated by all methods described in the article. Of the varieties, Panda, Moklame, Ginseng (ginseng) are widely used.

Palmera

The second name is bottle tree or anaba. It grows in Mexico, has a very unusual appearance. The lower part of the trunk is transformed into a special thickening - caudex, which serves to store moisture. Individuals growing in desert areas reach a height of 4 m, where there is enough moisture, their growth is limited to nine meters. Heart-shaped leaf blades of a light green hue are covered with a pronounced network of veins, 15 cm long, up to 12 cm wide. It grows small at home, used to create bonsai.

The Mexican guest is unpretentious, they look after him like a banyan tree. And reproduction has an interesting feature. Seeds are not easy to obtain, and the only way to grow a caudex bottle tree is through sowing seeds.

Remember! Anaba cuttings take root well, but will grow in the form of a bush.

Conclusion

Whatever varieties of ficuses you like, the description with photos and names described in the article will help you choose the right green pet for yourself. A detailed instruction on the basics of cultivation and care will certainly give the tropical guest health and a luxurious crown.

The article focuses on one of the most common ficuses these days, which can be found in any flower shop, and also provides answers to questions asked by novice florists, including about.

Description of ficus Ficus De Gantel

Ficus De Gantel surprises with its white small leaves and dense crown. The only plant from the Benjamins that has white leaves and occasionally you can see green glimpses from the center of the leaf along the vein.

Ficus De Dumbbell home care lighting and temperature, watering and air humidity

Since De Gantel is variegated, he, like everyone else, loves bright light, but do not forget to cover him from direct sunlight.

Ficus is thermophilic, so it prefers temperatures of +16 - +25C throughout the year. Regular watering (twice a week). Humidity is high, especially in winter, so spray more often.

Transplantation, feeding and propagation of ficus De Dumbbell

Transplantation is carried out in early March or late February. Every year, increase the pot in diameter by 5 cm. Start feeding in the spring and finish in the fall once every two weeks.

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