What water to water the ficus. Ficus at home: how and with what to water, creating conditions for development. What trace elements are needed for ficus
Ficus is one of the most popular indoor floriculture evergreens from the mulberry family. This culture does not need to provide any special care, and planting the "Mix" type allows you to get a chic flower arrangement from different varieties.
It is best to acquire such a decorative culture in spring or summer, which can greatly facilitate the process of adaptation. . Important to remember that too large specimens, as a rule, are more difficult to adapt to a change in environment, and the adaptation period is often delayed for several months.
When choosing a perennial, be sure to check its condition by gently shaking the plant in flower pot or by running your hand against the growth of the leaves. If the foliage falls off, and the plant does not look too healthy, then it is better not to purchase it. Also, you can not buy a plant from which, through drainage holes rotting or overdried roots stick out in a flower pot.
Important to remember, that unscrupulous sellers often rub leathery foliage with special polishes that give the leaves a very attractive glossy appearance. However, such compounds adversely affect the health of the plant, so they must be removed from the acquired indoor flower V as soon as possible with a soft damp cloth. After the acquisition, you need to place the flower in quarantine, separately from other indoor perennials.
Ficus is best purchased in spring or summer.
Optimal conditions for growing a plant
The decorative culture has sufficient stability and is relatively undemanding to the level of lighting, therefore it is able to put up with the location on the northern windowsills. However, about very strong shading causes elongation of the internodes and stretching the branches towards the light. In this case, the aerial part very often acquires a low-leafed appearance.
The optimal location is in a bright place without the presence of direct scorching sun rays, but variegated forms will need to provide more bright lighting. IN summer period you can take out a flower pot with a plant on a balcony or veranda.
It is important to note, that ficuses are very sensitive to sudden changes in conditions of detention, including humidity and lighting, so it is advisable to immediately determine its location correctly. IN winter period additional lighting may be required. In summer, it is desirable to provide the plant with a temperature regime of 25-30 ° C, and in autumn and winter - not lower than 12-15 ° C.
Gallery: types of ficus (25 photos)
Features of growing ficus (video)
Ficus care at home
look after indoor ficuses quite simple - you need to properly feed the plant, provide it with competent watering, and also periodically spray the ornamental crop for preventive purposes. Fertilizing plants has a positive effect on the appearance of the above-ground part, but the fertilizers used must necessarily correspond to the time of year and the phase of development of the perennial with their composition.
How often to water a ficus
The correct watering regimen is the key to maintaining the decorative appeal of a houseplant. Water for irrigation activities must be settled, room temperature without high chlorine content. Insufficient watering, as well as excessive drying of the soil in a flower pot, are the main causes of wrinkling and leaf fall. Not less than harmful for such a highly decorative perennial overflow of water especially in low temperature indoor conditions. The ficus root system is very vulnerable to frequent drops in temperature, therefore, increased soil moisture provokes root decay and a fairly quick death of the indoor flower.
By the next irrigation event, the soil substrate in the flower pot of young plants should have time to dry out by about a couple of centimeters. Adult specimens can be watered after the soil dries out by about 5-6 cm. tropical culture needs enough moisture, so prerequisite indoor cultivation is the systematic spraying of the aerial part with relatively warm and well-settled water. Periodically, with the help of a damp cloth, dust deposits are removed from the leaves.
The correct watering regime is the key to maintaining the decorative attractiveness of the ficus
When and how to feed the ficus
It is imperative to fertilize or feed indoor ficuses. It is especially important to observe the feeding regimen when growing species such as broad-leaved and ampelous forms. decorative culture. In spring and summer, at the stage of activation of all growth processes , it is very important to use nitrogen-containing fertilizers for this purpose, which have a positive effect on the growth of green leaf mass. Very good result gives top dressing infusion of ordinary wood ash with the addition of mullein or nettle infusion.
As mineral complexes, it is advisable to use "Humisol", "Ideal", "Palma" And "Ficus". Feeding formulations should be applied about a couple of times a month. In winter, the plant is at rest, so top dressing is not carried out. The dose should be calculated depending on the appearance of the plant, its age, varietal characteristics, as well as the condition of the soil substrate in the flower pot. In any case, the soil must be sufficiently moist before fertilizing.
It is imperative to fertilize or feed indoor ficuses
Terms and features of the transplant
To get a highly ornamental plant with a densely leafy and lush aerial part, it is necessary to periodically transplant. young plant up to the age of four years, repotting is required every year. Older and larger specimens are transplanted no more than once every two years. Optimal timing- spring and summer, which facilitates the process of adaptation of culture.
Before transplanting, the soil in the flower pot must be abundantly moistened. Falling asleep in a new flower pot drainage layer and placed root system transplanted plant along with an earthen clod. Topping up is carried out with a standard nutrient soil substrate. In the first days after transplantation, it is desirable to protect the plant from direct sunlight.
Ficus care technology in winter (video)
How to care for ficus in winter
In autumn and winter, care for perennial ornamental plant can be a little complicated, which is caused by insufficient heat and lighting. IN autumn period gradually it is necessary to minimize irrigation measures, as well as to gradually lower the temperature regime in the room. Feeding is carried out only as needed, but not more than once a month.
The main diseases of ficus and their treatment
With sufficient competent care, indoor ficuses are able to feel quite comfortable and delight amateur flower growers with a strong and healthy, very attractive appearance for many years.
Yellowing of the foliage is most often associated with dry indoor air and the placement of the plant near heating batteries.
The main mistakes when growing in home floriculture can be factors represented by improper lighting and temperature regime indoors, insufficient air humidity, improper irrigation and fertilizing, unbalanced soil composition in a flower pot. With errors in care and insufficiently high immunity, decorative perennial can be affected by pathogenic microflora:
- yellowing of the foliage is most often associated with dry air in the room and the placement of the plant near heating batteries;
- shredding or falling leaves is a sign of lack nutrients in the soil or improper location of the indoor flower;
- appearance yellow spots and yellowness at the edges of the leaves, with their subsequent fall, is most often associated with an excess amount of moisture in the planting substrate;
- dry and shriveled leaves may indicate overdrying of nutrient soil in a flower pot;
- appearance at the tips and edges of foliage brown spots very often it is provoked by high temperature conditions in the room, lack of watering and overfeeding with fertilizers;
- foliage dieback is most often the result of damage to the ornamental culture by fungal diseases, including rot and sooty fungus.
Ficus is a traditional interior decoration of many apartments and offices in our country. It is believed that he brings happiness to the house where he lives. Not particularly demanding on the conditions of detention, the ficus has a noble exotic appearance. In captivity, it grows for a long time, but it does not require much attention to itself. Juicy bright ficus foliage looks attractive and pleases the eye for many years. An additional advantage of ficus is that it can be placed in the bedroom.
Ficus is undemanding in care. Feels good both in a lighted place, and with slight shading. In conditions of strong temperature fluctuations, it demonstrates amazing endurance. Most of the diseases characteristic of other indoor plants bypass it. In general, subject to simple rules, ficuses will bring joy for a long time with their magnificent views.
For ficus, it is advisable to choose a place on the spacious windowsill of a window facing east or west. The preferred air temperature at which the plant will feel good is + 25-30 degrees. Comfortable winter temperature for ficus fluctuates between + 16-20 degrees. With an increase in this indicator, it is required to spray the plant more often.
To increase the life of the ficus, it is still desirable to protect it from temperature fluctuations, drafts and hypothermia of the soil in which its root system is located. Try to place the pots on an insulated surface. In summer, the plant is allowed to be taken out to fresh air, taking into account its susceptibility to permutations. If the ficus feels good in its usual place, then it is better not to move it.
This plant loves good illumination. There are types of ficuses that take root very well, staying at a distance from a light source not exceeding 1.5 meters, and if the room as a whole is sufficiently lit. Variegated ficuses are especially susceptible to lighting. In any case, the light falling on the crown should be diffused. Otherwise, burn spots on the foliage cannot be avoided.
In conditions of lack of light, the branches of the ficus can stretch out and the size of the leaves will noticeably decrease. This is eliminated by the installation of auxiliary artificial lighting. Such lighting in the cold season will not interfere with all types of ficus.
How often to water in the warm season?
If you have a loggia or balcony, it will be very useful if you are on warm season take the ficus a cozy place there. Despite the fact that the ficus is quite photophilous, the direct rays of the sun are contraindicated for it. Therefore, the place for the summer habitat of the plant should be bright, but inaccessible to sunlight.
Important! Ficus in the summer needs moderate watering as the surface layer of the soil dries up to about half the height of the pots.
Since the air is quite dry during the summer heat, the plant must be sprayed up to twice a week. And you also need to wipe the leaves more often with a damp cotton cloth.
Ficus grows rapidly in summer, so it needs to be fed every 14 days with formulations that include both organic and mineral fertilizers.
Ficus prices
How often to water in the cold season?
Particular attention during this period should be paid to the humidity of the air in the room where the ficus lives. This factor is the most significant for the normal life of the plant. In winter, our apartments are intensively heated and the air becomes too dry. For ficus, this is harmful, so you should take the necessary measures to humidify the air in the room with the plant.
Ficus needs spraying with water at room temperature. Can be used to humidify the air special humidifiers that can be found on sale. If indoors in winter due to powerful heating appliances the air is very dry, it is recommended to fill the trays. To humidify the air near the plant, a mini-fountain is well suited, which will also serve as an excellent interior decoration. If it is not possible to purchase a humidifier or fountain, it is recommended to place a water tank next to the ficus.
Protect in winter time a specially constructed plant will also help from excessive dryness of the air. In a poorly lit room where there is not enough moisture, the plant will lose leaves. Under such unfavorable conditions, the leaves may also turn yellow. If, after the discovery of this formidable sign of malaise, the plant does not take action, then it will inevitably die. That is why it is necessary to take care of sufficient lighting from the very beginning.
It is also important for the proper care of the tree in cold weather and the quality of the water used for irrigation. Not recommended for this purpose. tap water. It is advisable to water the plant only with water that has been previously settled and heated to +30 degrees.
Important! Water the plant in winter as often as it needs it, but less often than in summer.
In winter, experts do not recommend transplanting ficus. And also do not advise to feed the plant. It is preferable to perform such actions in the spring. Loosening the soil will help slightly improve its composition in winter due to oxygen saturation. The surface layer of soil, which protects the plant from pathogens, should be kept intact at the same time.
How to water ficus?
Water taken from the tap must be settled or filtered before watering. Otherwise, lime, which is found in large quantities in tap water, can harm the plant. During settling, the water will heat up to the required temperature, and the chlorine, which is part of it, will have time to evaporate.
To free water from excessive hardness, it is useful to boil it. After that, it should cool down to the temperature environment. As the liquid cools, excess lime will gradually settle to the bottom. Therefore, when further pouring water into the irrigation tank, care must be taken. It is undesirable to shake the vessel. Liquid residues with a high concentration of lime must be disposed of.
Rain water or melted snow can be used to moisten the soil. To obtain melt water, it can also be frozen in the freezer, and then melted at room temperature. It is permissible to use aquarium water for watering ficus. When using untreated tap water for irrigation, an ugly white coating may appear on the leaves and soil surface. And if the surface layer of the soil can be easily removed and filled with clean earth, then this plaque is removed from the foliage with difficulty, while the appearance of the ficus may suffer.
The amount of liquid for irrigation is selected individually for each specific plant and depends on the stage of development of the ficus, the season, the quality of the soil, and external circumstances, such as air humidity, temperature, and illumination of the room.
How to water a ficus
Table. Step-by-step instruction for watering ficus.
| Steps, photo | Description of actions |
|---|---|
| It is necessary to deepen the finger into the soil to a depth of 7 centimeters. Watering should be done if the soil feels dry to the touch. And if it sticks to your fingers, then watering is not necessary. |
| This is necessary so that it is better saturated with oxygen. You can use a stick or spatula. |
| Watering is done slowly. It is necessary to ensure that the earth is well saturated with moisture. |
| It is carried out if moisture has not begun to appear in the pan. After half an hour, this excess water should be poured out. |
| If necessary, the crown is sprayed. |
Video - Ficus at home: care, watering, leaf spray
Watering ficus of any variety is carried out in compliance with certain rules:
- the soil should have time to dry between waterings;
- the regularity of watering depends on many factors (humidity, air temperature, light, etc.), so you need to monitor the soil to determine when watering is required;
- in the warm season, ficus is watered more often than in the cool season;
- to indicate the need for watering, an external examination is not enough - it is necessary to check the ground at a depth of up to 7 cm;
- the water used to water the ficus should not be cold.
What does improper watering ficus lead to?
When a tree grows in favorable conditions, the foliage grows more intensively than it dies off. initial stage malaise is manifested in the suspension of the formation of young shoots and foliage. After that, the leaves turn pale, and then the tree begins to intensively get rid of them.
To the most probable reasons The rapid loss of foliage by a tree is due to improper watering. It is undesirable to allow excess moisture during irrigation, as well as increased dryness of the land.
From excess moisture, the foliage of the plant becomes yellow and flies around in large numbers, there are 2-3 dozen leaves a day. To avoid such a problem, it is necessary to take care of good drainage when transplanting the plant into a new pot. Expanded clay, birch charcoal and vermiculite have proven themselves as drainage for ficus (the latter also protects the plant from fungus).
A sign that watering is carried out in insufficient quantities and the soil regularly dries up is the rapid loss of foliage. But first, foliage with a prominent yellowness begins to appear on the tree. In this case, the dropping of leaves occurs more than normal. With a constant lack of moisture, the loss of leaves occurs in an enhanced mode.
Another reason for dropping leaves can be hypothermia of ficus roots. That is why it is undesirable to put pots with a plant in winter on a windowsill and at any time of the year on a stone floor. If you use for watering ficus cold water, this will be a signal for him about the onset of negative environmental conditions.
How to water a ficus is a question that arises from a responsible grower who, by purchasing it, wants to learn how to properly care for it. And indeed, even if we are talking O unpretentious varieties plants, you need to know how often you need to water it and what other water procedures can be useful to it.
Ficus watering methods
How to water a ficus? No matter how many times a week a houseplant is watered, it should be “given” only settled water at room temperature. A container of water is best placed next to the pot, so as not to forget about watering. After settling for several days in a room, the liquid acquires desired temperature and favorably affects the ficus.
The scheme of water procedures is set individually, on average it can be from one to two times a week, and if the air in the room is dry and hot - up to three, but this is the maximum. If the tree is no different large sizes, the event should be carried out when upper layer soil in a pot will dry out on one or two phalanxes of a finger. For small bonsai, drying to half a phalanx is enough. Large ficus trees standing on the floor in tubs are watered when the earth dries, six to seven centimeters deep.
Most the right way proper watering any ficus is in a few simple steps:
- checking soil moisture (with a finger, depending on the size of the tree. If it is a small bonsai, you need to use a match or stick, being careful not to damage the roots);
- loosening - it should be carried out before each water procedure. This ensures optimal saturation of the root system of the plant with oxygen, improving air exchange between it and external environment;
- filling with water a previously prepared container;
- slow watering itself - in order to better soak the land;
- checking the pot tray: if there is no liquid, the event is repeated, in moderation;
- draining the pallet after 30 minutes. Never forget to do this;
- spraying the ground part of the tree as needed.
How to water ficus
So, watering the ficus at home is carried out only with settled and in no case cold water, which is either settled or filtered. As you know, it contains a large amount of lime, which is harmful to indoor plants. In the process of upholding everything harmful substances gradually evaporate. Boiling and then cooling to room temperature will help make the liquid less rigid. As the lime cools, it gradually settles to the bottom of the container, and this must be taken into account when watering, leaving the sediment in the jar, and then pouring it out, without shaking.
You can moisten the soil with rainwater or melted snow. Even aquarium water can be used for ficuses - the main thing is that the fish, at the same time, do not suffer.
If you water home flowers with untreated water, lime will provoke the appearance on the foliage white plaque, which is very poorly removed and spoils the appearance of the plant. With the onset of spring, it is recommended to consider a combination of watering and top dressing.
How often to water in the warm season
How many times to water the ficus in the summer - usually, it is enough for him twice a week, but it is necessary to control the condition of the soil so that there are no “underfilling” and “overflowing”. If the summer is hot and dry, water procedures sprinkles are added. The leaves should be wiped regularly with a soft and damp cloth.
How often to water in the cold season
How to water at home in winter? Since air humidity decreases in winter due to the use of heating appliances, the plant will need regular spraying. If possible, you should purchase special devices for humidifying the air or a mini-fountain that will look great near the tree and maintain the required level of humidity in the air.
Instead of a fountain, a regular container with clean water. How often to water the ficus - once a week, with the obligatory control of the condition of the top layer of the earth.
What causes improper watering of ficus
When the tree is carried out proper care, its leaves continue to grow even in winter, although much more slowly. If the watering of the ficus is done with errors, the young shoots stop appearing, the leaf becomes pale and lethargic, and then turns yellow and falls off. Therefore, neither high humidity of the earth nor dry soil are unacceptable.
In addition to correcting irrigation measures, you need to check the presence of drainage system in a pot. Good drainage must be present in the tank (expanded clay or pieces of broken brick), and the pan, as already mentioned, must be regularly checked and drained of all remaining liquid. Drainage is placed on the bottom of the pot at the next transplant.
It is important to remember that excess water is no less dangerous than its lack, and the development of dangerous fungal infections, which is fraught with rotting of the root system, will not take long. To prevent this from happening, you need to learn a number of simple rules and always be guided by them when caring for a pet.
The genus of ficuses is one of the most "populous". It has more than 800 species of plants, among which there are many unexpected specimens - strangler ficus, tropical epiphyte and the well-known fig tree. In indoor floriculture, only four representatives of the family are grown.
In room culture are known and popular:
- ficus Benjamin;
- rubber ficus;
- ficus bengal;
- ficus dwarf.
Plants are good for everyone - they look solid, not capricious, highly decorative, creating positive attitude, easy care. But one day, any owner of a ficus is faced with a problem that appears suddenly, from nowhere - the green pet begins to behave strangely. This is expressed in changes in the leaves.
Ficus leaves can:
- turn yellow or turn brown;
- dry up and curl up;
- fall off, partially on one side, selectively throughout the tree or completely.
Something is wrong, the owner understands, but it is not so easy to determine the cause. Meanwhile, the following should be known about ficus - 90% of problems with this plant are due to errors in watering.
What you should know about ficus
It is worth preparing for the appearance of ficus in the house. Before you settle a ficus in your home, making it a full member of the family, you need to think about and foresee everything.
- First, think about the area of the room. If this is not a dwarf ficus, with good care indoor specimens can reach a height of three meters (in nature, some members of the genus grow up to 30 meters).
- Secondly, you need to take care of the climate. For a ficus, it is important that the temperature and humidity of the room in which it lives "like" it. Incorrect thermal and water regime- the main cause of problems with indoor ficuses. If the humidity is not suitable, the temperature is too low or high, watering is wrong, the plant not only loses its decorative effect, but may also die.
Climate for ficuses
Ficuses are tropical plants. They need an appropriate climate - hot and humid. The soil in the pot should be moist, the air in the room should be moist, no drops or even fluctuations in temperature.
For summer, ficus is provided with a temperature of + 28 ... 30 ° C. In winter, the plant needs + 20 ° C. The climate should be uniform, no drops, drafts.
Important! The minimum temperature mark for the problem-free existence of ficus is + 14 ° C. When lowered, the plant can not only get sick, but also die.
Ficus - amateur fresh air, but drafts are fatal for him. One long airing, and your pet will say goodbye to foliage for a long time, and not all leaves can fall, but only from the side of the draft.
Humidity and watering
With humidity in the air - understandable. There are two ways to ensure its high rate - by constant spraying (at least twice a day, especially when heating is operating in winter) or by installing a special device that humidifies the air.
As for watering, everything is not so simple here. high humidity the plant needs only in the air. The soil in rainforests often dries out in the absence of rain. But when it rains, it is moistened abundantly and remains with high level moisture.
The soil in a ficus pot should not be constantly waterlogged. If you water the plant often and haphazardly, mold will appear on it, and possibly even root rot. It will be difficult to save ficus from this scourge - cut off damaged roots, disinfect, transplant into a dry, disinfected substrate. The plant will take root for a long time and painfully. In general, pouring ficus is bad.
Don't water it for a long time also impossible - if the soil in the pot dries up, tropical tree immediately drop leaves and remain naked. In addition, with increased dryness of the soil, the plant easily starts spider mite which is also difficult to deal with.
Ficus watering rules.
Soil for ficus
The amount of moisture in the pot is influenced by the quality of the soil. It is necessary to use special land for growing ficus (it says “For ficuses”). The main criteria for a suitable soil are looseness above average, increased moisture capacity, good aeration. To do this, sand, vermiculite, coconut fiber and sphagnum and other baking powder are added to the store standard soil.
Advice! For greater aeration and uniform evaporation of moisture from the pot, the soil must be loosened regularly and deeply.
If you want to make ficus soil yourself, use high-moor peat as the main component. Drainage in a thick layer at the bottom of the ficus "house" is a must.
Ficus lighting
Ficus does not need too much sunlight. For him, some not too dark corner in the apartment is quite suitable. The plant prefers diffused rays to direct ones. But if it stands in a cool shaded place, this should be taken into account when watering. Without the sun, the evaporation of moisture from the soil is slower, and again there is a danger of disrupting the irrigation regime. In this case, the frequency of watering must be adjusted.
Mineral supplements for ficus
Ficus needs to be fed. Not too often, but quite plentifully, since the tree has a thick lush crown, which the roots need to "nourish". Top dressing is made by universal mineral complexes only after watering. First - watering with clean water, then - top dressing. The frequency of feeding and their volume - according to the instructions on the preparations.
Ficus does not get sick more often than others and is damaged by insects. It does not have a bright dormant period, and its decorative effect decreases slightly in winter. The plant does not require special conditions. It is easily propagated by apical cuttings. One has only to put the ficus in right place, create him comfortable temperature and ensure a competent water regime, the plant will long years decorate your home with healthy rustling leaves in greeting.
Video - How to care for ficus
How to water ficus benjamin? Perhaps, everyone who has this most beautiful representative of ficuses in their home collection of indoor plants thinks about this question. And this is no coincidence, because the health and beauty of this plant largely depends on proper watering. The rules for proper watering ficus benjamin apply to all other types of ficus.
What water to use for watering ficus
In no case should you use tap water immediately from the tap, which contains a large amount of lime and chlorine, to water ficus benjamin. Lime on the surface of the soil will leave a whitish coating, and on the leaves, when they are sprayed, light spots, which spoils the appearance of the ficus. Chlorine is generally poorly tolerated by any indoor plants. Therefore, the water must either be filtered or allowed to stand at room temperature.
Undoubtedly, best water for watering ficuses - rain or melt. You can get such water at home, after freezing it in freezer, and then thawed and stood up to room temperature.
Boiled and cooled to room temperature water is well suited for watering ficuses. At the same time, its rigidity is reduced due to the sedimentation of lime to the bottom of the tank. Before watering, water should be carefully poured into another vessel, trying not to get sediment into it.
If the house has an aquarium with fish, then water taken from it is perfect for watering ficus benjamin.
How often to water a ficus
The timing of watering ficus benjamin is individual, they depend on factors such as air temperature and sanctification. If the temperature in the room is high (over 25 ° C), then watering should be carried out quite often, otherwise the foliage may fly around the ficus benjamin from a lack of moisture. Otherwise, if the temperature is below 20 ° C, it is worth increasing the interval between watering. IN this case if there is frequent watering, the ends of the leaves will darken and shedding of foliage is also possible.
Consecration directly affects the watering of the ficus. If only natural light is used, then the plant located by the window requires more frequent watering than a plant located far from the window. artificial lighting increases daylight hours, therefore, the need for watering increases.
In order to determine whether the time has come to water the ficus, it is necessary to immerse part of the finger in the soil. Dry soil will signal that it is time to water the plant. In large floor pots with ficus, before dipping your finger, you must first shovel a small top layer of soil to the side. If the pot is small, then before watering it becomes light, so you can determine the watering time by the weight of the pot.
How much water is needed to water the ficus
The amount of water for watering the ficus should be sufficient to saturate the entire soil and reach the roots, which are located closer to the bottom of the pot. Watering must be carried out evenly, distributing over the entire surface of the soil. large pots it is worth watering in parts in several doses. It is important not to flood the ficus; for this, the water remaining in the pan should be drained half an hour after watering. Reduce the amount of water next time. If the water flows too quickly into the pan, it means it's time to transplant the ficus.
You can reanimate the ficus after drying out by immersing the pot in a container of water and leaving it until the bubbles run out, then draining the excess water.
