Causes of blackening of ficuses and their shedding of leaves, care at home
Scientific research has established the fact that ficus can shed leaves in two ways:
- naturally;
- as a response to unfavorable external factors.
Why do ficus leaves fall off?, although he was properly provided with appropriate care?
During the process of renewal and growth from old age, ficus leaves may also fall off, and this is a generally accepted factor within normal limits. As for the rapid and fairly active loss of green mass, it can be caused by a number of reasons:
- errors in the mode of fertilizing and watering;
- low air humidity:
- drafts and hypothermia;
- changing the conditions and location of plants;
- sudden changes in temperature caused by sudden changes;
- soil poisoning with pesticides;
- unbalanced soil composition;
- plant pests;
- various flower diseases
By the way, if you have a large flower garden, we have many useful articles about diseases various plants. Here is one of them – “ “.
Methods of preventive control of leaf fall in ficus benjamina
To begin with, we will take a closer look at the reasons for leaf falling using the example of ficus benjamina, as well as methods of prevention and measures to combat this phenomenon.
Ficus benjamina looks luxurious in any interior; perhaps, with its presence it is able to emphasize and focus attention on social status or the material well-being of its owner, thereby increasing the level of the above-described factors in the eyes of others. At the same time, beginning flower growers immediately experience an overwhelming feeling of confusion, because they simply give up when the crown thins out before their eyes. Beginners in the field of floriculture absolutely do not know what measures need to be taken in order to provide all possible effective help to their favorite plant... If you are faced with such an unpleasant problem, what should you do if the ficus benjamin leaves fall off?
- Initially, the most likely cause of the flower disease should be identified and eliminated, and all external conditions and symptoms should be taken into account;
- Take into account the peculiarities of keeping specific varieties and varieties, on the basis of which it is necessary to ensure correct and competent care of the ficus. Flower leaf fall can occur all year round, but most often such an incident occurs in autumn and winter. Three main aspects are directly dependent on each other - temperature, air humidity and proper lighting: if the value of one indicator increases, therefore, others should also increase at the same time. However, in winter the diametrically opposite situation occurs, which is characterized by short daylight hours, too high temperatures and dry air. It is possible to correct such an imbalance using available means and methods. For example, to take preventive measures against absolute dehydration, the ficus is forced to shed its leaves on its own when intense evaporation of moisture occurs in the warm room with dry air. Given the low humidity, the necessary measures are regular spraying, air humidifiers, mini-greenhouses, pallets with raw expanded clay or water. Artificial light sources, the role of which is successfully performed by tubular or compact fluorescent lamps, are actively used when there is a lack of sunlight.
- To increase the level of resistance and resilience to external adverse factors and irritants, it is recommended to use anti-stress drugs such as Zircon or Epin. It is recommended to prepare a solution for spraying the crown immediately before the procedure. A similar recommendation can also be found in the manufacturer's instructions.
- Reduce the application of fertilizers to a significant extent or even stop applying fertilizers (the exception is the case when a flower disease arose due to a deficiency of fertilizer). A weakened plant lacks strength for further vegetation, so additional incentives are provided for it. nutrients.
- Treat the plant with appropriate suitable chemicals protection when diseases or pests are detected. In this case, you should carefully read the recommendations on the packaging.
- If the disease progresses and the ficus leaves en masse, the condition of the root system should be checked, since in some cases the ficus leaves not only fall off, but also turn black. When performing the above procedure, carefully remove the bush from the container and carefully inspect underground part. Soft and rotten (blackened) or wrinkled and dried roots are trimmed to healthy tissue (its main characteristics are density and milky or white color), using charcoal it is important to powder the sections (you can use a tablet of crushed activated carbon); after completing the “therapeutic” procedures, the ficus should be transplanted into a smaller pot, in which mandatory it is necessary to completely or partially replace the soil.
Is it possible to save a ficus if it is completely naked?
How to save a ficus if its last leaves fall off and it remains completely bare?
Even when falling last leaves ficus benjamina, don’t get upset, get discouraged or depressed and hang your nose! Even a tree that does not have a single leaf has every chance to successfully grow new shoots, thanks to the restorative function of the living microorganism, the necessary effective preventive and therapeutic measures taken in a timely manner, and the ongoing, never stopping efforts to save it.
In order to determine the state of “health” of ficus flowers, you do not need to use any special effort, everything is quite simple and banal: if the appearance of milky sap is visible on the trunk cut and you can determine by touch that the branches are flexible, barely touching them, therefore, the plant is alive and the state of its “health” is in in perfect order, which means that the owners do not have the slightest reason to worry.
And the ficus is actually a magical, homely flower, it can fulfill any home improvement desires. It helps in setting up family relations, supports the health of home owners. If you want to have a child, bring a ficus into the house, maybe a solid one, or maybe just a twig.
Ficus varieties: foliage problems and diseases
There may also be a number of problems when leaves fall in rubber ficus, which reproduces by air layering or cuttings and forms in the form of a bush or tree. To avoid excessive leaf fall of a plant, it is necessary to keep it in mind, taking note of general information regarding the conditions of its maintenance and methods of caring for it.
18-25 degrees above zero is optimal temperature maintenance of rubber ficus (avoid overcooling of roots and drafts). Pay attention to lighting (for variegated varieties, find a bright place; in summer, the ficus needs protection from direct rays of the midday sun. Water the plants correctly, using filtered or warm, settled water, but do not allow the soil to become waterlogged. Rational feeding ( adding nitrogen fertilizers to the soil from early spring to early autumn every one or two weeks) Monitor the air humidity in the room (regularly wipe or spray the leaves with soft water room temperature, especially the above procedure must be carried out during the heating season with a functioning central heating). Replant the rubber-bearing ficus every 1-3 years, when the roots entwine the entire ball of earth, in spring or early summer. Carry out hygiene procedures: take a warm shower every month, and clean the leaves from dust with a damp sponge weekly.
As the next variety of ficus, consider the ficus kinki, which, having medium-sized leaves, resembles a tree in its appearance. Ficus kinki is more elegant compared to its large-leaved compatriots. A properly formed crown is an important factor when growing this type of ficus. Sometimes several plants are planted in a pot to keep the bush upright. Young shoots intertwine with each other as they grow, and over time, the trunks grow together at the point of contact. Help in this procedure will be provided by a support peg, to which a young shoot must be tied to give a vertical position to the plant with the prospect of its further growth. Once the shoot, which must become thick enough, reaches the required height to hold the crown, the peg can be removed. Ficus kinki can be cut without any problems, since it tolerates cutting quite easily, and a beautiful curly crown can be formed, and the small foliage of the ficus will be a concomitant factor for its formation.
The main reason for the massive leaf fall of the Kinki ficus is a change in the usual living conditions or lack of light.
Ficus bonsai sheds its leaves due to a number of reasons:
- excessive watering, which causes dark spots or root rot to appear on the leaves;
- insufficient watering, which serves as a factor weakening the general condition of the plant and leading to the shedding of leaves;
- low air humidity, causing abundant leaf fall and spider mite infestation;
- insufficient level of lighting quality, watering with cold water or keeping the ficus bonsai at a temperature that is too low (below +17 degrees) or too high (above +23 degrees) for it;
- flows of both cold and warm air along with drafts;
- sudden changes in temperature;
- moving to a new place of residence.
Ficus nitida is one of the varieties of Ficus Benjamin. This type can be classified as an artificially created plant, planted in tubs, with oval-oblong glossy dense leaves that have a rich and juicy dark green color. The trunk of the ficus nitida has graceful smooth curves, and the crown of the described tree is lush and dense. Due to the dark green color of the leaves, this ficus is resistant to temporary lack of light.
However, ficus nitida can shed leaves due to waterlogged soil conditions, sudden climate changes, watering with cold water, low indoor air temperatures, cold penetrating drafts, or excess amounts of nutrients in the soil.
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Video: Ficus care
Most new bonsai owners are not ready to grow bonsai. Very often they see a bonsai, think “Oh, how cool!”, and bring it home, knowing nothing about how to care for the tree.
Caring for and growing a bonsai is not difficult, but you need to understand the basics of bonsai care. And in order for the bonsai to please the owner for many years, you need to understand the basic basic points for caring for your tree (in this section below there are articles on basic care, watering, replanting, pruning, fertilizing bonsai, etc., read them again ).
A dying bonsai can very often be saved and can live for many years.
Like all trees, bonsai can die due to disease, insect damage, or insufficient and improper care. This may be untimely replanting of trees, very often improper watering of the plant, a lack of nutrients in the soil, which may appear due to insufficient fertilizer or bad water, soil depletion. Trees also often suffer due to improper light conditions and insufficient humidity. Often, irregular pruning aggravates the condition of the plant, especially if it is infected with pests.
A dying bonsai tree needs immediate action to save it. The faster the correct necessary measures are taken, the greater the chances of a quick recovery of the plant.
So, in order.
Inappropriate conditions for keeping bonsai
To grow a healthy and full-fledged bonsai tree, it is very important to understand in which climatic zone the specific type of tree you purchased grows under natural conditions. Therefore, first of all, you need to determine the type of your bonsai, since each type of plant needs different conditions. It could be a tree temperate climate, which needs a cold winter, or, on the contrary, a tropical type of tree that needs to be provided with a temperature of at least +18 C all year round.
Depending on the type of plant, it is necessary to provide the bonsai with conditions that are as similar as possible to the natural growing conditions of the plant - light, temperature regime, humidity. Most bonsai require 6 to 12 hours of sunlight, high level humidity (the higher the better), watering after the top of the soil dries, and a temperature that will be as close as possible to conditions in nature throughout the year.
Good air circulation and sufficient humidity will provide the tree with comfortable conditions, especially in apartments and houses. Regardless of the type of tree in the climatic conditions of Ukraine, it is recommended that in the warm season (when the night temperature does not fall below 16C), if possible, keep bonsai on outdoors, providing it with additional shading from direct sunlight.
Pay special attention to the “wintering” conditions of your bonsai. Some trees require a dormant period and a temperature regime of 0-(-5) C, some need to provide a conditional dormant period (for subtropical and Mediterranean species +5-+15 C), and some cannot tolerate temperatures below +12 C. This is very important condition, which is often neglected, leading to the death of the plant.
Deciduous bonsai shed their leaves in the fall. And any deciduous bonsai can shed its leaves at any time when the conditions are not suitable for them. But this does not mean that the tree is dead, it signals a problem that, without appropriate measures, can lead to the death of the tree.
Improper watering of the plant
The most frequent and quick reason the death of trees is caused by improper watering of the bonsai - underwatering or overwatering (for watering rules, see the article “Watering Bonsai” in this section)
The main signs of underwatering a bonsai:
- leaves lose turgor, become limp and plants look drooping;
- with prolonged drying (sometimes in very hot conditions, especially if the tree is standing on a window, just a few days are enough) the tree can completely dry out the foliage or throw it off;
- the soil feels hard and dry to the touch;
- an intensive root system may indicate that the roots are growing, trying to find moisture.
Damage to wood by insects
Check the bonsai for any signs of insect damage or eggs. The most common insects that infect bonsai are aphids, mealybugs, whiteflies, and scale insects. If possible, physically remove all living visible insects and their eggs. Treat the bonsai with an appropriate systemic insecticide. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations when processing the plant and dosage of the drug. Continue to treat the plant preventively from early spring until the end of summer (see article “Diseases and Pests”).
Fungal infection of bonsai
Check the tree for the following signs of disease - curling leaves, white coating on the leaves, yellowing and falling leaves, colorless spots on the leaves, which may signal the following diseases - leaf curl, powdery mildew, rust. Remove infected leaves and spray the plant with a systemic fungicide, following the manufacturer's instructions.
Untimely tree replanting
Timely replanting of bonsai is very important point tree care, as the tree may die due to lack of space for healthy root growth or due to salt buildup from water or fertilizers.
The frequency of repotting a bonsai depends on the size of the container, the type of bonsai tree and its age. Young, fast-growing trees need to be replanted every year or two, older trees need to be replanted every 3-5 years.
Depending on the natural conditions in which the tree grew, select right time for his transplant.
Replanting is the best time to diagnose and check the tree's root system. If your tree is sick, this is also a reason to diagnose the condition of the root system. When the root system is rotten, it stimulates the growth of putrefactive bacteria that can kill the tree. Therefore, cutting off old and rotten roots will help the tree recover faster. Be careful when pruning healthy root systems, as this can slow down the plant's recovery process. Repot the plant in a larger pot if it has been in the same pot for more than two years and the tree has outgrown the pot. Trim off long, thick, and dead roots before repotting your bonsai into a larger pot. Trim the bonsai root system so that the root system fits comfortably in the new pot. Pruning is necessary to stimulate root growth. It is necessary to use a soil mixture for replanting bonsai, which will ensure good air circulation and good drainage. After transplanting, water the plant generously.
How to properly replant a bonsai, see the article “Transplanting Bonsai”.
Nutrient deficiencies
Often, insufficient fertilization of bonsai can lead to various plant diseases. Therefore, fertilize your bonsai regularly good fertilizer for bonsai, following the manufacturer's instructions. Soils for replanting bonsai contain very few nutrients, so it is necessary to fertilize bonsai REGULARLY in order to provide a sufficient amount of essential macro- and microelements, as well as increase the plant’s immunity, preventing the occurrence of diseases.
How to fertilize bonsai, see the article “Fertilizer for Bonsai”.
Irregular trimming of bonsai
Trim any excess growth of bonsai foliage and branches. An overgrown bonsai is more susceptible to insect damage. Excess foliage and branches also use the plant's energy and consume useful material necessary for plant restoration. Use a sharp tool to trim away excess internal branches and excess foliage.
Form a plant only after the tree has resumed its state.
Do you want to get yourself a miniature bonsai tree, but have not yet decided on the choice of plant? Great option For an apartment or house there will be a ficus ginseng, an elegant and amazing plant, which simply has no analogues in beauty!
Ficus ginseng: general information
Ficus ginseng is called by any name: and ficus microcarpa, obtuse, ginseng. This plant is a bright representative of the ficus genus of the mulberry family, which in nature is quite aggressive and reaches a height of 25 meters. At home, it does not grow above one and a half meters. This evergreen shrub native to Southeast China, Japan, Philippines, Taiwan, Indonesia, Northern Australia.
Ficus ginseng (microcarpa, Ficus retusa) has small, neat leaves that are quite similar to the leaves of Ficus Benjamin, but do not have an elongated axis at the tip. Basically, the leaf shape of this plant is both oblong and round. The trunk is covered with thin, smooth bark, so the bush is quite easy to injure.
Ficus microcarpa ginseng is translated from Latin as ginseng. The shrub got its name from the similarity of the root system with the root of the well-known ginseng, which also, in turn, resembles the medieval mandrake, used in magical rituals.
How to grow Ficus ginseng
Today, this variety of ficus is grown on an industrial scale mainly in the Republic of China. Breeding and biology specialists know special technology to grow ficus ginseng. It is thanks to this that the effect of fancy roots, which are actually bush trunks, is achieved. You can see this in the photo. Growing technology involves the following stages:
- Planting seeds or germinating cuttings.
- Cutting off formed roots.
- Planting them in separate pots.
- The use of substances to stimulate plant growth.
- Sending ficus ginseng for sale.
Achieve the desired shape The root system of Ficus ginseng is not immediately possible, although this plant is characterized as simple enough to form a bonsai. For this purpose, there are special farms where seeds are planted or cuttings are germinated. As the ficus grows, its powerful root system is formed under the layer of soil. The bush constantly receives hormonal and insecticides to accelerate root growth and prevent disease. During the industrial growing process, temperature and humidity levels are strictly observed.
As the ficus ginseng grows, its roots are closely monitored. If they reach required sizes, the bush is dug up and, oddly enough, the formed trunk of the plant is cut off. Only a small shoot remains in this place. The root system is carefully cleared of soil, washed and sorted. Then the roots and shoots are sent to flower farms, where they are planted separately from each other. This type of planting has its own peculiarities: the roots need to be buried only partially, leaving most of them above the soil. Next, the plant gets used to the new living conditions, the skin of the roots becomes rougher and turns into bark.
The next stage is the use of various chemicals to accelerate the formation of new branches and shoots from the root system of the plant. Their grafting from other plants is not excluded. To maintain the compact shape of ficus ginseng, a retardant substance is used. After such complex manipulations by biologists and breeders, the bonsai tree is formed and goes on sale.
This charming ficus ginseng will be an excellent original gift that will bring a piece of Asia to any home. If you were given this plant as a gift, be sure to learn how to care for it at home.
Caring for ficus at home
Despite the fact that growing ficus ginseng is a rather painstaking process, caring for it at home will not seem difficult to you. This tree is not whimsical, but it needs to be taken care of.
Home care for Ficus ginseng first consists of creating for it comfortable conditions. It may also happen that immediately after you bring the bonsai into your home, its leaves begin to turn yellow and wither. This reaction of the ficus is considered completely normal and can become part of its acclimatization and adaptation. If the plant is healthy, then recovery will begin in 2-3 weeks.
Choose a shaded place for the ficus ginsenga that is protected from direct sunlight. But don’t overdo it, because the plant won’t like a very dark area of your house either. It is also worth remembering that the ficus must be protected from radiators and heaters, because dry hot air has a detrimental effect on its growth. Like all other plants, do not place this bonsai in a draft; a shaded place with a temperature of 16-22 degrees Celsius will be optimal for it.
Ficus ginseng loves moderate and timely watering. Do not allow the soil in the pot to dry out or become waterlogged. Focus on the temperature, pot size, and plant age. As for spraying, start this procedure from the first day the plant appears in the house, then every 1-2 days.
Young ficus ginsengi need replanting once a year. When the plant matures, replanting can be done once every 2-3 years. It is recommended to replant the ficus in a special purchased substrate or prepare the soil for it yourself (sand, picking soil, clay granulate).
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How to quickly and correctly propagate ficus benjamina!?
Ficus Panda
Today, a large number of varieties and varieties of ficus are so popular that they are already considered practically as independent plants. In almost all specialized stores you can find a rather spectacular plant called Ficus Panda. This plant is praised by sellers as something special, but in fact it is a variety of ficus obtuse.
This variety is one of the most spectacular and can be grown not only as a bonsai. Its very dense crown consists of small leaves, which is very attractive to gardeners. However, the plant is distinguished by its high cost and very capricious character. Every year this ficus becomes more and more popular, and from a simple plant it has turned into an exclusive one. And this is not without reason.
Features of Ficus Panda
Ficus "Panda" is called according to all the rules the ficus obtuse variety "Panda" (Ficus retusa cv. Panda). It is quite easy to recognize by its characteristic feature, namely, by the blunt-pointed shape of the leaf plates. So, if viewed from a distance, they may seem almost round at the top, but are visually perceived as oval. However, this variety has many features that are characteristic of it.
So evergreen woody plant presented in the form of a shrub or develops in a multi-stemmed form. The plant is highly branched, the stems are quite strong and quickly become lignified. As they grow, they become deformed and thickened, which facilitates the process of shaping the bush and creating a bonsai. The ficus has fairly strong and clearly visible aerial roots, which make it very impressive. The shoots are covered with beige-gray bark, which has a fairly light shade, while pale streaks are visible only on young branches. Small, very neat leathery leaves look impressive. Young foliage is golden in color and appears to glow. They begin to grow at the end of winter, and appear throughout the period of intensive growth. Such leaves are the reason why this ficus is also called the “golden ficus”.
This plant also has a characteristic feature found in blunted ficus plants. Thus, young leaves are initially covered with light-colored stipules, which gradually become yellow and die. Wide adult leaf blades have an oval or elliptical shape, straight edges and a blunt tip. The leaves can reach 6 centimeters in length, and in width? 4 centimeters. The leaves are a vibrant dark to medium green, with the undersides being more subdued in color. The leaves are very shiny and a thin light-colored vein is clearly visible on their surface. There are no dots or specks on the surface of the foliage, but the leaves themselves differ in color saturation, as well as tone, due to this the plant has a slight watercolor appearance. Leaf petioles are thin and short. The arrangement of sheet plates is alternate with a spiral offset. At the same time, they are very close to each other, which makes the crown look curly and thick.
This variety of ficus has one very important advantage, namely, unusual fruits of a spherical shape and green color, like shiny decorations between the leaves. Flowering is almost imperceptible.
This type of ficus best choice for bonsai. In this flower, even without outside help, as it grows, the trunk thickens, as well as its curvature. The result is very impressive lines. Unique golden young leaves and fruits make this plant stand out among other ficus plants, as well as small leaf blades. This flower looks watercolor at any time of the year, as its leaves are painted in a variety of shades of green.
Caring for Ficus Panda at home
The rules for caring for such a plant are very similar to those used for growing other ficuses (only they are a little more complicated). The most difficult thing in caring for this ficus is maintaining a stable environment, namely, it is necessary that the temperature and light do not change sharply, and are constantly at the same level. High air humidity is also required and protection from drafts is required. The better you take care of your Panda, the more elegant and impressive it will look.
Illumination
Loves light very much. It is worth remembering that this ficus differs from others in that it cannot grow and develop normally even with slight shading. IN summer time It is recommended to protect it from direct sunlight, but you should choose the brightest place for placement. Or you can simply place it on a south-facing window, but at the same time make the light diffuse. When the cold season sets in and daylight hours shorten, the flower must be moved to the most illuminated place; it is also recommended to provide additional lighting with special lamps.
Those ficuses that are formed in the form of bonsai are shade-tolerant, and for their cultivation you can choose shaded places (partial shade). However, whether it is possible to place the plant in a shaded place, you need to find out when purchasing it in a store from a seller.
Temperature
This ficus loves warmth very much and needs stability. The plant may die if the room temperature is less than 8 degrees. A temperature of less than 15 degrees will cause the plant’s appearance to deteriorate significantly. "Panda" feels great at temperatures from 17 to 22 degrees. If the room temperature is slightly higher, an increase in air humidity will be required.
In summer, it is recommended to move it to fresh air (balcony, terrace), where the plant feels quite well. However, you should choose a well-protected place for its placement, since the plant reacts extremely negatively to drafts and prefers a more stable environment. In this regard, in the absence of a place on the street that would meet all the requirements, it is recommended to leave the flower in the house.
Remember that such a ficus should under no circumstances be exposed to drafts. A cold draft, as well as a sharp drop in room temperature, can cause significant harm to it. As a rule, in this case the plant drops all its foliage. Both the plant itself and the soil should not be allowed to cool down. flower pot. In the autumn-winter period, it is recommended to place a stand under the pot, or you can remove it to some elevation. This will help avoid contact with a cold window sill.
How to water
The plant should be watered regularly and moderately, but the soil in the pot should always be slightly moist. In summer, it is necessary to water abundantly. At any time of the year, watering should be done only after upper layer the soil will dry out. Do not allow the soil to become waterlogged, and especially not allow liquid to stagnate in it, even for a relatively short period. Remember that excessive humidity is a greater danger than drought (but is also best avoided if possible). Only soft water is suitable for irrigation. Avoid watering with cold water. In winter, it is recommended to water with lukewarm water, and in spring and autumn it should be at room temperature.
The plant needs high air humidity. To increase this value, you can carry out systematic spraying or install an air humidifier. You can moisten the foliage only with soft water. It’s better to use melted, distilled or boiled water for this purpose.
The plant is fed only during the period of intensive growth from the beginning of spring until October once every 2 or 3 weeks. To do this, it is recommended to use special fertilizers for ficus plants or complex fertilizers for decorative deciduous plants.
Such a plant requires systematic formation. However, pruning is not recommended at the beginning of a period of intensive growth, in the first days of spring, or before replanting, because this procedure greatly weakens the ficus. And under no circumstances should pruning be carried out during the replanting process. It is recommended to carry out the plant formation procedure in the first summer weeks or, if necessary, in May. Only the tips of the branches need to be trimmed, and only branches that have become stretched or damaged should be shortened significantly. The purpose of this procedure is to make the crown more magnificent. You can systematically trim such a ficus, giving it a more strict or specific shape. He tolerates such procedures quite well, and recovery occurs quite quickly. In those places where the shoots were pruned, branching increases and growth accelerates, and the direction of the branches changes, which leads to changes in the silhouette of the ficus.
Trim branches by 1/3 or by? part is possible only when the flower needs to be rejuvenated or is in a very depressed state.
As a rule, such a plant needs to be staked only if you do not want to grow it as a bonsai. Thin shoots are not able to constantly maintain their normal shape, especially when the shaping is carried out at the wrong time and the branches become elongated.
Earth mixture
For "Panda" it is recommended to choose soil for ficuses, which is sold in specialized stores. It is best to use a purchased soil mixture, but you can prepare it yourself; for this you will need to combine leaf and turf soil, sand and peat, which must be taken in equal parts. The substrate should allow water and air to pass through well, be loose and not too light. You can add some loosening additives, such as vermiculite, to the mixture. The acidity of the soil should be neutral.
Features of transplantation
Such a flower is replanted only if necessary. For adult ficuses, as well as those growing in bonsai form, it is recommended to only replace the top layer of the substrate once a year. This procedure is carried out in early spring; to do this, remove the old top layer of soil and add fresh substrate. Such a plant needs to be replanted only if the roots no longer fit into the pot.
Young specimens require regular transplantation, once a year. Transplantation is carried out using the transshipment method, earthen lump it must remain intact. The neck should not be buried; it should be left at the same level. Don't forget to make a fairly thick drainage layer at the bottom. So, crushed brick and expanded clay are perfect for this. After transplantation, until the ficus begins to grow again, it is shaded and supported more high humidity air than usual.
This plant can be grown hydroponically.
Pests and diseases
This variety is not resistant to harmful insects that prefer low air humidity. If you do not maintain high humidity, then spider mites, scale insects, and mealybugs may well settle on the plant. In order to get rid of them, you need to remove them manually and maintain high air humidity. If the infestation is too severe, the use of insecticides will be required.
Possible problems:
Reproduction methods
Can be propagated by cuttings in spring-summer period. The cut cuttings are immersed in water for several hours, and then treated with a growth stimulating agent. For rooting, the cuttings are placed in a warm place (at least 25 degrees) with high humidity. Bottom heating will be required, and it is recommended to cover the top of the cutting with a plastic bag or cap.
Large bushy specimens can be propagated by air layering. A longitudinal incision is made between two strong nodes. Then this place needs to be wrapped in moistened moss or substrate. When the shoot takes root, it is separated from the mother bush.
Ficus microcarpa bonsai - miniature tree
Ficus microcarpa, this is a miniature tree, in other words a bonsai.
Bonsai is a device and the ability to grow small copies of large trees at home. A special feature of this species are the fruits, which are almost impossible to achieve at home, since the ficus simply refuses to bloom.
Natural habitats are tropical forests of Asia, China, Australia with good sunlight. Caring for ficus microcarpa at home does not present any particular difficulties, although some conditions must be adhered to, otherwise the small tree simply will not survive. The peculiarity lies in the interweaving of the root system in certain forms(figures), which is located on the surface, as well as a beautiful lush crown.
The name microcarp comes from its miniature fruits, which is translated from Greek mikros karpos - small fruit.
Description: In the tropics, the height reaches 20 - 25 m, at home, it does not exceed 2-3 m. In nature, it is often an epiphyte, that is, it constantly grows on another tree.
The oval wide leaves are lanceolate-shaped at the end, curved, smooth with a uniform color, located on short petioles. They look like they have been waxed. The trunk bark is brown, the leaves are green, dark green. It bears fruit in natural conditions with small yellow fruits, which turn burgundy when ripe. Particularly afraid of dry climates and scorching sun.
Ficus microcarpa (bonsai) home care
This type of ficus is a small ornamental tree that prefers a damp room and does not tolerate temperature changes and drafts.
When purchasing or moving to a new place, do not worry if your favorite tree begins to shed its leaves. In another month, everything will be back to normal. This is how the ficus tries to adapt to a new place and climate, shedding unnecessary (extra) leaves, thereby creating a reserve of resistance in its habitat. Keep it at constant humidity, spraying it daily, and new leaves will appear within a month.
Lighting: Prefers moderate light, avoiding direct sunlight. Feels good away from the window in constant partial shade. Does not like frequent rearrangements from place to place, otherwise it will begin to shed leaves. For partial prevention, there is a commercial biostimulator “Epin”, which needs to be sprayed on the plant.
Temperature: Main feature In caring for ficus microcarpa, it is not the temperature indicators, but the absence of drafts and sudden changes of 5-7 degrees. Comfortable living temperature is 16-23 degrees. Temperatures above 25 degrees can lead to drying out of the soil and a decrease in humidity in the room. In such cases, the icus must be constantly sprayed. It is also better to install a humidifier in your home. Use water that has been standing for at least 10-12 hours, slightly above room temperature, otherwise the ficus will begin to shed its leaves. Resetting can also occur due to too low a constant temperature.
Soil: The bud is used either purchased for ficus (palm trees), or prepared independently. Recipe: sand, picking soil, clay. Mix everything and add in equal proportions.
Humidity: As mentioned earlier, ficus requires a humid climate. Regularly, during hot periods every day, spray it 1-2 times a day. Also during the heating period, if it is not possible to reduce the temperature on the heating radiators. In addition to spraying, leaves can be wiped with a damp cloth. It is not the trunk that is sprayed, but the leaves.
Watering: Watering should be done moderately; excessive amounts of water cause rotting of the root system and the tree dies. The interval between watering is determined by the availability of dry soil. Try it, if the soil is dry 2-3 cm deep, you can water it. Use soft or rain water at room temperature, or slightly higher. Cold water leads to leaf fall. Excess water in the pan must be poured out; stagnation also negatively affects growth. There is no specific watering interval; everything is individual for each tree.
Transplantation: Transplantation is carried out once every 3 years. Ficus microcarpa does not really like replanting and can shed its leaves if the roots are damaged. In addition, the growth of the trunk is quite slow. When replanting, partially or completely replace the soil with fresh soil. Choose a pot 2-3 cm in diameter larger than the previous one. First, make good drainage from expanded clay and charcoal. The soil should be loose, well permeable to water and air.
Feeding: It is necessary to feed regularly from spring to autumn. In winter, during the dormant period, ficus does not need fertilizer. Use purchased fertilizers containing mineral and organic substances for ficus or palm plants. There are also special fertilizers for bonsai ( ornamental trees). Add 2 times a month before watering. You can add fertilizers to both water for irrigation and water for spraying.
Pruning: To form a lush crown, ficus microcarpa bonsai needs regular pruning several times a year. The trunk of young plants is also pruned to increase thickness and power.
Reproduction: Like any other similar species, microcarpa reproduces by cuttings. The top sharp knife cut and place in a vessel with water until the cuttings take root. Shoots must be strong with fully developed fibers. After 2-3 weeks, roots will appear. Then the young shoot is transplanted into the ground, where further growth takes place with regular transplants every year until the ficus is 3-4 years old. Then the transplant is reduced every 3 years.
Diseases and pests: Ficus is quite resistant to pests and diseases at home, but if the above rules and regulations are not observed, the tree is attacked by aphids, mealybugs, and scale insects. Also, leaves may lose color, turn black, dark spots appear, or even fall off.
Main care problems:
- The leaves darken and gray spots appear - most likely, there is excess moisture and the roots begin to rot. Monitor watering and humidity in the room. There may be water remaining in the pan.
- Often sheds leaves - the lump is too dry and not enough moisture. Leaves are limp and weak. It also happens when there are drafts, frequent moves (rearrangements) to new places, or sudden changes in temperature. Another feature of dropping leaves is watering with cold water or lack of light.
- Dark curled leaves - the ficus may have been burned from direct sunlight.
- Spider mites - low indoor humidity.
Pests are either washed off with water with a damp sponge, or using a soap solution with the addition of 1 tbsp. spoons of alcohol per 1 liter. water, is also replaced by an earthen lump.
Perhaps this is all you need to know about Ficus microcarpa bonsai for proper care at home.
Why do ficus trees shed leaves?
Many gardeners love ficuses not only for their external beauty, but also for their unpretentiousness, because these plants do not need to be watered, fed or replanted often. But, despite this, certain difficulties with growing ficuses still arise. Most often this concerns leaf falling.
In this article, we will give the main reasons that may explain why the ficus sheds its leaves, and what measures should be taken to ensure that the plant remains green.
When does the ficus shed its leaves?
Beginning gardeners may be concerned about the falling leaves of the ficus plant. If this process occurs in late autumn or early winter, there is no need to worry - this is an absolutely natural process.
In the cold season, most varieties of this crop enter a period of vegetative dormancy and begin to change their green cover, shedding the old one. In this case, new leaves are formed almost immediately.
In addition, abscission may be associated with the age of the plant. As a rule, the green parts of the crop live for two to three years, after which they are renewed. But, if your flower is relatively young, and the cold season has not yet arrived, and the leaves are falling off the plant, you should think about external factors that could trigger this process.
Why does ficus shed its leaves?
Shedding leaves is considered an absolutely natural process of renewal. In some varieties it begins with the lower tiers, which gradually turn yellow, dry out and fall off (Figure 1).
Figure 1. Natural leaf changing process
In other species, with the onset of winter, all the foliage may fall off. There is no need to worry about this, since new parts are formed almost immediately. But it often happens that leaf fall is associated with negative environmental factors that must be eliminated in order to preserve the decorative nature of the crop.
Why do ficus leaves fall off?
Despite the fact that ficus is considered a relatively unpretentious plant in terms of care, some actions of the gardener can lead to the fact that the leaves of the crop begin to fall off.
If such a problem has already happened to your flower, eliminate the negative factors one at a time in order to accurately determine the cause and eliminate it. We will describe the most popular causes of abscission below.
Air temperature
Under natural conditions, ficuses grow in the tropics, so drafts and low temperatures affect them extremely negatively (Figure 2).
Note: The root system of a flower is especially sensitive to cold and drafts, so placing a pot with a plant on a cold windowsill is not recommended.
Most comfortable temperature for a crop the indicator is considered to be +20 degrees, but there are varieties that require more high temperatures for normal growth and development. But you shouldn’t overheat the flower: if the room temperature exceeds +28 degrees, the leaves will begin to wither and lose color.
Improper watering
These tropical residents react extremely negatively to excess moisture. And if water begins to stagnate at the roots, they will begin to rot. If appropriate measures are not taken in time, the plant will first lose its greenery and then die completely.
Figure 2. Result of ficus overheating
To prevent this from happening, you need to strictly follow the watering schedule. In general, the plant does not need to be watered too often. To check the need to add moisture, just pierce the substrate with a thin wooden stick. Ideally it should remain dry. This means that the soil has dried to a sufficient depth and the flower can be watered.
Air humidity
In winter, during heating season, the air in the room becomes too dry, which negatively affects the ficus. Similar processes occur in hot summers without rain.
Such conditions can lead to yellowing and falling leaves (in dwarf varieties) or the formation of characteristic spots of representatives large varieties. To prevent such a problem, you need to periodically spray the plant with water at room temperature ( better in the morning and in the evening) and wipe the green parts with a damp sponge from time to time.
Presence of pests
It often happens that the gardener simply did not notice that there were insects in the pot. But their presence will not remain without a trace. Most pests feed on plant sap (aphids, spider mites and scale insects). Accordingly, culture is losing vitality and simply cannot support foliage.
If you notice that your flower is beginning to shed its leaves, carefully inspect the soil and above-ground parts of the plant. This way you can detect insects and take measures to eliminate them. Thus, aphid colonies most often settle on stems and the inner surface of the plates, spider mites form a characteristic web on the above-ground parts, and scale insects stick to the stems and leaves and look like brown growths.
To remove pests, you must first wash the plant with soapy water (followed by rinsing clean water) and spray with special insecticides (depending on the type of pest detected).
Fungal diseases
If the ficus not only began to lose leaves, but also changed color, there is every reason to suspect fungal diseases. IN in this case foliage can not only change color, but also become covered with pigment spots or stripes.
Usually, fungal diseases occur when proper care behind the plant, or when using an infected substrate for replanting. You can’t hesitate: to save the plant, you need to immediately treat it with fungicides.
The fact is that the flower itself is quite resistant to diseases and pests, and such troubles most often occur when improper care behind the plant. Therefore, if you fertilize too often and intensively or treat the flower with pesticides, the plant may simply not withstand such a load and begin to shed its leaves.
The only one characteristic feature ficus, which greatly distinguishes it from other indoor crops, is its strong intolerance to transplantation or change of location. Even if you just moved the pot of the plant, its leaves may begin to fall.
This also applies to transplantation. It is advisable to carry it out in early spring, when the crop has not yet awakened after a period of vegetative dormancy. But even in this case, it is possible that after replanting the leaves will begin to fall off. Don't panic: you need to leave the flower alone for a while, and after about a month, add fertilizer that will help the plant gain strength.
Bad light
As we have already said, in nature ficuses are found in the tropics, so direct sunlight and lack of lighting are detrimental to them. If it is dark, its leaves will gradually begin to become smaller and then fall off. With strong exposure to direct sunlight, signs of burns (yellowing) will first appear, and then the foliage may completely fall off (Figure 3).
Figure 3. Optimal lighting for a flower
To prevent this from happening, it is advisable to place the flower pot at some distance from the window so that the crop receives enough light, but it is diffused. Only such conditions will be suitable for this resident of the tropical forests.
Why do ficus leaves fall in winter?
In winter, most crop varieties enter a period of vegetative dormancy. Therefore, if you notice that your flower has noticeably thinned out, you should immediately water it intensively and feed it. Quite the contrary: such procedures will only worsen the situation.
It is important to remember that the falling of leaves during the cold season is an absolutely natural process, and soon new greenery will appear in place of the old foliage.
How to prevent
If you notice the beginning of leaf fall in time and establish that this process is not associated with natural causes, it is necessary to immediately take certain actions to save the flower (Figure 4).
Here's how to prevent ficus leaves from falling:
- Check the quality and degree of soil moisture: if it is too wet, stop watering completely for two weeks. If after this the plant does not recover, replant it into new and moderately moist soil.
- Feed the plant: Perhaps you have not added nutrients to the soil for too long, and your flower simply does not have enough microelements.
- Check the plant for pests: To do this, it is enough to inspect the soil and above-ground parts. If insects are found, they must be destroyed with special chemicals.
- Inspect the root system: To do this, you need to carefully remove the plant from the pot and check whether the roots have rotted. If such areas are noticed, they should be cut off, the sections should be treated with crushed coal, and the plant itself should be transplanted into a new pot with fresh soil.
- Tekkan - the trunk of the plant has a straight shape
- Moyogi - the straight shape of the trunk has individual bends in certain places.
- Syakan - the trunk of the plant is inclined, and the roots are slightly turned out.
- Sokan - the plant has a forked trunk.
- Hokidachi - the tree has both branches and roots diverging symmetrically.
- Grove is a composition that consists of several trees.
Figure 4. Proper care at home
It is important to remember that ficus should not be watered or fed too intensively. It is also advisable to decide in advance on its location: the plant reacts negatively to a change in environment.
More information about the reason for the shedding of leaves in this crop is given in the video.
Ficus bonsai
Grow at home small tree you can easily. With proper care, it will always decorate your room interior. The art of bonsai is used for this purpose. Thanks to him, such a miracle can be created. It originates in China. Bonsai is created from pomegranate or olive; oleander and bougainvillea are also used. This is a classic option. And at home, it is best to grow ficus bonsai using this science.
How to grow ficus bonsai
The art of bonsai is the formation of a mini tree, which occurs with proper pruning of the roots and crowns of plants. Ficus is ideal for this. Due to its rapid growth, a tree is obtained after three years of cultivation. To make a ficus bonsai, you need to grow the plant using twigs. They are pre-rooted in water and then planted. As they grow, they are intertwined with each other.
Ficus bonsai must be grown in a special pot with a shallow depth, but the area requires a large area in terms of width. The container must contain drainage holes. Since we don't need excess moisture. A layer of sand is placed at the bottom, and soil is poured on top. Before planting, the ficus is trimmed with roots and planted to the level of the root collar. The soil around it is slightly compacted. When the root system and branches grow, they are again pruned and replanted. Because of this, the tree grows wider. The trunk thickens. When its size suits you, then they begin to shape and trim the crown.
As soon as the roots get stronger, they begin to be exposed a little bit. The skin of the branches at the points of contact is removed and tied with wire. It is changed periodically to avoid ingrowth. Thanks to this procedure, the branches begin to grow together. As a result, fused shoots can form one powerful trunk. You can also graft shoots of other plant species onto a tree at home, as well as transplant aerial roots.
Ficus is a plastic plant, so when forming the crown, you can use wire to make any bend for it. The tree is tied up for a couple of months, then it is released and the plant remembers its direction in which it grew. It is impossible to trim ficus bonsai branches in large quantities - this can provoke the growth of thin side shoots that will appear from dormant buds.
It is good to make a ficus bonsai at home because it does not require winter dormancy. It also does not require any special care indoors. This plant feels wonderful at temperatures from 12 to 18 degrees. During the summer period he must be provided with a stay at fresh air. A balcony or terrace is suitable for this purpose. This way the ficus will get used to straight lines. sun rays. Remember, he doesn't like dry air. Excessively high or low temperature in the room will not be pleasant for him, as well as drafts.
When caring, you should take into account that the tree should receive moderate watering, since drying out the soil will be detrimental to it. Make sure that when watering your ficus bonsai, all the water comes out of the drainage holes. As often as possible, you need to loosen the soil and spray the plant daily with water that has settled. In spring and autumn, ficus requires fertilizing with mineral fertilizers twice a week. And do not forget that in the spring it needs to be replanted once every two years. After it, the ficus can shed its leaves. But it's not scary. Don't be afraid, in three weeks you will have a green tree again.
During the growing season, ficus bonsai at home will require additional lighting. A fluorescent lamp is used for this purpose.
What types of ficus are used, possible forms
Using the science of bonsai, you can grow a tree from certain types of ficus. They may differ both in their appearance and in the rules of care. For example, ficus benjamina makes a good bonsai, but this type of plant does not like wire wrapping, so this technique will not work for it. Ficus ginseng is often used. It is very original due to the bizarre shape of the roots. Decorative look has a ficus panda. All thanks to its rounded leaves. He likes pruning, but his enemies are drafts. Ficus sacred, grown in bonsai style, has a strong light grayish trunk. It is formed using wire and by cutting. Bonsai from varieties of ficus carica, dark-leaved, and bengal turns out well.
You can grow bonsai from ficus trees various shapes. Each has its own name.
If you decide to grow bonsai at home for the first time, then start with the very first and simplest form. She is a classic. This process is constant, it is not quick, sufficient time must pass, at least a year, for you to see the first results of your activities.
Possible problems during care
Bonsai style ficus trees may lose their leaves. This can occur due to a lack or excess of moisture, as well as drafts. The hot sun will also contribute to this. Therefore, in order to understand possible reasons, it is worth observing the tree and finding out which care rule you are not following. As soon as you figure it all out, the plant will again delight you with new green foliage.
All ficus trees are resistant to pest attacks. But if the plant is weakened, it may be attacked spider mite and scale insects. In this case, the tree is treated with special insecticides purchased in specialized stores. One treatment is usually sufficient.
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There are almost everywhere: at home, on the streets, in offices. Sometimes accidents happen to them. I want to tell you one thing remarkable history narrating about saving one plant . Now the participants in those events they remember her with a smile, but then they had no time for laughter at all. After reading the story to the end, you will know what to do if your bonsai (ficus) is flooded.>>>
The director has one small organization stood on the windowsill. It was a ficus with a thick, beautiful crown. He loved it very much, it was a gift, and the plant itself greatly enlivened the boring office room. A small bonsai grew in a place without a drainage hole, constantly suffering from waterlogging. Cleaning lady Irina Then, fearing that the plant would die, the director left a note next to the pot: “Do not water!” He himself went on vacation.
The cleaning lady conscientiously carried out the manager’s wishes until she noticed that something was wrong with him. Then she brought the experienced one to indoor floriculture employee to the director's office. The poor ficus looked completely dejected. When touched, some of the leaves fell off, the rest stayed on the branches, but were completely dry. The branches also withered. Only the thick trunk remained alive.
The employee who was called to help zealously began to fight for the life of the “patient.” All dry leaves were removed, dried branches were trimmed, and the soil was watered. tree she sprayed, then put a plastic bag over it. She asked the cleaning lady not to water the ficus, so that the roots would not rot and mold would appear. Every day the condition of the “patient” was checked.
A series of careful care measures were constantly carried out: the bag was removed, the crown of the pet was sprayed, the tree was ventilated a little, then placed under the bag again . Sometimes these actions were even performed twice a day.And the technician Irina still managed to splash water, believing that by doing this she was saving the ficus from drought. As a result, the roots began to rot.
It was scary to replant the plant, since the poor thing had already suffered severe stress. Instead, it was decided to dig up the ground slightly and cut off the rotten roots. Next, they were sprinkled with activated carbon and covered with earth. There was a layer of sand at the bottom of the pot - this was good news.
And after a few days of waiting, the skilled savior saw three small green dots. There was so much joy, because with them there was hope that the wounded man would come back to life. To always have it in sight, she moved the flowerpot to her place. I continued to spray and ventilate. Soon the first small leaves appeared. It was a victory!
By the time the head of the company returned, there were already several thin, delicate branches on the trunk. And after a few months, the rescued man began to look even better than before his “clinical death.”
Perhaps the rescued bonsai looked like this:
These are the kinds of stories that sometimes happen. All's well that ends well. This story has a good ending, but everything could have been different. Be attentive to yours, observing and creating favorable conditions for them, and they, in turn, will delight you with their healthy appearance, greenery and beauty. And as a last resort, you will now know what to do if your bonsai (ficus) is flooded.
Based on materials from the magazine “Home Flowers”, from the life of reader Tatyana Kutsuho (Postavy, Vitebsk region)
By the way, if you all decide to water your bonsai, then know that they might be Surprised? Read this section in full: