How to grow ficus from leaves at home. House ficus

The plant grows and develops quickly, so it requires frequent changes of flower pot and soil. Planting a ficus is quite simple, but it is important to follow the basic recommendations so that adaptation to changed conditions is painless. If you carry out the procedure step by step, the bush will not shed its leaves and will grow.

Basic rules for planting plants

You can use a purchased seedling or propagate vegetatively. The sequence of actions remains almost unchanged. Depending on the species and varietal affiliation There may be slight differences in the procedure.

In order for planting a ficus at home to be successful, several conditions must be met:

• choose the right pot size, wash and disinfect the container;
• purchase a ready-made soil mixture or create a nutritious, light, well-drained substrate from available materials;
• make warm water for irrigation, after leaving it to settle for a day;
• prepare a transparent bag or glass jar to create greenhouse conditions;
• strictly follow agrotechnical recommendations.

Preparing the substrate and pot

When planting ficus at home, the main importance is the correct choice of container and soil. The size of the pot during transfer depends on the parameters of the earthen ball. For young seedlings and seedlings you need to take a small flower pot, the roots should not touch the walls and drainage layer, but should be located 2-4 cm further.

Choose a shape that is wide enough, but not flat. The material of the container for young ficus is plastic; for an adult it is advisable to use unpainted ceramics.

Purchase the substrate ready-made or collect it from turf and deciduous soil, river sand, peat in a ratio of 2:2:1:1. To reduce the risk of root rotting, do not add a large number of charcoal or ash. Add vermicompost as a nutritional component. Before use, it is recommended to pour natural materials with boiling water or a solution of potassium permanganate for disinfection, and calcine the sand in the oven.

Procedure technology

The recommended time for the operation is spring, so that by the time it gets cold, the plant has time to get used to the changed microclimate. In autumn and winter, it is permissible to replant to a new location only if the integrity of the container is damaged, an unpleasant, musty odor appears from the soil, the root system is colonized by pests, or diseases develop. It is important to plant the ficus correctly in a flower pot.

Place a drainage layer of expanded clay 2 cm high at the bottom. Next, add the prepared soil mixture to young seedling Fill the container almost completely. Make a small hole, carefully place it so that the roots do not bend, sprinkle with substrate. After planting, water thoroughly, removing excess liquid from the pan after 10-15 minutes. To create greenhouse conditions, cover with a transparent bag for a week. Adult specimens do not need this.

Transshipment method

Prepare the container and nutrient soil in the same way. Place drainage and 3-4 cm of fresh soil at the bottom. A plant in an old container can be lightly watered in advance, tap on the side surfaces to earthen lump moved away from the walls of the pot. Turn upside down, gently twisting the container and holding the houseplant. Remove the tree, then the ficus can be planted in a pot. Fill the space between the earthen ball and the walls with nutritious soil mixture.

Do not bury the root collar, place it at the same level, otherwise rotting will begin. Water thoroughly and drain excess liquid from the pan. Don't worry if the plant sheds up to 30% of its leaves, as this is normal when adapting to a new environment. It is advisable not to delay the transfer to a fresh substrate, since the root system needs nutrition.

Replanting with soil replacement

This procedure is carried out in 2 cases - the tree is too large to be transferred to new pot or a disease has occurred, soil pests have appeared on the root system.

If the ficus is planted at home according to all the rules of agricultural technology and receives timely and sufficient care, such problems rarely arise.

If necessary, completely replace the substrate, water the plant generously and carefully free the roots from adhering soil. Can be rinsed a little warm water. Remove all rotten, dried out and showing signs of infection. Treat with a weak solution of insecticide or fungicide. Plant in the soil mixture prepared in advance.

In case of fungal infections, do not over-water it; spray the above-ground part with a solution of the chemical preparation required in this case. At first, the plant will adapt to the new microclimate, so it is important to isolate it from the effects of unfavorable factors - drafts, gusts of wind, direct sun rays.

For adult specimens, transplantation is not carried out. It is enough to replace the top layer of soil with a nutrient mixture. To do this, water the bush with warm, settled water, remove 5-6 cm of old soil. Fill with the same volume of prepared substrate. It is desirable that it have a composition similar to the previous one. After the operation, moisten and remove excess liquid from the pan.

Subtleties of planting for rooting

When propagating ficus vegetatively, depending on the species, you can use lateral or apical cuttings, layering, and leaves. Need to get it right planting material. To do this, use only a sharp stationery knife or blade; the cut should be oblique. If you tear it off with your hands or cut it with scissors, torn edges are formed, the rooting process is delayed, and the risk of rotting of the cutting increases. It is important to leave several buds; in extreme cases, there must be at least 1 healthy one, otherwise the plant will have nothing to develop from.

Soak the resulting material in warm water for 1-2 hours so that the milky juice stops secreting, clogging the ducts and interfering with root formation. Next, sprinkle the cut area with crushed activated carbon. Plant in moist soil. The rooting substrate can be made from special soil, sand or peat and perlite. In this case, a transplant will be required after the formation of 1-1.5 cm of roots. If desired, it is possible to grow a ficus from a shoot immediately in nutritious soil, so that the transshipment can be carried out when the selected container is filled with the root system. The pot should not be too large to prevent the cuttings from rotting.

How to grow ficus from a leaf

This method has some peculiarities, since such planting material takes root somewhat worse. The method is suitable for rubber ficus, grow young plant required by the rules:

• Be sure to cut off the leaf with the bud, otherwise roots will appear, but the plant will not be able to develop and produce new shoots;
• use a sharp knife or blade to take planting material;
• Wash off the milky juice from the cut site, dry it a little, treat with Kornevin’s solution, sprinkle with crushed activated carbon;
• root in a light soil mixture or ready-made substrate for ficus;
• twist the sheet plate into a tube to reduce the evaporation surface, tie it with a thread or an elastic band;
• create a greenhouse under a glass jar or transparent bag.

Growing from leaves involves periodic ventilation and moistening of the planting material. You can start removing the cover for a short time before transferring it to a new pot.

When the roots appear, transplant into a prepared container, create greenhouse conditions for another week, gradually increasing the time in the air without a bag.

How to grow ficus from a twig

Cut the cuttings in the same way, at an angle of 45°, prepare for the procedure in the same way. A ficus shoot can be planted directly into a nutrient substrate without roots. To do this, wash off the milky sap, treat the resulting cut area, remove leaves to a height of 3-4 cm. Pour 2 cm of expanded clay and soil mixture into the prepared container, and water generously. Place the cutting in the hole, deepen the branch 2-3 cm, and sprinkle with soil. Root in greenhouse conditions under a jar or bag. Further actions repeat the sequence of growing ficus from a leaf plate with a bud.

The importance of replanting after purchase

Having brought a plant from the store, you must immediately put the flower in a permanent place. You cannot touch it for about 2 weeks, creating the necessary microclimate. The bush may shed some of its foliage; this is a physiological process of adaptation to changed indoor conditions; there is no need to worry. In a home environment, the crop must be grown correctly, since the plant can lose its decorative effect or die. After purchase, replanting is necessary because the store-bought substrate contains chemical additives to maintain its presentation and is not suitable for long-term use.

About 2 weeks should pass before the procedure. The pot should be selected according to the size of the root system; most likely you will need a little more than what you had when purchasing. It is not necessary to use the transshipment method; on the contrary, it is advisable to replace most of the soil mixture. There is no need to rinse, nor do you need to try to remove absolutely all the soil. Further, the process is similar to replanting with a complete replacement of the soil. It is recommended to use a light nutrient substrate with a neutral reaction.

Ficus is often grown at home. The culture is fast growing and requires periodic replanting. Proper planting is the key to successful plant cultivation. Wood is demanding of conditions environment, but complex care is not needed. It is enough to follow general agrotechnical recommendations.

Ficus is one of the few house plants that can be found in almost every living space. This popularity is due to its attractive appearance, as well as ease of care. In addition, there is a belief that ficus helps family well-being, as well as the appearance of children in the family. If you saw a gorgeous one while visiting someone, you will definitely want to grow something similar at home, which is why you need to know how to plant a ficus shoot.

Rules to help you choose a healthy shoot

If you want to independently separate a shoot from a ficus, then you need to choose only strong and healthy plants, for example, you can take a cutting when cutting the crown of an adult ficus. However, before doing this, you need to make sure that the selected branch has leaves. The length of the process should be at least 10-15 centimeters. All actions must be performed with a sharp knife or blade. The cut must be made at an oblique angle. And under no circumstances should you use scissors, much less break a twig, as you will only injure the plant, which will result in delayed rooting and further development.

If you have chosen a large-leaved species for cultivation, then in order to grow a flower at home, it is enough for the cuttings to have 3-4 leaves. In this case, it is advisable to trim the lower one, since a large number of leaves will contribute to excessive evaporation of moisture. When growing, the lower leaves also need to be trimmed, but their number can be more than 3-4.

After the procedure of trimming the leaves and the shoot itself, the plant can release white sap. If you don't wash it with water, it dries out very quickly. This cannot be allowed. Therefore, after the shoot is cut, the juice should be washed off with warm water or placed in a container with water for several hours. It is also recommended to treat the cut area charcoal.

Before planting a ficus shoot, you need to dry it or simply change the water several times. There are two methods of planting: cuttings from roots and without them.

List of required materials

In order to plant a ficus shoot, it must be provided with a root, and for this you need the following materials:

• rooted ficus shoot;
• a pot of any shape, but the diameter should be about 10 centimeters;
• pebbles, crushed bricks, pieces of polystyrene foam or special material for drainage;
• ready-made soil mixture for ficus, which should be as follows: leaf soil, peat, sand in equal quantities;
• water.

How to root a shoot correctly

Previously, it was said how to properly separate a shoot from an adult plant so that the ficus grows healthy. But this is not enough. It is also necessary to properly root the prepared cuttings into the ground. However, there are ways that will tell you how to plant a ficus shoot without roots.

The cutting should be planted immediately after it is separated from the adult plant. To do this, you need to prepare a mini-greenhouse, which should have good lighting, and also purchase some fertilizer. Plant the stem in the prepared soil, then cover it with a glass jar or cut plastic bottle. During the rooting period, the plant must be looked after. Care consists of regular watering and ventilation of the plant. Within 2-3 weeks the first leaf will appear, which is direct evidence that the cutting has taken root. Then you don’t have to replant it.

How to choose a pot for a plant

The choice of pot is one of the important factors, since if you choose the wrong shape and volume, in particular, the ficus will not be able to fully develop. Therefore, before planting a ficus shoot, it is recommended to make a choice based on the size and degree of development of the roots. The container should not be too large; to plant a shoot, it is better to take a pot with a diameter of no more than 10 centimeters, and you need to make sure that there are drainage holes at the bottom. If there are none, then you need to make them yourself. The height of the pot should not be small; the roots should be at least 2 centimeters higher from the walls and bottom of the vessel.

Step-by-step instruction

The best time to plant a ficus shoot is spring, for rooting and subsequent adaptation of the plant would be better suited summer sunny weather. If the shoot is planted in the fall, the young plant will not have time to prepare for winter frosts and might just die.

Before planting a ficus benjamina shoot, you need to select a cutting 10 centimeters long, which has previously been rooted into the ground. Further, all actions occur in several stages:

1. Prepare all the necessary materials described earlier.
2. Place drainage at the bottom of the pot to avoid excess moisture in the soil, since a large amount of water can lead to rotting of the roots.
3. Fill the pot with the prepared earthen mixture, then make a small depression in the center, about one and a half to two centimeters high.
4. Place the rooted cuttings in this hole and sprinkle a little with the mixture, then water generously.

Now the ficus can be placed on a windowsill or a special flower shelf, and the plant also needs special care to keep it healthy.

Ways to stimulate rapid growth and root formation

After planting the rooted shoot in a pot, roots are formed in the callus tissue of the plants. This happens through mechanical damage stem, resulting in the formation root system at the ficus. To speed up this process, you can make a few small cuts on the stem yourself before planting the shoot.

Better growth of ficus is facilitated by the use of special chemical fertilizers. They will improve the formation of the ficus root system. Treatment with growth stimulants is carried out as follows: the shoots are soaked in the prepared solution before planting, or the cut of the cutting is treated with a preparation that comes in powder form.

Features of caring for cuttings

After you have successfully planted a ficus shoot, the plant will require careful care, in particular, it needs to be sprayed with water daily room temperature, especially if the apartment is heated. It is better to place the pot with the plant in a bright place, since the leaves will be better colored in this case, but the light should be indirect.

Knowing how to properly plant a ficus shoot is not enough without knowledge about care. Watering with soft warm water is required twice a week. Before each subsequent watering, you need to make sure that the soil is slightly dry, since excess moisture can lead to rotting of the roots, and also because the leaves will fall off. The roots themselves should not be allowed to be in water, but there should also not be a lack of moisture, since defensive reaction in this case there will be complete removal of leaves.

If you plant three ficus shoots in a pot, then as they grow, you can give them a rather attractive shape, for example, braid several young plants at once. You can make the ficus branch in the direction you want, just use soft wire and tie the stem to it.

When growing, remember that ficus benjamina can be affected by mealybugs and scale insects. However, the biggest problem remains leaf fall, which can occur due to lack of moisture and moisture, as well as as a natural process as it matures.

If you pay due attention to the ficus, then in just a few years ficus Benjamin will grow on your windowsill, which you can give to any shape.

If you look into the houses of domestic flower growers, you will probably find a plant such as ficus in most of them. Many people show interest in it not only because of their love for the exotic. After all, for many it is also important that it does not cause problems in care.

Behind last years More and more novice gardeners are trying to acquire this indoor plant. Because of this, flower lovers are still interested in the conditions in which ficus grows best, and what methods exist for propagating it at home, and how to root ficus.

What is indoor ficus

Distinguished by its external grace and ease of care, ficus seems to be one of the preferred species indoor plants, which will be appropriate not only in an ordinary apartment, but also in an office space.

His useful qualities are not limited to decorative purposes only, because it can keep the indoor air clean. This representative of the mulberry genus provides more than 900 varieties. And, despite the fact that they are found in different places on our planet, each of these varieties has healing properties.

It is useful to use ficus leaves to treat skin diseases. The fruit called figs is also valuable, because in addition to its original taste, it also has beneficial properties.

However, not all types of ficus are suitable for growing at home. The representation of this genus of plants includes different forms of ficus - artisanal, tree-like and hanging. Moreover, among them we can distinguish two tree-like forms that are most widespread - Rubber and Benjamin.

Features of cultivation

If you decide to start growing ficus at home, then it is best to go to the store for it in spring or summer. After all, it is important to protect this plant from temperature fluctuations. Regardless of the variety, ficus is extremely reacts poorly to change in temperature mode.

Drafts, which should be excluded during care and when choosing a place for the ficus, are also not good for it. The ficus feels best if it is grown in a well-lit place which should be protected from direct sunlight.

If you were able to get a ficus with dark leaves, then it is permissible to place it in partial shade. Experts recommend not to rush into choosing a place for a flower, since here you need to do everything correctly without the need to change the place.

It should be taken into account that ficus is one of those rare plants, which quickly get used to a new place, so a change in growing conditions will negatively affect its development.

Watering and temperature conditions

Maintaining a favorable temperature regime is one of the factors for successfully growing ficus at home.

Moreover, at different times of the year the temperature will differ: in summer, the optimal temperature for ficus is within + 20... + 25 degrees, and in winter from + 12 to + 17.

Watering is no less important for ficus. In summer, you need to especially carefully monitor the ficus and constantly keep the soil moist, however, floods should not be allowed.

To determine the frequency of such events, it is necessary to take into account the ficus variety. If it grows in your house dwarf plant, then watering can be more frequent.

Otherwise, you need to take care of all other species, which should be provided with less frequent but abundant watering. In addition, measures need to be taken to maintain optimal humidity levels.

This can be achieved in the summer by spraying plants using distilled water. There is also an alternative method - you can place containers filled with water next to the ficus pots.

Ficus propagation at home

I would like to repeat that ficus trees are classified into three main types. And regardless of the species you choose to grow, you can easily obtain propagation material from it.

True, in each case this event will be carried out with some differences. The least labor-intensive is the propagation of ampelous ficus, since it requires a minimum of time for rooting.

The situation is somewhat different with shrubs and tree-like forms, since their reproduction is a longer process, because subsequently you will have to spend more effort on caring for cuttings or other planting material.

Today, the gardener has the opportunity to choose one of the following methods of propagating ficus:

• cuttings;
• leaf (cutting with leaf);
• air layering.

However, one must not forget to comply general recommendations for any type of ficus that you decide to propagate at home:

1. It is recommended to root rubber ficus in the warm season - for example, in spring or early summer.
2. Due to the fact that ultraviolet radiation has a depressing effect on young specimens, it is not recommended to grow them in direct sunlight.
3. When you have a cut cutting in your hands, it is recommended to rinse the cut area with water, since after this traumatic operation juice may begin to flow from it. Next, you need to place the shoot in fresh air to dry the “wound”.
4. Ficus can be propagated by cuttings, but it should be borne in mind that it is undesirable to use young shoots for these purposes, since it will not be possible to get roots from them. Woody shoots are most suitable for cuttings.
5. If you plan to propagate tree-like forms of ficus, for example, Rubber-bearing, then it is recommended to take planting material from the top of the trunk or you can cut a piece of the stem, which must have at least one node.

Cuttings

When using this propagation method, harvest cuttings 15−17 cm long. Here you will definitely need a sharp knife, and it is recommended to carry out the operation itself on one of the warm spring days.

Having counted the required distance from the top, while the first node should be no closer than 1 cm, it is necessary to make an oblique cut. When you get a cutting, you need to remove all the leaves from it.

If you borrow a cutting from a large-leaved ficus, then the leaves present on it can be cut to half their length.

Having received the planting material, it placed in a container filled with water. When propagating rubber ficus from cuttings, it is advisable to make a mini-greenhouse to speed up the rooting process.

In this case, the entire procedure will take no more than 2-5 weeks. When you notice young small leaves on the cuttings, this is a sure sign that it's time to transplant in individual pots.

Using leaf cuttings

When using this propagation method, cuttings with leaves are prepared. During harvesting, the shoot must be cut at an angle, and this must be done directly along the internode on the tree trunk.

After receiving the cuttings placed in the ground, so that it is hidden in it to the very base of the sheet. In addition, you will need to carry out certain actions with the leaf: it is folded and secured in this position using a soft thread.

Subsequently, similar care measures are carried out for the cuttings, as in the case of using ordinary cuttings. As a rule, this method allows you to get a new seedling in 3-4 weeks on average.

However, in some cases there may be a delay or, conversely, the process may speed up, it all depends on the species that you are going to propagate.

Reproduction by air layering

At first, this operation was carried out mainly to rejuvenate the plant. However, it can also help in obtaining new ficus plants at home.

You can propagate by air layering adult specimens, which have long lost their decorative value, as well as fairly tall varieties that have greenery only on the tops.

Usually, using this method you can get new bushes within three weeks. This time will be enough for new roots to form at the cut site.

However, for now the film should still be on the barrel. You can understand that it is time to remove it when many young roots appear on the surface of the moss. Next, the film is removed and they begin to cut off the top, which is subsequently transplanted into an individual container.

Ficus is one of the most common indoor plants not only abroad, but also in our country. Moreover, many not only successfully grow it in their apartment, but also propagate it themselves.

There are a lot of options for obtaining new plants from ficus, however, in order to choose the most suitable one, it is useful first get acquainted with each of them. After all, some propagation methods may not be suitable for the grower due to certain reasons.

At the same time, we must not forget that, regardless of the chosen method of propagation, the seedling needs provide appropriate care.

Because without proper attention, it will be difficult to count on the fact that from a ficus seedling obtained in one way or another, it will be possible to grow an equally ornamental plant.

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

Previously, I only met in apartments rubber ficus.

Over the past decades, it has been popular ficus benjamina. It can be grown in the form of a bush or tree, as the flower is easy to shape. Ficus Benjamin is considered by many to be a family amulet, and the house in which it grows especially luxuriantly is considered prosperous.

Ficus benjamina There are a great many varieties that differ in leaf shape, color, and size.

How to care for ficus trees

Choosing a place

Caring for ficus trees first of all involves choosing the right location. Ficus Benjamin, especially the variegated forms, love a lot of light and shed their leaves in the shade, but at the same time do not tolerate direct sunlight.

The ideal place for it would be about a meter from a window that is not exposed to much sun. If the flower likes the chosen place, then it should be left there and not experiment. On summer period You can give him air baths - take him out onto the balcony, loggia, or take him to his summer cottage.

To prevent the plant from falling leaves prematurely, it must be regularly sprayed with a spray bottle or bathed under a scent.
IN winter period, with a lack of sunlight, leaf fall may also begin. To prevent this, you need to use artificial lighting using phytolamps.

Temperature and watering

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

I brought the fig tree from Turkey; it has been growing for 4 years now, but it still doesn’t want to bloom or bear fruit.

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

Ficus plants should be watered carefully, tree varieties you need to let the soil dry out between waterings. Ficus trees need to be watered with warm, settled water.

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

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

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

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

Fertilizer and feeding

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

How to transplant a ficus correctly and when to do it

For transplanting ficus trees, the most optimal time- end of February and all of March, i.e. when the spring sun began to sparkle outside. This will help the plant adapt to both the new soil and the new pot, and possibly to the new location.

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

When replanting a ficus, try not to touch its roots or throw clods of earth off them. Such a procedure can seriously damage them, and subsequently the plant will not grow well in the new pot. It is ideal to replant ficus using the transshipment method.

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

Ficus propagation

Ficus propagates by cuttings, and the cuttings must be at least 10-12 cm, with two or three pairs of healthy leaves. In order for the cutting to take root, it is enough to place it in water. In ficuses with large leaves I recommend cutting the leaves in half so that the cuttings have the strength to form roots.

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

Difficulties in growing ficus

Sometimes, if not properly cared for, problems arise when growing ficus trees.

• The leaves have turned yellow and drooped - this occurs due to excessive watering and stagnation of water, which leads to rotting of the roots. The first sign is darkening of the stem and an unpleasant smell from the pot. If the case is not very advanced, then you can simply stop watering and let the earthen clod dry out, and loosen the top layer of soil daily. In advanced cases, it will be necessary to replace the soil, trim the rotten roots, and after trimming the roots, they will need to be treated with rootworm or charcoal, and the flower will need to be transplanted into a pot with a smaller diameter.

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

Ficus diseases

The pests that most often attack ficus trees are:
Shchitovka- a translucent brown spot appears on the inner surface of the leaf.

It needs to be treated with acaricides. Can also be processed folk remedies. Use a damp cotton swab to collect scale insects and treat with a solution of soap and kerosene (40 grams of soap and 5 drops of kerosene per 1 liter of water). Or lubricate the leaves with onion and garlic pulp (1 teaspoon per glass of water), thus preventing pests from drinking the plant juice.

Mealybug- resembles pieces of cotton wool, brown pest, sucks juice, plant growth slows down. You need to clean the leaves and treat them three times with soapy water or tobacco solution.

Spider mite- if on branches and with bottom side If you notice white thin threads on the leaves, then this is a spider mite. Spider mites cannot tolerate moisture; the plant must be washed in the shower and the leaves treated with laundry soap. Place a plastic bag on top and create greenhouse-humid conditions. You can treat the leaves with a mixture of grated onion and garlic aged for 24 hours, one teaspoon per 1 liter of water. Spraying should be carried out three times with an interval of 7-10 days.

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

Ficuses are the most common plant for growing and caring for at home. In this regard, a large number of people who decide to have ficus trees have many questions related to the cultivation and propagation of these flowers.

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

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

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

Lighting

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

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

To form a beautiful crown during active growth It is necessary from time to time to turn the plants in different directions towards the light source.

Air humidity

This plant loves high humidity.

• Although this condition is not so obligatory for him, it is advisable to regularly spray the ficus or give it a shower.
• Varieties of ficus with large leaves collect a lot of dust, which prevents the plants from feeding properly, and also looks unsightly.

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

Temperature

Ficus is a heat-loving plant. Comfortable temperature for it: in summer - 25-30 degrees C, in winter - 16-20 degrees C. Minimum temperature - 10-15 degrees C (for green-leaved species, a lower temperature is permissible than for variegated ones).

Drafts and freezing of the soil are undesirable for ficus. No need to place it on a cold windowsill or floor.

Watering

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

Ampelous species require more abundant watering than ordinary ones.

Top dressing

Ficus trees are fertilized during the period of active growth, i.e. from March to September. Fertilizing is applied once every two weeks. Fertilizers should be used with a predominance of the nitrogen component, which stimulates the growth of green mass.

Reproduction

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

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

Transfer

Ficus trees grow very quickly, so they require annual replanting. Large tub specimens are not replanted; the upper part of the soil is replaced with them. Ficus plants require a nutritious soil mixture. There is a special primer available for sale, but you can also use a universal primer.

Ficuses are replanted in March; the pot for replanting should not be too large, because They don’t like excess soil; the growth of the ficus in this case slows down. A drainage layer must be placed in the pot.

Diseases and pests

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

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Accommodation

In my opinion, the first rule in caring for ficus at home– don’t worry too much and don’t overdo it. What I mean. When I received a Ficus cutting from a flower lover like myself, I immediately determined a permanent pot and a permanent place for it.

And therefore, after the cutting took root, I rooted it into a fairly spacious (but still not huge) flowerpot. And she immediately placed this container in the place where it will grow constantly. After all, the main feature of Ficus trees is that they do not like sudden changes in location and frequent transplants. The result of your insecurity may be falling leaves.

Proper watering

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

You need to water according to this principle - if the soil mixture has dried out by 1-2 phalanges of your finger, it’s time. For large specimens, it is permissible for the soil to dry out to a depth of 6–7 cm.

Wet air

Ficus plants come from the tropics, so moist air is vital for them. Especially ampelous varieties of this plant. Caring for ficus at home requires mandatory spraying. Make sure the water is warm and soft (settled). When spraying, do water marks remain on the leaves? What to do? – You need to wipe the leaves with a damp soft cloth from time to time. This will rid the plant of dust and give the leaves a beautiful appearance.

Temperature

For successful breeding of Ficus at home, the correct temperature regime is important. As they say, no matter how cold or hot it is. In winter, the flower needs to be provided with a temperature of at least 16°C. The critical minimum is 12°C. In summer it is necessary to ensure conditions of 25-30 °C.

Light mode

Most Ficus plants easily tolerate light partial shade. Direct sunlight is even more harmful to them. But variegated forms - for example Ficus Benjamina - prefer to grow in the light. Another thing is that this light must be diffused. Otherwise, the leaves may get burned.

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

Top dressing

For active growth, especially during the growing season, Ficus requires feeding. In spring and summer I use nitrogen-containing fertilizers. This helps to grow more green mass to make the flower lush and beautiful. By the way, if your home Ficus has dropped its leaves, then good feeding will help in his rehabilitation.

You can use “homemade fertilizers”: an infusion of wood ash, mullein or nettle. You can also use ready-made mineral complex fertilizers: Humisol (that’s what I use), Ideal, Palma, Ficus and others.

Fertilizer application frequency: once every 10-14 days. There is no need to fertilize in winter. An exception is if you provide the Ficus with the same conditions as in summer (additional lighting, humidification, warm air). But even then you need to feed it once every 1-2 months, and even then with half the dose indicated on the bottle.

Diseases

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

The conclusion is: caring for Ficus at home requires certain knowledge, and most importantly – compliance with the rules. And then there will be no problems at all. After all, Ficus trees grow even in public institutions, and your houses will certainly grow and delight you with their appearance.

floristics.info

Caring for ficus trees at home

• Most ficus plants are unpretentious plants except for hanging forms.
• They thrive in light shade.
• The most suitable temperature for them in winter is 20 degrees; in summer it can be a little higher.
• Do not allow the temperature to drop below 12 degrees.

How often should you water?

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

Top dressing

Feeding of ficuses is done from spring to early autumn - once every two weeks. For this it is better to use such natural fertilizers, like mullein, wood ash and nettle infusion.

How to transplant a ficus correctly

Ficus trees are replanted once every 2 years. This is best done in the spring. A mixture of soil, sand and peat in a ratio of 2:1:1 is used as a substrate for replanting. When transplanting, ficus trees are first watered well, and then transferred into larger containers using the transfer method.

Do not use containers that are too large. It is better to replant in cramped pots. This will limit the growth of the plant, which is more acceptable for home conditions.

Self-propagation, or how to propagate ficus correctly

Ficus trees reproduce using seeds, cuttings and layering.

Seeds are sown in spring in prepared bowls. Planting is done shallow and then the bowls are covered with glass. Keep crops in a humid environment. The glass is removed twice a day for 30 minutes to ventilate the crops.

• As soon as the first leaves appear, the plants dive. The soil should include leaf soil and a little river sand. Grown ficuses are planted in separate pots with a diameter of 7 centimeters.
• Propagation by apical cuttings is carried out in late spring or summer. A freshly cut cutting of 5-7 cm is planted in pre-prepared soil. In this case, phytohormones are used.
• Ficus propagation by air layering is carried out from May to September. A 5 mm incision is made just below the sheet from bottom to top.
• A wet match is dipped into a special hormonal powder for cuttings and inserted into the cut. This is done to ensure that the incision does not close.

The prepared area is wrapped in damp moss and tied with braid. Everything is covered with film on top. After a few months, roots will emerge through the moss. At the bottom of the roots, the petiole is cut off and thus material is obtained for planting a new plant.

Ficus diseases

If you do not care for the plant correctly, it can be affected by pests: mealybugs, scale insects and spider mites.

The scale insect feeds on the sap of the plant. When damaged, the leaves lose their color and fall off. When detected, it is necessary to wipe the leaves with a cotton swab, which must first be moistened in a soap solution or use Actellik. 20 drops per 1 liter of water will be enough. When using Actellik, be sure to take precautions, it is toxic.

When infested with spider mites, white cobwebs can be seen under and between the leaves. In this case, it is necessary to wash the plant warm water. If the infection is strong enough, use the same actellik. It is also recommended to increase the air humidity in the room.

• If the air is too dry, the plant may be affected by mealybugs. It appears more often on older plants.
• If the accumulations are small, they can be removed with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol. In case of severe damage, use a solution of karbofos - 40 drops of emulsion per 1 liter of water.
• In the fight against spider mites and mealybugs, it is very effective means It may turn out to be a soap-oil emulsion, which is easy to prepare yourself.
• It is necessary to dilute 5 tablespoons of washing powder and 5 tablespoons of diesel fuel in one liter of water. Pour this solution into a bucket of cool water and wash the leaves and stems of the ficus.

To destroy scale insects, a solution with chopped garlic and soap is quite useful. A day after treatment, the plant must be thoroughly washed to remove any remaining mixture. You need to process 3-4 times at five-day intervals.

Why do ficus leaves fall off?

Sometimes ficus leaves may fall off. The reason for this may be overwatering or change of place. In the first case, due to excessive amounts of moisture, the roots rot, and the leaves become drooping, lifeless and fall off.

As for the second case, it has long been known that ficus does not perceive a change of place well. He experiences shock, which leads to shedding of leaves. It is imperative to monitor the lighting in the room where your plant is located. With a lack of light, plant growth slows down. Leaves may also fall due to low temperatures and drafts.

What you need to pay attention to

Don't buy plants in fall or winter. Adaptation during this period is much more difficult. You should not buy too large copies. It is more difficult for older plants to adapt to new conditions.

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

Good luck with your choice.

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

vdomashnih-uslovijah.ru

Ficus varieties

IN room conditions grow large quantities different types ficuses, sometimes very different from each other in appearance. Most often found in homes and offices the following types ficus: rubber, Benjamin, lyre-shaped and dwarf. Externally very different, they are grown almost identically. In general, they are easy to care for.

Most common types

Typically, ficuses are evergreen plants, but there are also deciduous plants among them. Manifold various types and subspecies are surprising, there are more than 800 of them, and each is beautiful and unusual in its own way. Let's look at the most popular domestic types of ficus: their appearance, features and subspecies.

What is ficus benjamina

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

Varieties of Ficus Benjamin:

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

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

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

Caring for ficus benjamina

Temperature

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

Lighting

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

Watering

Ficus benjamina has moisture-storing thickenings on the roots, so it does not tolerate waterlogging; it must be dried well before the next watering.

If the roots of a ficus dry out for a very long time after watering, rotting may begin: the plant simultaneously sheds a large number of leaves, some lose color and become yellow, others fly off while still green.

Amazing and original Bonsai

Bonsai is a plant growing technique that originated in Japan a long time ago. Literally translated as “plant on a tray.” By definition it is miniature decorative tree. There is a whole technique for creating it.

Ficus Bonsai is not a variety; it is formed in a special way from Ficus Benjamin. This is very difficult and very labor-intensive process! During growth, it is periodically necessary to trim the roots and pinch the tops. By obtaining a balance between the crown and rhizome, the tree is given the required shape. Ficus Natasha, Nicole, Nina, Viandi, Baroque are best suited for such purposes.

Beautiful rubbery ficus

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

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

The most popular types:

• dark green leaves: Abidjan, Melanie, Rabusta, Sriveriana;
• leaves with yellow border: Belize, Teanecke, Tricolor.

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

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

We advise you to pay Special attention for proper watering and care of growing shoots, which can reach several meters and bend bizarrely. The crown must be formed in a timely manner by tying the stems or periodically cutting them and rooting them.

Caring for ficus rubber

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

Temperature

Preferably moderate, not lower than 18°C. They like to “keep their feet warm” - do not place a pot of ficus on a cold windowsill, marble or tiled floor, etc. In a room with above-moderate temperatures, the leaves begin to droop down.

Lighting

All varieties of Ficus elastica prefer a bright place, with protection from direct sunlight during the midday hours. Variegated forms need a lighter and warmer place than forms with dark leaves.

Watering

Ficus rubber prefers moderate watering and does not tolerate waterlogging of the soil. Water at room temperature, preferably settled. Fertilizer feeding from March to August every two weeks.

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Ficus Ali (binnendijkii) Ficus binnendijkii ‘Alii’

Ali is the most popular variety of ficus binnendijkii, which is also found under the name “ficus willow”. The leaves of this ficus really resemble willow in shape, but this popular name, not botanical.

At good care Ficus Ali at home reaches 1.5 m in height and about 70-80 cm in diameter. You should not place this ficus on the floor: firstly, it is dark, the lower part of the trunk will begin to become exposed, and secondly, it is always colder on the floor, the soil in the pot dries longer and the roots can rot if you water too much.

Caring for Ficus Ali

Temperature

Moderate, optimal within 20-25°C, in winter it is possible to keep it at lower temperatures of about 16-18°C, with limited watering, limit 13°C for dry keeping. With sudden changes in temperature, it can shed its leaves.

Lighting

Bright diffused light, light partial shade. With an acute lack of light, the shoots stretch out and the leaves thin out. Direct sunlight on hot afternoons can cause burns. The green-leaved Ficus Ali is more shade-tolerant than many other ficus species. But variegated varieties like ‘Amstel Gold’ need more intense light, with some sun in the morning or evening.

Watering

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

Ficus lirata

Ficus lirata - distinguished by its large leaves, similar in shape to an inverted violin. Its leaves reach a length of 50-60 cm. It loves solitude, do not place it close to other plants.

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

Caring for ficus lyreate

Temperature

In summer it is an ordinary indoor one, does not like extreme heat, in winter it is optimal 18-20°C, limit 12°C. Doesn't like the soil to cool after watering!

Lighting

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

Watering

Moderate, the soil should have time to dry out before the next watering. Water at room temperature, well settled. Fertilizer feeding from April to August every two weeks.

Ficus dwarf Ficus pumila

A fast-growing, small-leaved ficus, completely unlike all other types of ficus. You can grow it like hanging plant, can be tied to a support so that it stretches upward.

The main care for ficus consists of tying up a support, timely replanting and watering, and fertilizing with fertilizers. The flower responds well to a hot shower as a preventative against ticks.

Temperature

Moderate, optimal within 20-25°C, in winter it is possible to keep it at lower temperatures of about 12-14°C, with limited watering, limit 8°C for dry keeping. Although in natural conditions the tiny ficus can withstand lower temperatures and even slight frosts, when growing at home you should not take such risks - protect the plants from drafts.

Lighting

Ficus pumila grows well in bright, indirect light with some sunlight. East and west windows are suitable; shading is required only during midday hours. It also grows well in artificial light. Variegated ficus is more light-loving. If the ficus does not have enough light, it can grow new shoots without leaves.

Watering

Quite abundant in summer, this is a rare ficus that does not tolerate complete drying of the soil; it should always be slightly damp, but have time to dry out on top by about a quarter of the height of the pot before the next watering. In winter, the ficus is watered less often, with the soil drying to half the height of the pot.

How to care for a ficus yourself

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

The plant needs about 3 months to adapt and take root in new conditions. After this, caring for the Benjamin ficus, like the rubber one, usually does not require much effort.

The key to successful adaptation

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

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

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

Peculiarities

Let's consider the main components of proper care for this indoor plant:

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

Learning to replant ficus trees correctly

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

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

If the soil in the pot dries out quickly, it means there is not enough room for the roots and nutrients Therefore, it is time to replant the plant. After transplanting, it may shed its leaves or its growth will slow down somewhat. This is normal, because as space increases, roots grow slower. Over time, new leaves will appear and growth rates will accelerate.

How to transplant a ficus:

Reproduction methods and their features

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

Cuttings come in stem and leaf-bud types. They need to be planted in a container with water, and after 2 weeks the cuttings begin to develop roots. After this, they can be planted in a pot.

Air layering. The second method is propagation of ficus by air layering:

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

What to do if the plant drops its leaves

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

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

Diseases of this houseplant

Thus, the following reasons for the development of ficus diseases can be identified:

1. Insufficient lighting, especially in winter. Growth slows down, leaves fall off and turn yellow. What is noteworthy is that ficuses with dark green leaves are less demanding of light than those with light ones;
2. Unsuitable temperature or sudden changes in temperature. This affects decorative form plants. It begins to lose leaves and wither;
3. Drafts. Ficus does not tolerate drafts. So its leaves may begin to fall and its stems dry out;
4. Excessive watering. If the top layer does not dry out for a long time, the tops of the shoots die off, and bad smell rot from the soil, leaves fade and fall off;
5. Insufficient watering. If there is not enough water, the leaves dry out, curl up and the ficus leaf falls. The branches become dry and brittle, and the soil becomes detached from the pot;
6. Excess fertilizer. Do not overuse fertilizers or violate their dosage. Root burn can occur if you fertilize the plant when the soil is dry.

Make sure that the leaves are free from deformation, damage, stains and pests. Any changes are not good. Always remember that it is better to identify the causes of the disease in advance in order to be able to take timely measures.

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

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

uplady.ru

Ficus: types, photos and names

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

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

Popular types of ficus

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

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

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

Let's follow it correctly!

Indoor plants are unpretentious, therefore they are very popular and loved by gardeners. Caring for ficus at home consists of good lighting, regular and proper watering and suitable temperature. However, there are still some nuances of growing, especially certain types of plants.

Lighting

The best option for placing ficuses is a well-lit place no direct sunlight. A small plant can be placed on a western or eastern windowsill, and tall bush or place the tree on the floor or stand near the window. It is not recommended to move the plant deeper into the room. In the shade, the bush will slow down and shed its leaves.

During the warm period, ficuses can be taken out onto the loggia or balcony, positioning them so that the plant does not receive direct sunlight. In winter, light-loving plants suffer from short daylight hours, so it is recommended to additionally illuminate them several hours a day.

Temperature and humidity

In summer, the optimal temperature for growing ficus maybe within 25-30C. In winter, it is recommended to keep the plant at an air temperature of 16-20C.

Ficus plants also do well at room temperature. The only thing they don’t like is the dry air coming from the heating radiators. Therefore, it is recommended to spray the plant two to three times a day with water at room temperature. Otherwise, dry air can cause damage to the tree by pests or diseases.

Watering and water procedures

When caring for a ficus, regular watering is required, which depends on the air humidity and temperature in the room. Water the plant only after the top layer of the soil mixture has dried thoroughly. Watering too frequently can lead to rotting of the root system. It is also necessary to ensure that water does not accumulate in the pan.

During the dry period, it is recommended to bathe ficuses twice a month in the shower, having first covered the soil with a waterproof film. In the absence of a shower, the leaves of the plant can be periodically wiped, first with a dry and then with a wet cloth.

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

Feeding ficus

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

In winter, when there is little light and warmth , fertilizers are not used. But for the good health of the plant, you can feed it with tea leaves by burying a small amount of them in the ground.

Transplantation and soil for ficus

Young, actively growing plants need replanting every year. Old trees and bushes are replanted once every few years. This must be done in order to renew the soured and settled soil.

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

• peat;
• sand;
• leafy soil.

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

The plants are watered about a day before planting. For young bushes, new pots should be about 2 cm larger than the previous ones. First, drainage is poured onto the bottom of the container, and only then a small layer of soil. A plant pulled out of an old pot along with a lump of earth installed in a new container and sprinkled with soil.

Growing Ficus Benjamina

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

Ficus benjamina in nature lives in conditions high humidity, therefore it does not tolerate too bright lighting and dry air. Therefore, it is recommended to grow it away from direct sunlight and spray it several times a day. Very good option To increase humidity, use a special humidifier.

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

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

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

The simplest and most common method of propagating ficus trees is cuttings.

To obtain cuttings in the spring, shoots are cut from the bush under the lower node, which should have at least 2-3 leaves. Bottom sheet removed, the cut is washed, and the cutting is placed in damp sand or water. The plant section is generously sprayed and covered with a transparent plastic bottle or another cap. In this form, the cuttings are placed in a warm, shaded place and ventilated daily. As soon as the plant takes root and begins to grow, it can be safely planted in a pot filled with earthen mixture.

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

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

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

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

Temperature: The plant prefers natural conditions. The optimal temperature in summer is 22-26 degrees, in winter 16-20 degrees, but not lower than 13-15 degrees. Drafts are extremely dangerous for ficus trees.

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

Watering a ficus is a delicate and responsible job. A dried out earthen ball leads to yellowing and falling leaves, an overly waterlogged substrate contributes to rotting of the root collar and the appearance of pests. As a result, the ficus will shed its leaves and there is a high probability of death.
Use water that has been standing for several hours, or soft, rainy water.

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

The soil

Soil: If you buy soil, you must choose slightly acidic or neutral soil with a pH of 5.5-6.5.
For self-preparation you need: peat, sand and leaf soil taken in equal proportions. For large specimens add turf (2 hours). To avoid rotting of the roots, a layer of expanded clay or household shards is placed on the bottom as drainage, and pieces of charcoal are added to the soil.

• Ficuses with thick trunks prefer dry climates and rocky soils. It is necessary to add small pebbles or broken bricks to the prepared soil.
• Replanting: For young plants, replanting is required annually in the spring; adult ficuses are extremely sensitive and are replanted as needed if the pot is too small and the roots are crawling to the surface.
• They often do transshipment, or every year they update the top layer of soil with more nutrition. When transplanting young plants, you can add a little rotted manure.
• Lack of good drainage leads to root rot.
• Reproduction: Ficus is propagated in several ways: cuttings, seeds and air divers. The first one is the simplest and most popular.

By seeds: In early spring, seeds are sown in bowls in soil made of leaf soil and sand in equal proportions. Cover the top with a glass jar, or place it in a mini greenhouse. Constantly held high humidity with regular ventilation.

After some time, the first sprouts will appear, when they reach 2-3 leaves, I dive them into separate containers. As soon as the young shoots become stronger, they are replanted into pots using substrate for adult plants.

Bends

From spring to autumn, a small vertical cut of 5 mm is made slightly below the leaf.

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

Cuttings. One or two year old shoots are suitable. They are cut off in early spring before buds open, 10-15 cm long and planted in light soil made of leaf soil and river sand. First, the cuttings are placed in water until the release of white juice stops. Some types of ficus (Benjamina, rubber-bearing) take root well in water. Cover the top of the container with a glass jar, ventilating regularly. Constantly maintain a humid climate. The ambient temperature is 25 degrees. The cutting will quickly sprout roots, after about 1-1.5 months, then it is planted in a pot.

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

You can root the cuttings in peat tablets, where the time for roots to appear is significantly reduced.

Wintering

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

Pests: ficus can be affected by scale insects, mealybugs, thrips, and spider mites. Often associated with a violation of the watering regime or temperature.

Difficulties in growing

• Yellowing of leaves, slow growth, new leaves are small - there are not enough nutrients in the soil, add fertilizer, or replant in a new substrate.
• Leaves turn yellow and fall off - lack of moisture, too dry earthen lump.
• Leaves fall off - insufficient or excess watering, water is too cold, change in climate or environment (moving the ficus from one place to another negatively affects growth), not enough light, a sharp drop in temperature, the presence of a draft.
• Falling of the lower layer of leaves. Often ficuses do shed the bottom layer, but only when there are new, young leaves, or if the leaves are really old. In other cases, it is: lack of nutrients, untimely replanting, or the pot is too small for the root system.
• The leaf blade curls and wrinkles - dry humidity in the room, or lack of moisture in the soil. This is especially true for hanging types.
• Brown tips on the leaves - the temperature exceeds 25 degrees in a dry climate or an excess of fertilizers. Lyre-shaped ficus and dwarf ficus sense dry soil very subtly and shoots with leaves immediately begin to dry.
• Dark, brown spots and wrinkling of leaves - causing sunburn.

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

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