Ficus plants are very diverse, and therefore their names are complex and sometimes the photos are not much different. varieties of various types of ficus At first, they can shock an inexperienced plant lover. Nevertheless, these are one of the most sought after and popular plant species used for landscaping rooms. And this despite the fact that ficus trees almost never bloom - they attract with beautiful leaves of different shapes and colors, rapid growth and a rather unpretentious character!
Types of ficus (photos with names)
| Title, photo | Description |
|---|---|
| Ficus benjamina (F. benjamina) | The most popular tree-like variety, up to 2 meters tall, with small leaves and drooping branches. The edges of the leaves can be either smooth or wavy, and the leaves themselves can curl. This species does not like to change its place of residence. Ficus benjamina does not like either waterlogging or drying out of the soil. The plant tolerates pruning well, which allows it to form a crown of the desired shape. This variety is characterized by the formation of aerial roots; as they grow, beautiful weaves can be formed from them, which makes the tree even more decorative. |
Ficus rubber (F. elastica)  |
The most common and unpretentious type of ficus. It cleans the air well in the room and saturates it with oxygen. This name is due to the fact that its milky juice contains rubber, which is used for the production of rubber. It is recommended to cut off the crown of an adult plant, then the plant will be more “lush”. To prevent the ficus from losing foliage, the soil should not be over-moistened, there should be a sudden change in temperature, or an excess of fertilizers. If the ficus likes the conditions, it will produce 1 new leaf weekly. Winter is a period of rest. Water with warm water. |
Ficus lyreta (F. lirata)  |
The ficus leaf can grow up to 50 cm, so it has impressive dimensions and requires a lot of space. Loves diffused bright light and moderate temperature. In winter – keep it cool at a temperature of 12-15°. We water with warm water, but the soil should not be constantly wet; it needs to dry out between waterings. The flower is replanted when the pot is completely filled with the root system. |
Ficus Binnendijkii, or Ali (Ficus binnendijkii)  |
The evergreen tree has long, narrow drooping leaves and grows quite quickly. Ficus Ali is thermophilic and does not tolerate cold and drafts at all. You can propagate by cuttings, which root without problems. |
Ficus deltoid (variegated)  |
An adult ficus grows as a lush bush with many aerial roots. IN home care ficus is heat-loving and loves spraying. Must receive enough light. If he likes the conditions, he grows a large mass of aerial roots. Often cultivated as bonsai. It is a slow growing species. |
| Ampelous ficuses | |
Ficus rooting (Ficus radicans)  |
The flower loves warmth and water very much. Even short-term drying of the soil is unacceptable; the plant may die from this. This type of ficus also does not tolerate dry air. It's best to keep it in small aquarium or a greenhouse where it is easy to maintain high humidity. Does not tolerate sun rays. Grows well in bright diffused light or artificial light. |
Dwarf ficus (Ficus pumila)  |
Small-leaved ficus, also called tiny ficus. Can be grown as a creeping and climbing plant. Thin shoots can grow up to 5 meters in length. and grows to the soil by adventitious roots. The leaves grow in the shape of 2.5 cm hearts with ruffled edges. The plant does not tolerate direct sun. The growth of shoots accelerates in a warm room with high humidity. |
| Bottle ficus | |
Ficus palmeri  |
Is different original form bottle-shaped trunk. This unusual “design” is necessary for the plant in order to accumulate moisture and be able to withstand prolonged drought. In spring, the transition to normal watering should be smooth. In summer, plants are watered abundantly, but not too often. A light-loving plant that enjoys bright, diffused light. |
| Ficus trees | |
Fig (Ficus carica)  |
Figs are also called figs, fig trees, and wine berries. Has edible fruits. The recommended temperature for germination of ficus seeds is 25 - 27 degrees. In this case, daily ventilation and moistening of the soil as necessary by spraying are necessary. A plant grown from seeds bears fruit only in 4-5 years, in contrast to plants obtained by cuttings, which can begin to bear fruit already in the second year. Fig is a light-loving plant. |
Ficus sacred or religious (Ficus religiosa)  |
The most famous ancient specimen is supposedly about 3 thousand years old. In nature it grows up to 30 meters and with age becomes overgrown with aerial roots that form supports. It is deciduous. In cultivation it can hardly tolerate dry air and heat. It may shed its leaves in such conditions. Ficus sacred is able to predict changes in weather, forming droplets of moisture on the leaves when atmospheric pressure changes. |
Ficus benghalensis  |
The tree continuously grows in breadth, constantly forming additional trunks. When kept indoors, the growth of the banyan tree must be restrained by periodic pruning and keeping it in a tight pot. Can be propagated by cuttings and air layering. Does not like temperature changes and drafts. Watering is plentiful and regular in all seasons, since this ficus does not have a period of weakening growth. |
In total, about 40 species of ficus are known in culture, of which the largest distribution is in Lately received ficus benjamina and its variegated hybrids, although it is not easy to grow, since it capriciously reacts to any troubles, completely dropping its foliage. However, there are several types of ficus that are no less decorative, but at the same time much more unpretentious in care.
The most popular varieties of ficus
Ficus rubbery
Other names – ficus elastic, ficus elastica . One of the most popular types of pot culture, which has become one of the symbols of home and family well-being. And even for some time the ficus in a tub served as a ridiculed symbol of philistinism.
Due to its unpretentiousness and ease of maintenance, undemanding environment it is great for beginner plant growers, and is also actively used for landscaping the foyer, winter gardens or large showcases. In nature, it can reach a height of up to 30 m, but in cultivation it usually does not grow above 2 m. The leaves are dense, pointed at the ends, elongated-oval, reaching 30-45 cm in length.
Young leaves are bronzed in color, but over time they become green. Ficus rubbery loves a lot Sveta, but tolerates slight shading quite well, although this affects growth. Does not bloom at home. The main opponent of good development of ficus is drafts: the plant is constantly sick, the leaves develop poorly, turn yellow and fall off. It has many varieties that differ in leaf color, but all variegated varieties are more capricious and demanding to care for.
Temperature
Heat-loving, optimal temperature– +20-25 °C. It tolerates heat well (up to +35 °C), but it must be sprayed with water more often. Minimum permissible temperature– +13 °C, although it can also tolerate a short-term drop to +5 °C.
Watering
Moderate, neat, after the soil (substrate) has dried 1-2 cm. In winter - watering no more than once every 2 weeks.
Care
The leaves must be kept clean; to do this, they are periodically (once every two weeks) wiped with a damp sponge. In summer you can organize warm shower, making sure to cover the soil with a film, preventing it from becoming waterlogged.
Advice! To add shine to the leaves, you can use non-alcoholic beer to wipe them down.
Top dressing
Held during active growth(April - September), once every two weeks, alternating liquid organic and mineral fertilizers with a high nitrogen content.
Trimming
As they grow, the lower leaves become old and fall off, exposing the trunk. To achieve greater foliage and attractiveness, as well as to maintain the bush at an acceptable size, formative pruning is carried out at the end of winter. To get a lush, branched bush, remove 5-6 upper internodes.
Ficus bengal
An evergreen tree prized for its abundant foliage, good care in just a few years it can reach a height of 3 meters, so it is often used for landscaping spacious offices and premises. Loves light very much, in winter additional lighting may be required, but direct light should be avoided sun rays, which can cause burns on the leaves. Does not tolerate drafts.
Temperature
Optimally – +16-23 °C, but can overwinter at fairly low (+12-16 °C) temperatures.
Humidity
In summer, at temperatures above +25 ° C, periodic spraying will be required; in winter, with central heating running and humidity decreasing, the plant should be placed away from the radiator, the leaves should be wiped and sprayed, optimally, placed in a tray with moss or wet expanded clay.
Ficus Benedicta
Another fairly popular name is Ficus Ali. An evergreen tree with long, narrow, pointed leaves, covered with a natural gloss. As the tree grows, the lower leaves fall off, revealing a smooth and tall trunk (dark in color in young ones, bark in adulthood brown colors) with light streaks. Does not tolerate drafts or sudden changes in temperature or light; flowering does not occur at home.
Advice! You should not rotate the ficus; it is very sensitive to changes in the position of the crown in relation to the light source.
One of the most unpretentious types of ficus. Doesn't like bright sunlight(better diffused), but at the same time feels quite comfortable in partial shade - northern window sills are well suited for it.
Temperature
The optimal temperature is +20-22 °C (but not higher than +27 °C), in winter - about +16 °C, even with a short-term decrease to +12 °C.
Humidity
It is unpretentious to humidity levels, but during dry periods and winter, when humidity drops, it requires regular spraying with warm, settled water.
Watering
Regularly to prevent the earthen clod from drying out. At the same time, water should not accumulate in the pan; it must be drained to prevent rotting of the root system.
Trimming
Ficus tolerates pruning well; it is needed for the correct formation of the crown, as well as rejuvenation of the plant, helps to give it a decoratively attractive shape, causing branching in the desired direction and preventing exposure of the trunk.
Top dressing
They are carried out during intensive growth, from April to September, and with the arrival of autumn and the onset of the dormant period, feeding must be stopped. It is carried out 2 times a month, alternating organic and mineral substances, and it is applied directly to the earthen ball, avoiding contact with the trunk or leaves.
Transfer
This is done when the roots completely wrap around the soil (substrate) in the pot. Young specimens are replanted annually, older ones (starting from 4-5 years) - once every 2-3 years, choosing a pot 2-3 cm larger in diameter than the previous one. You can use old soil, partially adding new soil.
Majority indoor ficus do not require special treatment. Therefore, they are bred at home and placed in offices. Among the varieties of ficus there are plants that differ in the color and shape of the leaf and trunk.
Perhaps someone will choose the most suitable option for themselves. Let's look at the varieties of ficus with photos and names.Ficus bengal (Banyan)
The countries of Southeast Asia are considered the homeland of this type of ficus. It has a very amazing crown - several trunks grow out of the ground. In fact, this is just one plant belonging to special forms flora - banyanam. During the process of trunk formation, roots form on the horizontal trunks of the ficus. Some of them, not receiving the necessary moisture, dry out. Those that “get” to the ground take root, forming a new trunk.
Subsequently, they also start to shoot. Thanks to this cyclicity, the ficus grows in breadth. The plant has ovate or oval leaves with a leathery, veiny surface. During the flowering process, syconia appear. These are spherical inflorescences, orange color. Their diameter is 2-3 cm. To have a Benjamin ficus, you need a large area and special conditions. For small spaces, choose the form of bonsai plants.
Ficus benjamina
The plant looks like bonsai. The ficus crown is branched, gray-beige in color with a smooth surface, has correct forms. The trunk of the plant is low, with drooping shoots, overgrown with aerial roots. The oblong-oval shape of the Benjamin ficus leaf has a pointed end. Their width is 2-5 cm, and their length is 5-20 cm. The crown of the plant is so dense that sometimes the trunk itself is not visible behind it. Depending on the conditions of care, it can reach a height of up to 3 meters.
Ficus Binnendijka
A plant with a long, rough trunk, along which tubercles of roots hang down. The leaf shape is lanceolate - oblong with a pointed tip. They have different colors of green shades. The edges of the leaves are white and the surface may be spotted. As plants grow from below, they fall off, exposing the crown. The maximum width of the leaves is 2 cm, length 30 cm.
Ficus Ginseng (ginseng)
Most often, when such a ficus is grown in the house, it is formed in the form of a bonsai. Refers to the forms of banyan. Above the many trunks grown from lateral roots, a lush crown of small branches rises. The shedding plants have an oval, slightly pointed shape. Yellow Ficus fruits acquire a dark red hue after ripening. Once every three years the plant completely changes its foliage.
Ficus montana (Montana)
In tea plantations, this creeping, low-growing shrub is considered a weed. In indoor conditions, ficus montana is grown as a ground cover or hanging plant. Its brown-green thin shoots have smooth surface. If you touch the leaves of the plant, it will seem that they have roughness. This is due to the bristly hairs with which they are covered. Their shape is similar to oak leaves. Their maximum width is 5 cm and length 8 cm. The diameter of the slightly pubescent ficus fruits reaches 1.3 cm. Their color ranges from yellow to speckled red.
Ficus deltoid (variegated)
The name of this plant comes from the Greek letter delta. This is due to the special shape of the leaf. It resembles the letter delta or triangle. The plant is characterized by heterophylly. That is, the presence of leaves different sizes and forms on one plant. This can be observed even on one shoot. The surface of the leaves is leathery and glossy, with a slight convexity. The color of the bark is gray-brown, the crown has a sinuous shape.
Ficus Dracaena
A tree-like plant that can reach three meters in height. The tall, strong trunk of this ficus ends in a lush crown. It consists of narrow long leaves. After they fall off, a characteristic scar forms at the site of growth. There are varieties of ficus Dracaena, differing in the color of the crown.
Ficus carica (indoor fig)
The name of this plant corresponds to the region of Asia Minor in which it was grown. The rather thick, brown-gray trunk of the ficus Carica is not very tall. The unevenly toothed leaves are covered with hairs underneath. They have a specific smell. All parts of the ficus, with the exception of ripe fruits, are capable of secreting milky juice. If it gets on human skin, it can cause irritation.
Ficus lyreformes
Found naturally in tropical Africa. Ficus lyre-shaped received its name due to its resemblance to a musical instrument. Characterized by the absence or small number of aerial roots. Therefore, it is not classified as a banyan tree. The rough crown of the plant has a gray-brown tint. The glossy, slightly wrinkled, leathery leaves of the ficus have wavy, rounded edges. In the middle there is a clearly defined vein with 3-5 branches. The color of syconium is green with white speckles.
Ficus Melanie
In Indonesia, which is the homeland of the ficus Melanie, these plants are considered sacred. The first time after planting, it has an unbranched, woody crown. Then aerial roots form on the trunk, which, upon reaching the ground, form a banyan tree. The leathery, dark green leaves are epiliptically shaped and slightly pointed at the end. Indoor plants do not bloom, but produce syconium fruits. Its parts secrete poisonous juice.
Ficus Parcella
It stands out among the ficus family for its unusual appearance. It is a small bush with dense foliage and drooping branches. The crown color is brown-yellow. The leaves of Ficus Paracella are oval in shape with a tapered tip, light green in color and have a spotted pattern. irregular shape yellow-white color.
Ficus ivy
An interesting plant with a thin, weaving trunk. Dark green, three-lobed leaves grow from it along its entire length. Their edges are painted white and yellow. For this plant, space and the ability to float on some surface are important.
Ficus creeping
A climbing, creeping plant. Numerous additional roots form on its long stem. With its suckers it can attach itself to a crack, another plant or support. The hard, oval leaves are heart-shaped. A yellow mesh pattern is formed on its dark green surface.
Ficus Pumila White
The plant owes its name to its small leaves. Pumila means small in Latin. This is a vine with long creeping shoots. Adventitious roots are formed along their entire length. The thickness of the stems of an adult ficus can exceed 5 cm. Oval-heart-shaped asymmetrical leaves are arranged in two rows. Their wrinkled, rough surface is covered with a mesh pattern.
Ficus varifolia
The name of this plant was given due to the fact that on its branches you can find leaves of various different shapes. The length of the thin tree-like stem of indoor ficus does not exceed 1 meter. Its oval-rounded leaves have a leathery surface. There are small spots on the dark green background of the leaf Brown. The decorative fruits of the plant are similar in size and color to olives.
Ficus Retuza
Due to its thick, oddly shaped trunk, this plant species is often used for growing bansai. He is also known as bay tree or Cuban ficus. The plant's air exchange is carried out through reddish spots on its crown. The leaf shape of this ficus is ovoid with a sharp tip. Its dark green surface has a leathery texture.
Ficus rustifolia (Rubiginosa)
The shoots of the young plant are reddish in color. The aerial roots of this ficus are formed in the lower part of the crown. The leaves are large, leathery and can reach 25 cm in length. Their color is dark green. On the bottom of the leaf and on its petiole you can notice a reddish-brown fuzz. This is why the ficus is called rusty-leaved.
Ficus sacred (Sacred fig)
Buddhists consider this plant sacred because it was under it that Prince Gautama was transformed into Buddha. Its lower part of the crown is covered with aerial roots. The heart-shaped leaves of the ficus form a drip point at the end. When the atmospheric pressure changes, you can observe the “crying” of the sacred tree. This is when juice appears at the end of the leaf. Their shade is greenish-blue with a yellow-white axial vein.
Ficus triangularis (triangular)
Woody shrub with a brown crown, native to Africa. Covered with leathery, triangular-shaped leaves attached to the trunk at the apex. In the middle there is a depressed vein with branches. Fruits abundantly with spherical syconia of green or yellow hue.
Ficus rooting (dwarf)
Thin curly shoots are abundantly strewn with foliage. India is considered the birthplace of this ficus. The plant takes root using nodes on its stems. Can cover large areas. The lance-shaped, smooth leaves have a leathery texture. They are attached to the stem using short petioles. The dark green shade of the leaves is diluted with a yellow-white pattern along the edges.
Ficus elastica (rubber-bearing)
It has a weakly branching trunk, which at home can reach two meters. Its juice contains rubber, which gave the plant its second name. In sufficiently damp rooms it produces aerial roots. The rough crown of the plant is grayish-green in color and dotted with horizontal grooves. The elliptical leaves have a pointed tip. Their surface is glossy and leathery. Syconias appear when there is sufficient moisture. They are spherical in shape and yellowish-green in color.
Most ficus plants do not require special care at home. The main thing is to determine one place for them and not move them. They love lighted places, but without direct rays of the sun. It is very important that there is sufficient humidity in the room.
Mulberry family. This is one of the most common indoor plants.
In nature, ficuses are trees and shrubs; they grow in dense forests under rain, wind and sun, and are very hardy. But at home, ficuses are much more tender - they do not tolerate drafts, waterlogging of the soil and direct bright sun. Ficus variegated varieties are more light-loving; they require shading only during the hottest time of the day, from about 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
In winter, ficuses tolerate room temperature well, but need good lighting, so if the pots with plants do not fit on the windowsill and are moved into the room, you need to arrange lighting using fluorescent or LED lamps. And variegated forms, for example Ficus benjamina, can stand on a southern windowsill all winter. With a lack of lighting in winter, weak shoots form, internodes lengthen, there are few leaves, branches reach towards the light and the crown looks one-sided.
Ficus trees propagate by cuttings. You can get as many cuttings from a shoot as there are leaves on it. The cutting for propagation should consist of one leaf with an intact eye and half of the lower internode without an eye. After cutting the cutting, it is lowered into warm water to stop the secretion of milky juice. For better rooting, a cut or split is made at the bottom of the cutting (for cuttings with hard wood, a cross shape, for cuttings with soft wood, one cut). It is better to root cuttings with soil heating and covering the cutting with a plastic bag.
For all ficus plants, the best soil mixture is 2 parts leaf soil, 1 part peat soil and 1 part humus. Ficuses do not like to be planted in a container much larger than their root system, so they are replanted when the roots are expected to fill the entire pot or tub. At the same time, ficus plants grow quite quickly, therefore, the soil when transplanting should be nutritious, in addition, fertilizer fertilizing is carried out in spring and summer (they respond well to fertilizing organic fertilizers, rotted cow manure or “Giant” fertilizer are good for this). Ficus plants can also be fed with fertilizers such as "Rainbow" and "Palm". Old specimens of large ficuses are replanted very rarely - after 5-6 years. But it needs to be replaced every year upper layer land for a new one. You should also replace the top layer of soil if a white crust appears on it - salt deposits.
Types of ficus
First place of honor among various types Ficus is occupied by Ficus rubber or Ficus elastica. Also very popular are Ficus benjamina, Ficus lyre-shaped, Ficus bengal, Ficus dwarf, etc. The secret of such popularity is the unpretentiousness of ficuses in general and the individual beauty of each species:
- ficus elastica - a large monumental plant, very shade-tolerant;
- ficus benjamina is a miniature tree in shape, easy to shape by pruning, merging trunks, its branches bend easily and accept any shape;
- ficus lyreate - a proud solitary plant with shiny leathery leaves;
- ficus Ali (binnendika) - its appearance resembles a willow tree, it never grows and also branches well;
- dwarf ficus is an excellent ground cover or hanging plant.
Ficus rubber plant Ficus elastica
It has several varieties, differing in the shape and color of the leaves. Particularly impressive are varieties with yellow spots and stripes on the leaves. Some varieties branch well and have quite compact shape, others are reluctant to form side shoots and strive 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 on proper watering and caring for growing shoots, which can reach several meters and curl 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.
Ficus benjamina Ficus benjamina
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 middle lane In 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 turn yellow, others fly off while still green.
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 are indeed reminiscent of willow in shape, but this is a popular name, not a botanical one.
With good care, Ficus Ali at home reaches 1.5 m in height and about 70-80 cm in diameter. You should not 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 lighting, with some sunlight 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 upwards, 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 as an ampel plant, you can tie it 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. Ficus responds well to a hot shower as a preventive measure against ticks.
Caring for ficus pumila
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 risk it - 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.
Ficus turns yellow
The first reason that can cause yellowing of leaves is improper watering.
The leaves turn yellow if the plant has not been watered for a long time, and they fall off one by one. In ficuses with large leaves, when they dry out, first of all the lower leaves turn yellow, in small-leaved ones - in different areas crowns
When overmoistened or overwatered, ficus leaves also turn yellow, but the main difference is this: when overdried, the leaves turn yellow slowly and fall off one at a time; when overwatered, they turn yellow faster and fall off en masse: in large-leaved leaves there are 2-4 pieces at a time, in small-leaved leaves - 20 each. -30 leaves per day.
Do not rely on your own memory, but dig up the soil and touch it in the depths of the pot.
To avoid waterlogging of the soil: if there is water left in the pan after watering, it must be drained. In winter, water less often than in spring and summer.
When replanting in a pot, ensure good drainage. If there is no expanded clay, then lay broken red brick - it collects excess water well. Add pieces of birch coal to the soil - they prevent rotting processes. And add a few tablespoons of vermiculite to the soil.
Ficus diseases
New leaves become smaller, old ones turn yellow and fall off - the plant does not have enough nutrients, it needs to be replanted in nutritious soil.
Yellow spots appear on the leaves or the edges of the leaves turn yellow, the leaves fall off prematurely - due to excessive watering.
Watering should be moderate, i.e. the soil should have time to dry out.
Also, with excessive watering, the leaves droop, become lifeless and fall off.
Dry, wrinkled leaves on ficus plants - more often in ampelous forms - too dry air, dry soil, sunburn.
Sudden fall of leaves - different types may be caused by various reasons - waterlogging of the soil in rubber-bearing and lyre-bearing ficuses, lack of light or a sharp change in climate in ficus benjamina.
This phenomenon can also be caused by watering cold water, low room temperature, lack of light, excess nutrients in the soil or cold draft. Good results in such cases, spraying with Epin solution gives.
Falling of the lower leaves - it is believed that the falling of the lower leaves in tree-like forms of ficus is a natural phenomenon (very typical for ficuses in indoor conditions), but this is not entirely true, the lower leaves, naturally, periodically fall off when aging, but the trunk, nevertheless, should not be completely naked. Bareness of the trunk occurs due to untimely replanting, replanting in poor soil, lack of fertilizing, violation of temperature and light conditions.
Brown spots on the tips and edges of leaves - When the room temperature is too high, the air is dry, or when overfeeding with fertilizers.
For ficus lyreate and ficus dwarf, overdrying of the soil is dangerous. If you forget to water them, the leaves and shoots dry out.
The loss of variegated leaf color in many types of ficus occurs due to lack of light or sunlight.
In some varieties it is almost impossible to restore variegation completely; for example, the Safari variety very often turns into an ordinary green ficus.
Ficus Pests
It is quite difficult to detect any pest on variegated ficus trees - their traces are masked by the natural coloring of the leaves. Therefore, if the ficus has begun to shed its leaves, take a magnifying glass and carefully examine them on both sides.
Scale insects: look like brown plaques on the surface of leaves, petioles and stems, suck out cell sap. The leaves lose color, dry out and fall off.
Control measures. For mechanical cleaning pests, wipe the leaves with a soapy sponge. Then spray the plant with Actellik solution (1-2 ml per liter of water) or water and spray with Aktar solution.
Spider mites: initially, small discolored spots appear on the leaves; if you look at the leaf opening, pinholes are visible. Gradually the leaves turn yellow and dry out. With severe damage in the internodes and with reverse side a cobweb is visible on the leaves.
Control measures. You can use drugs such as Fitoverm, Actofit, Agravertin, Akarin - at the rate of 10 ml per 1 liter of water, or Vertimek (1 ml per 1 liter of water). The treatment must be repeated after 3-5 days - if the weather is hot or warm (26-24 degrees) and after 7 days if the air temperature is 20 degrees or lower, since these drugs do not kill tick eggs.
Thrips - contribute to the appearance heat and low air humidity. On the underside of the leaf, thrips lays numerous colonies, and light dots appear on the upper side of the leaf. As a result, the upper side of the leaf becomes grayish-brown with a silvery sheen.
Control measures. The plant should be sprayed, if necessary, repeatedly with insecticides (fitoverm, decis, actellik, inta-vir).
Read more about pests of indoor plants in the section "pests"
Ficus Fertilizer
General rule: fertilize with fertilizers for decorative deciduous plants in the dose recommended by the manufacturer.
Do not feed overdried plants; those that have been flooded are frozen
Do not feed ficus trees for a month after transplantation, during the winter months and on very hot days in the summer. Do not increase the dose of fertilizers.
Ficus plants need to be fed from April to August, once every two weeks with a special fertilizer for indoor plants.
Such fertilizers as “Giant”, “Ideal”, “Uniflor Rost”, “Rainbow” and others are suitable.
The tiny ficus must be fed carefully because, despite the fact that it grows quickly, when too large doses of fertilizer are applied, it loses its leaves.
Read more about fertilizers for indoor plants in the fertilizer section
Ficus (Ficus) belongs to the Tutov family. This is a light-loving, shade-tolerant, deciduous and ornamental plant. Today, this plant is one of the most common among indoor flowers and is especially popular among gardeners and beginners. According to various literary data, the genus Ficus contains from 800 to 1000 species of evergreen, deciduous shrubs and woody vines. But only 20 types of ficus are considered indoors. The place where ficus grows is considered to be tropical and subtropical regions of various continents - America, Australia, Africa, Asia, the Mediterranean, on the islands and coasts of the Indian and Pacific oceans.
It is known that most types of ficus in nature reach enormous sizes; these are thick branched trees that provide dense shade. There is such a fact, for example, in Bengal there are specimens that with their crown are capable of covering an area of 1 hectare.
Indoor ficuses are considered long-lived and, having planted such a wonderful plant on your windowsill, you will admire the plant for a long time. Ficus leaves are very diverse in thickness and shape, as well as in color.
In the Buddhist tradition, the ficus is considered a cosmic tree and is called the “tree of enlightenment” or “Bo”.
Now we present to your attention a description and characteristics of the most common types of ficus that are grown indoors.
Ficus rubber plant Ficus elastica(Ficus elastica) , is a large and branching shrub.
Leaf characteristics: the leaves are beautiful, dense, from 30 to 45 cm long, elongated-oval, pointed at the ends. Growing at home optimal conditions, the plant turns into a tree up to 2 meters high. Mature leaves are green in color, but the leaves of young plants are bronze in color. This type of plant is perfect for landscaping. winter gardens, foyers and shop windows. IN winter gardens Small figs appear on older individuals - they are inedible.
The Himalayas, Burma, Nepal, the tropics of India, Sri Lanka, and West Africa are considered the homeland of rubber ficus. In these zones, the tree can grow up to 25-30 meters high. WITH historical facts It is known that in the 19th century they learned to grow the narrow-leaved form. Variegated forms are more difficult to grow than green forms.
In astrology, ficus rubber is a Capricorn plant, and affects a person on a physical and emotional level.
We present to your attention the most common forms of rubber-bearing ficus:
- Ficus Robusta – they have powerful and wide leaves, dark green in color.
- Ficus variegate – the leaves have light yellow, white stripes and spots, and there are also pink shades.
- Ficus Black Prince (Ficus "Black Prince") is very similar in appearance to robusta, the leaves are almost black.
- Ficus doescheri – the leaves have a red midrib.
- Ficus schrijvereana – there is a complex marble pattern on the leaves.
- Ficus tricolor – cream spots on the plant, as well as light pink stains on green leaves.
- Ficus elastica variegata – leaf plate with cream edges.
- Ficus diversifolia – the bush grows slowly, 1 meter high. The leaves are covered with brown spots.
When caring for such forms of rubber ficus, it is necessary to ensure the cleanliness of the leaf plate.
Be careful, if a leaf or cutting is damaged, the ficus releases poison.
During the dormant period, if there is excess moisture or the soil is too dry, the rubber ficus may shed its leaves.
Ficus benjamina Ficus benjamina (Ficus benjamina) , is it a large spreading bush or small tree with dense foliage, penetrating stems. The leaves are small, elongated and pointed at the ends. Their length is from 3 to 8 cm, they are oval, hard, mono and variegated in color, waxy in appearance. Under natural conditions, this form allows excess moisture to drain off during the monsoon period. Ficus benjamina has thin and weak shoots; they need to be shaped to make the plant look neat. The shoots can stretch without formation, the bush will be one-sided. Ficus Benjamin tolerates shearing normally, only the cut areas need to be treated with crushed charcoal. There are cases when several plants are planted in one pot; as they grow, their trunks intertwine into a “pigtail”.
The popularity of this flower is growing very much, since the flower fits perfectly into modern interior.
Ficus lyrata (Ficus lyrata) , this is a small tree or shrub of impressive size. Has dense petioles. Vertical and not very branchy.
Leaf characteristics: the leaves are hard, 25-45 cm long, bright green in color, with raised light veins, have a waxy coating and wavy edges. The shape is guitar-shaped. When young, the leaves are slightly pubescent. There are no aerial roots. The plant needs good lighting. If exposed to direct sunlight, burns may occur.
Ficus pumila
Ficus pumila Ficus pumila Ficus dwarf or pumila(Ficus pumila) , decorative climbing small-leaved species(ampeloid appearance). The plant is perennial, does not shed leaves, the stems are flexible, wire-like, and produce layering. The length of the leaves is from 2 to 5 cm, the shape is heart-shaped, thin, the color is green, matte on a thin stem. Young shoots are asymmetrical plates. The length of the shoots is up to 5 m; if the plant is propagated vegetatively by such shoots, then in the future the asymmetry will remain in the adult plant. China and Japan are considered the homeland of the pumila.
Ficus bengal Ficus benghalensis (Ficus benghalensis), in other words “World Tree”, is a symbol of endless reward and immortality. The evergreen tree has spreading and powerful branches. The roots are aerial, long, and form naturally. The bark of the ficus bengal is smooth and grayish-brown in color. The leaves of the ficus bengal are dark green in color; oval in shape, with a sharp tip. The leaves are dense and velvety, 15-25 cm long with a large number of veins. Ficus bengal in a pot grows up to 3 m in height. This flower needs a spacious room.
Many ficus trees (Mulberry family) thrive in our homes, offices, libraries, etc. These plants are decorative and, according to the observations of most people caring for ficuses, they have a beneficial effect on them, increasing their life potential. They say that if you put your hand to a leaf and concentrate on the sensations, your soul will become calmer. Even psychics appreciate this plant and sometimes receive answers to their questions from it. Esotericists consider ficus to be a talisman and guardian of family peace.
Or rubbery (Ficus elastic). Ficus elastica, or "rubber tree", has long been the #1 ficus. When it grew up, it was transplanted into an old bucket, which was decorated with paper. After all, volumetric flower pots and tubs were then in short supply. Not so long ago, other ficus trees were rarely found on sale, and few people had the opportunity to purchase a ficus shrub or vine. Especially with variegated leaves. Amateur flower growers could not dream that the time would come when they could freely buy a wide variety of ficus plants.
The shiny oval leathery leaves grow up to 30 cm long and 10–20 cm wide. They have a pointed tip curved downwards. Folded young leaves are hidden under a soft pink blanket. The color, shape and dimensions of the leaves depend on the variety. In “Robusta” they are green and wide, in “Black Prince” they are almost black, in “Belize” they are pinkish, with a cream-colored edging in “Brazil”. A marble pattern adorns the foliage of the Docheri. For small spaces, we can recommend the bush form “Melanie” with dark glossy leaves.
The sap of Ficus elastica contains a lot of rubber, which is why it is called the Indian rubber tree. Huge heat-loving giant trees (30 - 40 meters high) grow in humid forests. They feel good at home room temperature air (20 - 23 ° C), in a light or semi-shaded place, with regular watering and spraying in the summer.
To prevent the ficus from growing like a stick, but from branching, it is pruned from spring to early summer. If this is done during a period of rest or at a time of intensive growth, then the desired shape may not exist. The gradual fall of the lower leaves of this species is the norm characteristic of many tree-like ficuses.
Planting in a cramped pot will stunt the growth of a fast-growing tree. Ficus elastica propagates well by cuttings (the milky sap should be washed off with water or removed with cotton wool) and air layering.
(Ficus benjamina). This species with glossy leaves pointed at the ends (5–10 cm long and 2–5 cm wide) is sometimes called “birch”. In nature, “she” grows up to 25 meters tall. In houses the dimensions are much smaller. For small rooms we can recommend the dwarf form.
There are many varieties with different colors leaves: green, light green, dark green or grayish green with edges. Interesting varieties with lemon leaves. They are also decorated with white-green foliage with white stripes, spots and streaks. The edges of the leaves can be very different: smooth, wavy, etc.
In winter, ficus benjamina sometimes becomes capricious, shedding some of its leaves. This happens by various reasons: from cold, lack of light, dry air or waterlogging of the soil. Sometimes leaf fall can be stopped by frequent spraying with warm water. Watering in winter is moderate, only when the top layer of soil is dry.
Ficus benjamina can be propagated from cuttings. They take root easily in water or soil.
Ficus carica, or figs, fig tree , fig, fig tree (Ficus carica). This is a beautiful deciduous tree (or shrub) with large palmate leaves. The most interesting thing is that ficus carica can bear fruit even in a room, surprising you with tasty and sweet fruits. It must be remembered that figs are a dioecious plant, in which flowering does not guarantee further fruiting.
For this type of ficus you need to choose a bright place in the house. In summer you can put it on the balcony or in the garden. In winter, figs rest; they need an air temperature of about +5 - 10˚C. Watering is plentiful in summer, moderate in winter. Formative pruning is carried out from mid-March to early June.
Ficus carica is propagated by seeds, cuttings, air layering and grafting.
Ficus Binnendijka (Ficus binnendijkii). This unpronounceable species is often called ficus Ali(by the name of the most popular variety). Sometimes instead scientific name The species used is motivated - “Ficus willow”.
Among the advantages of this indoor plant not only decorative, but also high shade tolerance. Variegated forms are more demanding of light. Ficus Binnendijka has narrow, leathery leaves (up to 25 cm long and 3.5 cm wide). Popular varieties: "Ali"; "Amstel King" and "Amstel Queen" (with wider leaves); "Variegata" and "Amstel Gold" (variegated, need more intense lighting). Water regularly, but without waterlogging the soil. Spraying the crown is useful. This is a heat-loving species, which can shed its leaves when the air temperature drops in winter to +13°C. Ficus is usually propagated by cuttings.
Or banyan, Indian (Ficus benghalensis). This giant ficus, 35 meters high, forms many aerial roots, which thicken, turning into thick trunks. In its homeland, the long-lived tree lives for almost five thousand years. Of course, the Bengal ficus growing in the house does not have such “indicators”. But the famous aerial roots appear. The most common variety is “Audrey”, which has a light grayish-brown trunk and leathery leaves (up to 20 cm long and up to 10 cm wide). This is a light-loving and heat-loving species that loses its leaves when the air temperature drops. Bengal ficus is propagated by cuttings and air layering.
Ficus tiny, or creeping, dwarf(Ficus pumila). How beautiful is this fast-growing ficus with creeping shoots, in which everything is miniature. The small leaves are charming (up to 3 cm long and 2 cm wide). In nature, it grows in the shade of trees. The room also puts up with the lack of light. True, this applies more to forms with green leaves. Variegated forms need good lighting, without which the color contrast is lost.
Tiny ficus needs moist air, so it is useful to spray it with warm water. The plant feels great in glass containers. For example, in round aquariums (without water, of course). This ficus is grown as a hanging or ground cover plant. With frequent pruning of the tips of the shoots, it becomes more magnificent. This species reproduces well by cuttings.
(Ficus lirata). The shape of the hard leathery leaves (50 cm long and 25 cm wide) resembles a violin. If the plant is not pruned (preferably in the spring), it will begin to resemble a powerful vine. For room conditions we can recommend a smaller copy of the usual ficus lyreformes. This is the Bambino variety.
Ficus is suitable for a warm and bright (without direct sun) place. If red dots appear on the leaves, then either the scorching sun or the dryness of the earth and air are to blame. Due to drafts and lower air temperatures, its leaves turn black. Ficus needs to be sprayed or wiped with a damp sponge.
There is one more feature of agricultural technology that is worth considering. Excessively abundant watering leads to waterlogging of the soil, from which the root system suffers, leaves fall off, unsightly exposing the trunk. We have to correct the situation by “letting” the ficus take cuttings.
Ficus Palmera, or "Desert Fig" (Ficus palmeri). In the arid regions of California and Mexico, this ficus succulent with a thick trunk (“bottle tree”) grows even on rocks. Light-loving species. In winter, Ficus Palmera rests at an air temperature of 15 - 18˚C. Excessive watering can kill the plant. It will look better if the crown is trimmed. This species can be recommended to bonsai lovers.
In Ficus Palmer, the roots develop into the top layer of soil, so when planting, select shallow flower pots. For propagation, cuttings with a “heel” are taken.
Or ginseng (Ficus microcarpa ginseng). Sometimes it is sold as a ficus bonsai, small-fruited, dull. The peculiarity of this species is its thickened roots, reminiscent of swollen intertwined tubers of a bizarre shape. As soon as the growth inhibitors that cause temporary inhibition cease to act, rapid growth of branches begins. Without pruning, the decorative value of ficus ginseng is reduced.
Agricultural technology is simple. It is worth paying attention to regular, but moderate, watering and fertilizing.
With formative pruning, “waste” remains, which takes root well even in water. They produce fast-growing branchy trees, the shape of which must be maintained by pruning.
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