How to care for a ficus tree: a comprehensive guide

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

We share the secrets of watering and explain why the ficus sheds leaves.

Where to put the ficus

Immediately choose a permanent place for the green pet in the apartment. Ficuses react very painfully to frequent travel.

A well-lit place is suitable for the plant. But make sure that direct sunlight does not fall on the ficus and slightly shade it, for example, with roller blinds. Otherwise, he could get burned.

Bright lighting is especially important for variegated plants. Due to the lack of light, their leaves can change color and become just green.

Another consequence of the lack of lighting is curvature or tipping to one side, which is hardly noticeable at first. To help the ficus, move it closer to the window. If the plant does not fit on the windowsill, put it on a stool.

From spring to autumn, during active growth, once a month, turn the ficus with the other side to the light.

How to care for ficus in the cold season

No special conditions are needed for wintering. The plant thrives at room temperature as long as it does not drop below 16 ° C. But with a decrease in daylight hours, growth slows down, which resumes with the onset of spring.

Protect the ficus from drafts. Otherwise, he may simply shed the leaves. If the windowsill is cold, place a foam or other pad under the pot.

How to care for ficus in the warm season

In late spring, when the night temperature no longer drops below 17 ° C, the ficus can be taken out to the balcony or loggia. In the fresh air, it will become even more magnificent and brighter.

Try to choose a well-lit place for it, but without direct sunlight. With the onset of the autumn cold, return the green pet back.

How to water ficus

Use only water at room temperature that has settled for at least 1-2 days.

There is no clear interval for watering ficuses. The main thing is that the soil is dry. Stick your finger a couple of centimeters into the ground. If it's dry there, the plant needs water.

Pour plenty of water into the pot. After 30–40 minutes, remove excess liquid so that it does not stagnate in the pan.

Throughout the year, once a day or two, spray the ficus with settled water at room temperature. But if the room where the plant is not more than 16 ° C, give up water procedures.

How to bathe ficus

For plants with large leaves, wipe with a damp cloth or cotton swab every couple of weeks.

The same cleaning is needed for small-leaved species growing in tubs.

For compact ficuses with small leaves, take a shower 1-2 times a month. Cover the pot with plastic foil before bathing to keep moisture out. Put in a bath, and then pour the crown abundantly with warm, but not hot water. Direct the jet from the side.

After showering, wait for the plant to dry and replace it. Try to put it on the same side to the light as before. In order not to be mistaken, make a mark on the pot in advance.

How to transplant ficus

When and how often to transplant ficus

The best time to move to a new pot is spring and early summer. During this period, adaptation is easiest.

It is not difficult to understand that the previous capacity has become small. The soil in it dries quickly, the roots are entwined with an earthen lump and look out through the drainage holes. If this happens, do not postpone your transplant. But transfer the entire earthy ball, do not wash or clean the root system.

In order not to bring to such a situation, replant young ficuses every year. Adults over four years old, with an interval of 2-3 years, when the roots begin to get cramped.

It is better not to disturb large tub plants. Just renew the topsoil a couple of times a year.

What land does a ficus need

You can buy special soil for ficuses at any store. In the universal soil, you will have to add ¹⁄₂ – 1 handful of coarse sand or vermiculite.

To make the soil yourself, mix in approximately equal proportions sand, peat, leaf and turf soil.

What kind of pot does ficus need

Plastic or ceramic pots are suitable for these plants. The main thing is that they have drainage holes.

Choose a pot a little larger than the root system, that is, a couple of centimeters wider and deeper than before. Do not take too large at once.

For the first transplant from a shipping container (in which the plants are sold in stores), take the pot a little deeper, but about the same diameter.

How to transplant

Remove the plant from the pot. Shake the earthen ball lightly and tap gently on the floor or other surface. Remove soil that will fall off on its own. Do not try to remove the remaining one with your hands or otherwise.

Get a pot of the right size. Put about 2 cm of expanded clay drainage on the bottom, put a few pieces of charcoal and a little earth. Place the ficus in a pot and top up the soil.

After transplanting, put the plant back in its original place. Watering - not earlier than in 4–5 days.

How to fertilize ficus

From spring to autumn, feed the plant every one and a half to two weeks. Fertilizers will ensure the active growth of the plant itself, the development of healthy leaves. In winter, you can refuse feeding.

The optimal scheme is the alternation of mineral and organic fertilizers. For example, based on bird droppings. Although the use of only one type gives a good result.

How to treat ficus

Watch your green pet carefully and help him in time.

Ficus sheds leaves

This happens for various reasons:

• rearrangement of the plant or reaction to new conditions after purchase;
• drafts from ventilation, cold air from air conditioning systems;
• sudden changes in temperature;
• watering with cold water;
• low air humidity;
• lack of light;
• overflow or overdrying;
• spider mite.

Pay attention to the conditions of the plant. This will help identify and eliminate the cause.

If small-leaved species lose up to 10 leaves at the onset of winter, nothing needs to be done. This is the plant's reaction to the change of season.

If it's all about a tick, which can be identified by a barely distinguishable cobweb, arrange a warm shower for the ficus. Then, according to the instructions, treat with acaricides. Means for controlling insects will not cope with this pest.

Leaves dry around the edges

The overflow is to blame for this.

This problem often occurs with rubbery ficuses. If symptoms appear, remove the rotten roots and transplant the plant into a new pot. Try to water in moderation afterwards.

Damaged leaves will no longer recover, but new ones will grow healthy.

Leaves droop and fall

This is also a reaction to overflow. Review your watering schedule. Check each time if the soil is dry enough.

When overflowing, try drying the soil with paper towels. Place one in the pallet and when it gets wet, change to the next. Continue until moisture comes out.

If the situation does not improve, transplant the ficus into a new pot. Dry the ground again before doing this.

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How to keep ficus healthy

1. Provide adequate lighting.
2. If possible, do not rearrange the ficus from place to place, especially in winter.
3. Protect the plant from drafts and cold.
4. Water with warm water as the topsoil dries.
5. Wipe the leaves regularly with a damp cloth, spray the ficus, bathe it in the shower.
6. Pick the right soil and replant on time.
7. Fertilize from spring to fall.

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