Ficus mikkarpa - care at home. Ficus mikkarpa - the first steps to the art of bonsai

Ficus microcarp got its name because of the appearance of the fruit. The fact is that it is very small and reaches only one centimeter. The little fruit in Greek sounds like mikros karpos, and that is where its name comes from. The plant is home to southeast Asia, northern Australia and southern China.

It is noteworthy that the wild ficus can be huge and reach a height of 25 meters. The crown of his very fluffy and thick, and small-fruited home ficuses compared with them just dwarfs. Usually they grow no more than one and a half meters, and some species are quite tiny, and they are grown in the style of bonsai.

General characteristics and varieties

The main external feature of the ficus microcarp is that its root system is bare and rises above the ground surface and takes on the most unusual forms.

The foliage of the plant is slightly elongated and oval in shape, 5–10 centimeters long, the leaflets may be 3–5 centimeters wide. The top of them is pointed. The upper part of the sheet is smooth and shiny, with a thin skin. They are attached to the branches alternately with a short stem. There are several varieties of small ficus:

Home Care Rules

For the plant to grow well, it needs special care. It is very important to choose a suitable place. Mikrokarpa does not like when direct sunlight falls on him, therefore it is preferable to place it where there is a shadow or partial shade. It should not be in the winter to put it on the windowsill near the battery.

As for the temperature, he likes heat. He is comfortable in a temperature that is slightly above room temperature: about 25-30 degrees. Not only the part that is above the ground, but also the root system is warmly needed, so during the winter period it is not recommended to leave it on the windowsill or place it on the floor.

Watering ficus is required all year round. In the summer, do it more often. It is important to ensure that there is no drying earthy coma.

If the room flower is not enough moisture, then this can be understood by external signs:

the plant becomes sluggish;
leaves begin to fall off.

In winter, watering is needed moderate and not too abundant. Excessive moisture can cause the roots to rot, and spots will appear on the leaves.

Ficus microcarp very sensitively reacts to the composition of water, therefore, watering should be carried out only with water that has already settled for at least 12 hours, and its temperature is room temperature.

Very important and humidity. This plant requires high humidity - it is simply necessary for it. If the humidity is low, the indoor flower becomes sluggish and more susceptible to various diseases and pest damage. In view of this, it should be sprayed daily with water and wipe the leaves with a damp soft cloth.

Ficus reacts positively to fertilizing, therefore, periodically fertilizer can be applied to the soil. From time to time it can be sprayed with a weak solution of mineral fertilizers. For the soil are suitable special formulations intended for indoor deciduous plants.

If the flower is grown in the style of bonsai, then for dressing it is better to use special fertilizers. It should be remembered that all dressings are made only in moist soil.

Transplantation and reproduction

Frequent transplanting is not required. Ficus microcarp should be transplanted approximately once every two years to update the substrate. Often it is not necessary to replant it, because the trunk grows very slowly and practically does not increase in size. Replant the plant better in the spring. It should be remembered about the placement in the pot layer of drainage.

To give the flower a beautiful and tidy look, it is cut. So form the necessary crown, but it should be done in the spring or autumn.

There are three main ways of breeding ficus:

grafting;
reproduction using cuttings;
seed reproduction.

For cuttings are not fully stiff shoots, which are cut from the top of the tree. Then they are placed in water, which should be drained in a day. It will contain a large amount of milky juice.

Then change the water and put the cutting back into it. It is necessary to add a small amount of ash - this helps to avoid rotting. After the roots appear, it is planted in a container and covered with a transparent cap on top - so it is necessary to hold it until the first leaves appear.

It should be noted that microcarp juice is a strong allergen, therefore, with such manipulations it is necessary to avoid its contact with the skin.

You can try to propagate the plant with the help of layering. In this case, in an adult tree, it is necessary to retreat from the top of the head 55–60 centimeters. Then you need to cut from the trunk of the bark - a site equal to about 10 centimeters. Wrap the resulting bare place with wet peat moss and film. In about a month, roots should appear on this place. The branch is cut together with the crown and roots and planted in a separate container.

Ficus mikrokarpa bonsai can be grown from seeds, but this method is more complex and time consuming. Usually seeds are planted in the spring. The quality of the planting material and the conditions in which it was stored is important. If the storage conditions were not properly observed, then they simply lose their germination. Before planting the seeds, they must be stratified, and a layer of drainage should be laid at the bottom of the tank and only then the soil should be poured.

Possible diseases and pests

Plant diseases are most often provoked by improper care of him. Often, insect pests can move from neighboring flowers, especially if they are located close to each other. The most common insects on the plant include aphids and spider mites. In order not to miss their appearance, you should regularly inspect the flower. Pests can hide on the underside of the leaves, or a cobweb can be found on the stems.

With such a disease, you can treat the ground part of the plant with soap solution. After that, the ficus is better to transplant in a new land. If the pests reappear, treat with insecticides.

If the plant is too wateredi, then fungal diseases can begin to spread. At the same time, dark or light spots begin to appear on the aboveground part of the root. If this happens, the damaged areas need to be removed and the ficus treated with fungicidal agents. Watering should be reduced.

Sometimes the ficus mikkarpa sheds leaves. What to do, many florists care. Similar is observed when a room flower is kept in a room too cold for it or in a draft. It is necessary to put the ficus in the conditions in which it will be comfortable.

Sakura is most often associated with Japan and its culture. Picnics under the canopy of flowering trees have long become an integral attribute of the meeting of spring in the Land of the Rising Sun. The fiscal and academic year here begins on April 1, when gorgeous cherry blossoms bloom. Therefore, many significant moments in the life of the Japanese pass under the sign of their flowering. But sakura grows well in cooler regions - certain species can be successfully grown even in Siberia.

We prepared a hearty, incredibly appetizing and simply elementary dish for you today. This sauce is one hundred percent universal, as it fits into each side dish: vegetables, pasta, and anything else. Gravy with chicken and mushrooms will save you in moments when there is no time or do not want to think too much about what to cook. Take you favorite side dish (you can do it in advance so that everything is hot), add sauce and dinner is ready! This magic wand.

Farming refers to such human activities, the successful outcome of which is not always directly proportional to the efforts made. Unfortunately, nature does not necessarily act as our ally in growing plants, and often even, on the contrary, throws up new challenges. Increased reproduction of pests, abnormal heat, late return frosts, hurricane wind, drought ... And one of the springs gave us another surprise - the flood.

With the arrival of the summer season, the question arises of growing strong and healthy seedlings of our favorite vegetables: cabbage, tomatoes, sweet pepper, eggplant and many other crops. Along with this, the question arises - how to grow decent seedlings and in the future to get from it healthy plants and a decent harvest? For example, I have already grown up seedlings for a single season and protected my garden from diseases with the help of biological preparations Alirin-B, Hamair, Gliokladin, Trihotsin.

I will allow myself to confess my love today. In love with ... lavender. One of the best unpretentious, evergreen and beautiful flowering shrubs, which can be successfully grown in your garden. And if someone thinks that lavender is Mediterranean or at least southern, then you are mistaken. Lavender grows well in more northern regions, even in the Moscow region. But in order to grow it, you need to know some rules and features. About them and will be discussed in this article.

Having once tasted such an invaluable product as a pumpkin, it is already difficult to stop searching for all the new recipes for serving it to the table. Pumpkin in Korean, despite its spiciness and spice, has a fresh and delicate flavor. After cooking, you need to cover the salad and let it brew for at least 15 minutes. I have a very juicy and sweet pumpkin pumpkin, so there is no need to knead it. If the pumpkin is of a different sort, then you can knead it with your hands so that it slightly lets out the juice.

Salad, as the earliest and unpretentious green culture, has always been held in high esteem by gardeners. Spring planting most gardeners usually start with sowing lettuce, parsley and radish. Recently, the desire for healthy nutrition and a large selection of greenery in supermarkets make gardeners think, and which of these plants can be grown on their beds? In this article we will talk about the nine most interesting, in our opinion, varieties of lettuce.

The bloom of indoor roses is always “attached” to another “bonus” - moodiness. When it is said that it is easy to grow roses in rooms, they are cunning. For flowering indoor roses need to create literally perfect conditions. And the tireless care, attention and response to any signals from the plant - the main key to success. True, however whimsical roses may be, it is quite possible to grow them in a pottery format. And careful flower growers should not be afraid of this.

Pollock is best cooked in the form of a casserole, separating the fillets from the skin and bones. Pieces of fish are mixed with colorful vegetable set, poured with cheese sauce, sour cream and eggs. Such fish casserole has a presentable appearance, and its taste is a fancy mixture of subtle nuances. Vegetables and fillets are soaked with sour cream, the cheese hardens with a ruddy crust, eggs tie together all the ingredients. Pieces of fish are plentifully poured with Italian herbs, and the pollock acquires an unusual piquancy.

Despite the fact that the calendar spring begins in March, one can only truly experience the awakening of nature with the advent of flowering plants in the garden. Nothing indicates the arrival of spring as eloquently as the glades of flowering primroses. Their appearance is always a small holiday, because winter has receded, and a new garden season awaits us ahead. But, apart from spring primroses, there is still something to see and admire in April.

Growing rapidly and turning into wild thickets, the hogweed disrupts the established ecosystem and suppresses all other plants. Essential oils contained in the fruits and leaves of the Hogweed cause severe forms of dermatitis. At the same time it is much more difficult to fight it than with other common weeds. Fortunately, today a means has appeared in free sale that can in a short time save your lot from most of the weeds, including the Hogweed.

Carrots come in various colors: orange, white, yellow, purple. In orange carrots, beta-carotene and lycopene predominate, yellow color is due to the presence of xanthophylls (lutein); White carrots have a lot of fiber, and violet contains anthocyanin, beta and alpha carotenes. But, as a rule, gardeners choose varieties of carrots for sowing not by the color of the fruit, but by the time of their ripening. We will tell about the best early, middle and late varieties in this article.

We recommend a fairly easy recipe for a pie with an appetizing chicken and potato filling. An open pie with chicken and potatoes is an excellent hearty dish, which is suitable for a dense snack, it is very convenient to take a couple of pieces of this pastry on the road. The cake is baked in the oven for one hour at 180 degrees. After that, lay it on a wooden surface, pre-releasing it from the mold. It is enough to cool the pastries slightly and you can start tasting.

The long-awaited spring for many indoor plants is the start of active growing season, and for most - and the return of their decorative. While admiring the young leaves and the emerging shoots, it is worth remembering that spring is also a great stress for all houseplants. Sensitive to changes in conditions and versatile, all indoor cultures face much brighter lighting, changes in air humidity and temperature patterns.

Homemade Easter cake with cottage cheese and candied fruits you can easily cook, without even having any pastry experience. Bake a cake can be not only in a special form or in a paper mold. For the first culinary experiences (and not only) I advise you to take a small cast-iron skillet. Kulich in a pan will turn out not as high as in a narrow form, but it never burns and is always well baked inside! Cottage cheese dough on yeast turns out air and fragrant.

An unusual way of forming in the form of a miniature tree in the spirit of "bonsai" with a thickened stem is a feature that the ficus mikrokarpa possesses. In its normal state, it is very similar to the popular ficus of Benjamin. Care at home for a ficus microcarp implies not only the creation of favorable conditions for growth, but also the maintenance of a neat form of a tree.

The leaves are neat, miniature. Unlike the classical ficus, there is no elongated spine on the tips of the leaves. The bark is thin, smooth, damaged by careless handling. In translation, the name means “ficus small-fruited”. Often there is the name of the ficus ginseng, or the ficus "ginseng". So he was nicknamed for the similarity of the thickened bizarre stem with ginseng root.

The stalk of ficus is a thickened, massive root. The unusual shape of the shrubs is not a natural feature. So they are made by experts, using a special technology forming.

During flowering forms syconia - specific inflorescences resembling berries. At home, flowering can not be achieved even with the creation of ideal conditions for growth. Flowers do not bear a decorative load - the appearance of the plant does not suffer from their absence.

Interesting! In nature, it is an evergreen shrub growing to 25 meters! His homeland is East Asia. Sometimes it is called the “strangler” for wrapping neighboring trees with its long air roots.

Shaping secrets

Ficus microcarp is grown by a special technology aimed at the formation of oddly curved thick roots. By itself, the ficus is easy to form, but it takes several years to create a characteristic species of tree. Approximately the process of forming is as follows.

The ficus is grown by sowing seeds or cuttings. At first it looks normal. A root is formed underground - thick, powerful, branched. To enhance root growth and slow down the gain of green mass, the plant is fertilized with hormonal preparations. Plant growth occurs at a certain level of temperature and humidity.
To achieve the desired size of the root it is dug. The trunk of the ficus is completely cut off (only a small stump is left), the root is cleaned of the soil and washed.
The root is planted in a pot, deepening into the ground only its very tips. The main part of the root remains outside - above the soil level. The peel gradually coarsens and transformed into the bark.
With the help of special chemicals, they first stimulate the growth of twigs from hemp, and then slow it down to preserve the miniature form of the tree.

Only after this ficus gets on the shelves. This way of forming is the ability to quickly get a bonsai tree. The real art of bonsai is much more complicated, takes more time.

Peculiarities of care

Your task is to maintain the original shape of the tree, to create favorable conditions for the preservation of its decoration.

Lighting. Put in partial shade or shadow. They hide from the sun, do not install near the batteries in the winter. If possible, placed on the north window.
Temperature. Increased need for warmth. The optimum range is 25-30 ° C at any time of the year. In winter, clean with a cold floor and window sills.
Watering. In the summer they water often, in the winter less often. Do not allow the earthen clod to dry. With a lack of moisture drops the leaves, it becomes sluggish. Pouring is also not recommended - there is a probability of rotting of the roots.
Humidity. One of the important conditions for the maintenance of decorative - high humidity. Spray recommended daily wipe the leaves with a damp cloth - at least 2 times a week.
Feeding. Fertilizers are applied to the soil, foliar dressings are used. For spraying take mineral fertilizers in low concentration. For entering into the soil are suitable for any means of decorative leafy plants. The best option - the use of specialized fertilizers for bonsai. Top dressing is carried out after watering.

Tip! The upper part of the roots should be gradually exposed. This will not harm the plant. Surface roots do not serve to get food, but to fix the plant in the soil. They do not have root hairs.

Keeping fit

After buying an already formed bonsai ficus, you need to constantly monitor its shape. In stores use special tools - retardants. They slow down the growth of the plant, do not let it drag up. With the end of their actions, growth will resume - the leaves will become larger, the branches will be pulled upwards. With a lack of nutrients, the ficus will begin to use the reserves deposited in the fleshy roots. This will reduce their size, compressing.

To ficus Mikkarpa retained its original appearance, regularly pruned shoots and roots. Pruning is carried out only in the summer! All regrown branches are cut off, leaving 2 pairs of leaves on them. This is a creative process. It is necessary to focus not only on the technology of pruning, but also the general appearance of the plant. Cut off primarily those shoots that violate the desired shape. For cutting use a sharp tool!

Breeding methods

Like any ficus, the plant multiplies seeds, cuttings (lignified and green), parts of the roots and air layering.

Seeds. The main difficulty of seed reproduction is difficult to get seeds. The substrate is a mixture of peat and crushed sphagnum. Seeds are small, pecked only in constant humidity and heat. They create greenhouse conditions and regularly spray the soil. Dive in the stage of appearance of these leaves.
Cuttings. Cut semi-woody cuttings with 4-5 leaves. Rooted in a sand-peat mixture, kept on a diffused light under a plastic coating. Roots appear in 30-50 days.
Parts of the root. When planting the root cutting, a piece 2.5 cm long must remain above the surface. It is kept under the film. Watering is limited - once a week. The need for irrigation is determined by the disappearance of condensate from the film. The greenhouse is ventilated every day, opening it for 5-10 minutes. The twigs will appear in 2-4 months. Ficus is transferred to the usual conditions of care after the appearance of 3-5 leaves.
Air layering. Choose a healthy woody twig. Blade annular cut off a strip of bark. Sphagnum moisturize, if possible soaked with growth hormones. Put it to the prepared section of the branch, wrapped in plastic. Sphagnum is regularly moisturized. Emerging roots will be clearly visible through the polyethylene. The branch is carefully cut, the film is removed. Planted with moss in a small pot.

Tip! Any method of reproduction will give the most common ficus. You can experiment with one of the cuttings. When it grows high enough, in spring transplant, remove 1-2 cm of soil. At the same time, pinch the tops of all the new shoots, leaving 2-3 internodes on them. Repeat this procedure annually. Gradually, the root will be outside, and the crown will become small and neat.

Growing difficulties

The plant is rarely sick. The only common problem is leaf fall.

If green leaves crumble:

Changing the usual conditions.
Sudden temperature fluctuations and drafts.
Excessive irrigation with root rotting.

If the leaves wither and fall:

Dryness of the soil.
Low humidity.
Lack of lighting.
Lack of nutrition.

The problem is solved by adjusting the conditions of detention and observing the rules of care. Ficus pests practically not affected. In rare cases, it may become infected by other plants with a mealy bug, shield, or thrips.

Ficus mikkarpa - amazing, unusual plant that will become a real decoration of your apartment.

Ficus for a long time and, apparently, for a long time settled in residential areas and offices. In our country, this indoor plant has gained a second wave of popularity and has become an integral part of interior design.

General information

Ficus Microcarp, from Latin Ficus Microcarpa, is an evergreen tree, whose native land is tropical and subtropical forests in the territory of Southeast Asia. Also this ficus was widely spread in South China and Northern Australia.

The name of this ficus in translation means "small fruit". A characteristic feature of the plant is the presence of a bare root system, which is capable of forming bizarre and unusual shapes. This allows you to create original and very attractive bonsai from Ficus Microcarp.

The leaves of this plant have an oval, elongated and slightly pointed form. Under natural conditions of growth of this type of ficus can reach a height of 25 meters. Copies for indoor florist exceed the height of one and a half meters.

Plant forms

In indoor floriculture, besides plants with rich green foliage, the variegated forms of the ficus Microcarp, or Variegata. This kind of ficus requires a brighter illumination than the maternal type of plant. Failure to comply with this requirement has a negative effect on the variegation of leaf color.

Ficus ginseng (Ficus ginseng, or Ficus Ginseng) is a plant with a bizarrely swollen root system that has an external resemblance to ginseng roots. Such roots are formed as a result of the impact of special hormonal agents and fertilizers used at the stage of seed reproduction. By cuttings of ficus this form of the root system cannot be obtained.

Caring for a ficus Ginseng is similar to caring for common types of ficus, the only difference is the implementation of more frequent and deeper pruning. The focus is on the root system, as well as the nutrition of the indoor plant. Lack of nutrients contributes to the intake of food from the root system to the shoots, which causes depletion and shrinkage of the roots.

Ficus Microcarp: landing and care (video)

Care features

The plant is quite demanding to care. However, all activities are not difficult even for beginners to grow ficusi flower growers.

Selection and lighting

If for growing you have to choose too dark a place, you should use phytolamps that will create an effective highlight. In addition, the lighting should be proportional to the temperature regime. At higher temperature indicators should increase the degree of illumination of the plant.

Watering

In relation to irrigation measures Ficus Microcarp is characterized by unpretentiousness. Watering should be moderate. Do not allow significant drying of the soil in a flower pot. For irrigation, and if necessary, and spraying the foliage should use distilled water at room temperature. Too abundant and frequent watering of Microcarp can cause the plant to be affected by root rot and dark spots on the foliage.

Top dressing

Ficus Microcarp needs additional fertilizing during the active growing season, which falls from the beginning of spring to the first decade of autumn. Fertilizers must be applied twice a month. The procedure is carried out after the implementation of irrigation measures. It is recommended to use for this purpose universal preparations. In the cold season it is allowed to reduce fertilization by half.

Pruning

Conducting pruning for ficus Microcarp is very important. The main condition is its timely and correct implementation.

Rules and options

In order to form the most beautiful and spectacular crown of ficus, it is recommended to conduct regular pruning. The best time to hold such an event can be considered the spring or autumn period, when the plant has not yet passed into the vegetation phase or has already completed its active development and is preparing for a resting stage.

The standard pruning of the ficus Microcarp should be carried out as needed for crown formation and removing not only the extra branches, but also overgrown foliage. It is recommended to form the plant by means of simple pruning, not allowing the ficus branches to grow in length. In this case, new shoots start their growth from the very base.

Bonsai

The formation of the ficus Microcarp in the form of a refined and very stylish bonsai is a fascinating, but rather long process. Initially planted ficus Microcarp seeds. Further, the houseplant is transplanted several times to produce a large ficus with a massive root system. Then it is dug, and the stem of the plant is cut.

The remaining root is planted in a container so that a significant part of the root system is located on the surface. Over time, the bare part of the plant's root system acquires a dark color and becomes covered with bark. In the upper part of the plant is the formation of the crown. Pruning is done to remove excess branches and overgrown foliage.

Growing problems

The plant is hardy enough, and good care protects the ficus from diseases and pests. However, sometimes there may be some problems characteristic of any species of ficus.

Leaf fall

The natural loss of foliage on the lower tiers is branchy and significant and is associated with natural processes. Mass dumping of foliage is very often observed when a plant is placed in a draft, as well as when temperature drops, irrigation with cold water, insufficient illumination and overdrying of the soil in a flower pot.

Ficus Microcarp: root rot (video)

Flower growers must take into account the fact that soft planting soil is required for the Ficus Microcarp. It is recommended to loosen the soil at least once every two weeks. In addition, the ficus can not be placed in the immediate vicinity of radiators or drafts. The plant must have a permanent place from the first days due to poor adaptability to changing growing conditions.

Now you can meet the ficus in apartments, offices, winter gardens. Ficus trees are good in the interior, vines look spectacular in hanging pots. It is believed that the ficus has "magical" properties, can neutralize negative emotions, protect the house from negative energy and bring happiness to it. Moreover, the ficus benjamina is able to attract wealth to the house.

Ficus belongs to the mulberry family. The plant is quite common, there are almost 900 species, including trees, shrubs and vines. Ficus are not only evergreen, but deciduous. The homeland of ficus are countries with a predominantly subtropical or tropical climate (Southeast Asia, Borneo, Ceylon, Java), the height of the ficus there reaches 30 m, and the leaf length is 1m.

Ficus leaves can be:

successive;
whole;
bladed;
glossy;
pubescent.

Ficus inflorescences have an unusual structure: an expanded pear-shaped or capitate axis is hollow inside, and there is a hole at the top. Flowers are inside the wall of the inflorescence, they are pollinated by insects. After pollination, small fruits begin to develop from the flowers, forming an orchard. At home, ficuses bloom extremely rarely.

The main types of ficus and photos

In Asia, in tropical rain forests there is the Benjamin Ficus, more often it is located at the foot of the mountains. It is an evergreen tree up to 30 m high, with thin branched hanging branches. The leaves are oval-ovate, rounded at the base, their length is 5-12 cm, width 2-5 cm wide, rounded at the base. Leaves dense, glossy, slightly wavy edges. This type of ficus is the best for bonsai.

There are several varieties (more than twenty) of Ficus Benjamin, the difference lies in the color of the leaves.

Natasha;
Kinki;
Green Kinki;
Wiandi;
Daniel;
others.

When this ficus was grown for rubber

A rubber plant rubber - quite a popular culture for growing at home. It is believed that this tree is able to maintain family well-being. At home, in northeastern India, Ficus rubbery local Buddhists consider a sacred plant. At a young age, this single-stem tree is unbranched, but over time it begins to branch, aerial roots appear on the branches and trunks. When they reach the ground, new trunks begin to form from the roots and a banyan tree is formed.

The leaves of the rubber-ficus are large, leathery, dark green in color, elliptical in shape, pointed at the tips. Young leaves have a red-brown shade, as well as stipule of the same color, which falls off with the formation of a characteristic circular scar on the branch.

Some time ago, this ficus was grown for the purpose of industrial rubber production. Milky juice of ficus has an irritating effect; dermatitis or an allergic reaction may occur when it comes in contact with the skin, since its composition contains:

latex;
alkaloids;
enzymes.

The most common are such varieties of this type of ficus:

Abidjan;
Elasta
robusta
Belize;
Ficus melanie;
Black Prince;
Tineke.

Ficus benedict in natural conditions it grows in Southeast Asia, unlike other members of the genus is in the leaves: they are long pointed and very thick, so if you do not tie the trunk to the support, then it will break under the weight of the leaves. Not so long ago brought varieties:

Queen Amstel;

These varieties are excellent for landscaping rooms.

Ficus bengali - an evergreen tree, grows in nature in the wet monsoon forests of India, Thailand, Malaysia, Burma. A distinctive feature is the banyan tree: just one tree creates the appearance of a forest of densely standing trees. A banyan tree is formed after thick aerial roots are formed, which form on horizontal branches. Some of these roots dry up, others fall to the ground and take root there, taking on the appearance of bearing trunks over time. In turn, they also give side shoots, the ficus grows in breadth. Ficus groves form on an area of several hectares.

Dwarf ficus is quite difficult to grow at home, it is not recommended to take it if you have little experience

Ficus dwarf - a special place, this evergreen plant is distinguished by its beauty: the leaves are small (1.5-3 cm long), dark green in color, oval, slightly pointed. From the stalk of the ficus, thin shoots depart, forming over time aerial roots that are able to cling not only to a special support, but also to the wall.

In nature, it often grows directly on tree trunks. It is difficult to grow a dwarf ficus - the plant is demanding and fastidious, it is undesirable to acquire it to people who do not have much experience in growing plants. Features of dwarf ficus are such that it can be used as an ampelous plant and as growing around a support. Ficus will look great in both cases.

As a large-sized evergreen ornamental tree, it is well suited for rooms and offices, greenhouses. It is distinguished from other species, except for the large size of the tree, large wavy leaves. He likes loneliness, so it is better to place him away from other plants. This type of ficus received this name because its leaves, which have a relief pattern of light green veins on a dark background, resemble the silhouette of a lyre.

The birthplace of the ficus Microcarp is Southeast Asia, it is found in Northern Australia; in nature it grows to 25 m, its crown is thick, and the trunk is thin and smooth. Leaves are 12-15 cm long, dark green, leathery, glossy, oval-elliptical in shape with a pointed apex. The flowers are small, formed inside the inflorescence with a diameter of 0.5-1 cm.

Ficus Microcarp belongs to the group of ficus-stranglers. He begins his life in nature, like an epiphyte, gradually takes root next to the trunk of the host tree, over time, entangles it with roots and crushes. His aerial roots, although numerous, are very weak, for this reason he is unable to transform into the banyan form. In most cases, this type of ficus bred at home because of the unusual shape of its roots or because of the crown, thick and beautiful.

Features of growing ficus

The ficus reacts sharply to changes in temperature, so you need to make sure that there are no temperature drops otherwise the ficus can shed its leaves

Before you buy a ficus, it is advisable to choose a place where the plant will be placed: ficuses are conservative, do not like when they are moved from one place to another. It is better if the room is sunny and with enough fresh air. In the summer you can take the ficus to the balcony, but you should protect it from direct sunlight. When there is insufficient light, the growth of the plant slows down and the leaves fall. With sudden changes in lighting, the color of the leaves changes.

In the summer - the optimum temperature for maintenance will be 25-30 degrees, in the winter 16-20 degrees. For ficus, a warm and dry room with additional lighting and regular spraying is preferable in winter. Ficus requires more light, the higher the temperature in the room. The plant reacts sharply to the overcooling of the soil: it can shed the leaves, so it is unacceptable to put it on a cold floor. It is undesirable for sudden temperature drops to occur. The need for ficus watering depends on external conditions:

lighting;
temperatures;
humidity
ambient air.

Given that conditions often change, it is important to monitor the condition of the earthy coma, watering the plant if necessary. In the summer, abundant watering is required, but it is important to allow the ground to dry out between irrigations. Check whether you need watering the ficus, you can simply: dropping a finger 2-3 cm into the ground. If the earth does not remain on the finger and crumbles, then watering is needed. If it sticks to a finger, it is too early to water.

Ficus can be transplanted after purchase only on the fifth day.

For irrigation, warm water is recommended in such quantity until it starts to flow out of the drainage hole. After 30 minutes it is necessary to drain the water from the pan. In winter, you need to water carefully, especially if the ficus is kept in a cool room, then there may be an excess of moisture.

How to apply fertilizer and in what quantity will depend on the substrate, as well as the time of year. If the ficus is grown in an inert substrate, then fertilization is necessary all year round. If traditional land mixtures are used, fertilizer (organic or mineral) should be applied every 2 weeks in spring and summer. In winter, fertilizers are not used because there is little light, moisture and heat, and therefore vegetation is undesirable. When the plant is stimulated to grow, the shoots form weak and quickly stretch.

Optimal for ficus is considered a relative humidity of 70%. In summer, and in some cases in winter (when the ficus is contained in a heated room, where the air is dry), the plant requires spraying of leaves and showers. Warm soft water is needed (white stains remain on the leaves after hard water).

After purchasing the ficus in the store, if the purchased substrate is in good condition (no insects, mold), then you need to give the plant at least 5 days to adapt and then transfer the ficus to a new pot without destroying the earthy clod. If there is a pest or mold, the substrate looks doubtful, then it is better to remove it 5 days after adaptation.

See also the video about how to properly replace the ficus.

Later, when the pot becomes cramped for ficus (the earth lump is completely braided by roots, the soil after watering quickly dries out the roots are visible from the drainage holes), transplantation is required. It is better to spend it in spring or summer - at this time of year the plant adapts more easily. Young plants require a specific soil consisting of a mixture:

plant leaves;
sand;
peat

Adult plants need a more dense soil, so they add sod earth or humus. You can buy ready-made soil mixture in specialized stores: the composition of the land in it is correctly chosen and depends on specific age groups. At a young age, the ficus should be transplanted annually into a pot whose diameter is 2-3 cm larger than the previous one. Before planting, water it (make it easier to remove it from the pot); You need to add the required amount of fresh land from all sides. Plants at an older age (after 4 years) are recommended to be transplanted every 2-3 years into a pot, 3-4 cm in diameter more than the previous one.

Ficus can be propagated in the following ways: cuttings, air layering, leaf

You can use the following methods:

breeding tip cuttings;
air layouts;
sheet.

Regardless of the type of ficus breeding at home tolerates well, although there are some differences. Ammel plants are easier to propagate, as they take root faster. Shrubs and tree-like individuals (Benjamin's ficus, Kauchukonosny) require more time to root and care for them needs more careful. There are several recommendations that need to be carried out regardless of the type of ficus:

the best time of year for breeding is spring or early summer;
after the cutting is cut, the cut must be rinsed with water and dry the shoot;

young shoots are not suitable for grafting, because they are not capable of letting the roots in, and needled shoots are necessary;
it is better to cut the cuttings of ficus trees (rubber plant rubber, Benjamin) from the upper part of the trunk or take a segment of the stem, with at least one node.

When using cuttings for planting material, their length should be 15-17 cm. Stepping back from the top you need to cut with an sharp knife at an angle, removing the leaves. When breeding ficus with large leaves, you can shorten the leaves on the resulting cuttings. The resulting cutting is placed in water, it is better to build a greenhouse for quick germination of the roots (usually takes 2-5 weeks). As soon as small leaves appear on the cuttings, they can be transplanted into pots.

Difficulties in growing ficus

If the leaves began to turn yellow on the ficus, it can mean excessive watering of the plant.

Some do not know how to properly care for the ficus and face problems:

leaves drooping, yellowed, sometimes falling, darkening of the stem, loss of turgor, unpleasant smell from the soil - such manifestations are observed with excessive watering, when the soil becomes too humid. In advanced cases, it will be necessary to replace the ground, rotted roots will have to be cut and powdered the cuts with charcoal powder, and the plant should be transplanted into a smaller pot;
brown leaves - in case of insufficient feeding;
the tips of the leaves are dry brown - at low air humidity, so you need to spray the plant, bathe it in the shower every week, use humidifiers, do not place the plants near the central heating radiators;
if the ficus turns yellow, the cause may be dry air, you need to increase the humidity;
red spots on leaves 1-3 mm in size is observed under the action of factors (scorching sun, insufficient watering, low air humidity), therefore protection against direct rays of the sun, proper watering, and an increase in air humidity are required.

With the help of Benjamin Ficus pruning, you can give a variety of crown shapes:

spherical;
shrub;
single or stacked boom;
bonsai;
in the form of sculptures.

Ficus pruning is better in the spring, it is possible in early summer, the formation of the crown depends on the age of the plant.

the type of plant should be natural;
before cutting the branches, imagine how the plant will look without them;
use sterile instruments when pruning;
make a cut at an angle to the edge.

The figure shows a ficus struck by a shield. To cope with this scourge it is necessary to wipe the leaves with soapy water.

Pests that most often affect ficus:

shield - bulging brown specks appear on the inner surface of the sheet. Shchitovki suck the juice, leave a raid, from which there is a black fungus. It is required to clean the leaves with soapy water and process the ficus three times with a composition of actellic three or two to three weeks;
mealybug - reminds pieces of cotton, brown pest, sucks the juice, the plant growth slows down. It is necessary to clean the leaves, process three times with soapy water or tobacco solution in a week. It is possible to treat the plant with conidor;
if the air is dry and warm, the ficus may be affected by a spider mite, which sucks the juice. The pest multiplies rapidly, spider webs form on the plant, leaves fade and fall. For the fight: you need to often spray the leaves, process with soapy water, you can use fitoderm;
thrips - settles on the inside along the veins of the leaves, leaves spots of dark brown color spots, spreads viruses. It is required to repeatedly treat with a solution of feverfew or drugs Actillic, Aktara, Aktillik, Tanrek., The procedure must be repeated;
aphid can quickly infect other plants, located on the leaves, their lower side. Leaves turn yellow and curl. To fight the leaves are washed with soapy water;
with nematode damage nodular growths the size of a pea appear on the roots, the excretions of these filamentous worms fall through the root system into the stem, then into the leaves, they become discolored and the ficus dies.

With constant overmoistening of the soil, the appearance of a fungus is possible. The ficus acquires a grayish appearance, fades, and foci of decay appear on the stem and roots. There is no means of dealing with this disease, the plant will have to be thrown straight from the pot. This infection may be in the soil for a long time.

For real lovers of ficuses, care at home will not be burdensome, because for this it is important only to fulfill strictly several conditions.