The genus Ficus belongs to the Tutov family and is the most numerous in this family. Up to 800 species and about 2000 varieties of this plant are known. These are trees of impressive size, and vines, and shrubs. The most famous representative of the genus ficus for us is a fig tree, it is also a wine berry, fig, fig or fig. His homeland: India, Sri Lanka, the Himalayas, West Africa and tropical Asia.
At home, about 20 species of this plant are cultivated, of which the most common species are rubber ficus and Benjamin ficus. Rubber-bearing ficus (it is also often called the "rubber tree") in nature can reach a height of 30-40 meters. For indoor maintenance, it is considered the most unpretentious, and in the sense of improving the air - one of the most useful.
Reproduction of ficus is produced by air layers, cuttings and seeds.
Tree-shaped ficuses are propagated by air layering to immediately get a large tree. To do this, take the top of a 50-60 cm plant, on which shoots and leaves are removed so that a bare trunk of 12-15 cm remains. Under the node from which the shoot grows, the bark is cleaned, this place is moistened with a stimulator to form roots and covered with moist sphagnum moss, wrapping polyethylene on top. After a month or two, when the roots appear, cuttings are cut and planted separately, and the places of the cuts are sprinkled with activated or crushed charcoal.
Propagation of ficus by cuttings is carried out as follows: with a sharp knife or blade, cut off the top of one of its shoots with a length of about 15 cm, with several leaves. The bottom sheet is removed and the stalk is lowered into warm (about 25 ° C) water to wash off the milky juice on the cut. Further, there are two ways to germinate the plant: a) in a glass with water, b) in sand or a loose substrate. In the first case, it is advisable to use standing water, and preferably rainwater, with the addition of a piece of charcoal or activated carbon, which will prevent rotting of the shoot. In the second, the stalk is planted obliquely, deepening it by one knot. It should be watered as necessary, i.e., avoiding strong drying of the substrate. Rooting can occur within a month.
It remains to figure out how to propagate ficus seeds.
Due to the fact that the seeds of the plant are very small, they are mixed with sand, previously treated with a growth stimulator. Sown in a moist breathable substrate and covered with a film, creating additional greenhouse conditions. For better germination, good lighting is necessary and, very importantly, the air temperature is about 25-30 degrees.
Reproduction of ficus and giving it the desired shape is a very exciting activity. We all heard about bonsai, the Japanese technique for growing dwarf trees. In order to grow such a tree at home, ficus is perfect. The formation of the crown for this purpose is achieved by the proper pruning and pinching of the bush and its root system. Pruning is carried out mainly during dormancy and consists in removing excess, old, growing inside the crown, as well as spoiling the general appearance of the branches. Overgrown roots are pruned during transplants. To do this, the plants simply cut off part of the roots (about ¼) and plant below the new edge, shaking off the ground.
Reproduction of ficus is not difficult, it is important to be able to properly care for it. Plants are very sensitive to sudden drops in temperature, drafts or sudden changes in lighting. Overmoistening, as well as the drying out of an earthen coma, is unacceptable. All ficuses love a comfortable temperature, frequent spraying, fertilized soil and adequate lighting. A lot of dust is collected on large leaves of ficus, so it is sometimes advisable to wipe them with a damp cloth.
It is better to replant plants in the spring, before active growth begins, and no more than once every 2 years. Large plants need to be replanted even less frequently. With the beginning of intensive growth, ficuses should be fed with fertilizers intended for ornamental plants. Feeding is preferably carried out every 2-3 weeks, until the month of August.
According to Feng Shui, ficus has magical properties: it helps in solving prolonged life problems, cleans the atmosphere of a home from emotions and anxieties, and absorbs negative energy.