There are two conventional types of domestic plants. The first are beautiful, vibrant, but demanding in care and rather capricious. The second - less whimsical plants that harmoniously fit into any interior and are as popular as their bright neighbors. Among these domestic plants can be attributed and ficus.
About 1000 species of this plant are counted. Ficuses are variegated, one-color, have different sizes and shapes of leaves, can be shrubs, trees, vines, and even have a certain ampel shape.
Ficus Rubber, Microcarpus, Benjamin and Pumila are usually bred as houseplants. And caring for them gives the owners only pleasure. Each species has features in care. And then we consider the care of rubber ficus.
It is advisable to study the material on the topic "Care for ficus" before buying the plant. So the likelihood of plant death will decrease. You should know that it does not particularly like too bright lighting and high temperature. Therefore, western and eastern windows are ideally suited for him. You can grow in the northern part of the room, but then it is better to add lighting.
In summer, the plant is suitable
room temperature (18-22 C). In winter, care for ficus should be more reverent. It is important to ensure that the temperature does not rise and the air is not too dry, otherwise the leaves may drop, or even fall. It is recommended to arrange a ficus winter dormancy. Put in a place with a temperature of 14-15C. And most importantly - he is afraid of drafts! Protect him from this. And it is desirable that the earthen lump is not supercooled. So if the container with the plant is on a cold floor or on the windowsill, place it on a small piece of foam.
The care of rubber ficus also involves water procedures. A warm shower or plentiful spraying will only benefit him. But the roots are better covered with polyethylene, they should not be wet. Ficus should be watered after the earth is completely dry. More often than not. It is important that the water is not cold - better than room temperature.
Young plants are transplanted once a year, and adults - once every 2-3 years. Care must be taken with the roots. The following mixture is recommended: one part of sod land, one part leafy, one part coniferous, part peat and part humus. For young plants, it is different: one part of peat, two parts of coniferous land and half part of sand.
Reproduction of ficus is carried out by air layers and cuttings. The latter are well rooted in water. Reproduction by layering is carried out if the plant is too large, overgrown.
Proper care of ficus can turn it into a bulky plant. It can grow up to several meters high. But since space is limited in apartments, the most optimal size is usually achieved by reducing the pot and trimming.
A variety of sizes and shapes of ficuses allows you to choose a plant for every taste, making it a beautiful interior item for very, very long years. The main thing is to find your kind of this plant, feel it and take care of it.